Don't know where else to ask, and /g/ recommended I try here. I'm thinking of getting a serious telescope. Meade, Celestron, etc. I'm thinking of a Cassegrain, but I'm open to possibilities. Anyone had any experience doing this? Any recommendations or 'what not to do'?

Budget is up to 3000USD. Love astronomy, but never able to buy a good telescope until now. Looking for best magnification and resolution by price. Also looking for advice about upkeep, what to avoid, etc.

There are lots of telescopes in this price range, and I have no idea which one to get. When I was kid, Meade was the way to go, but I don't know if that's still the case. I'm assuming I'll get one of those motorized mounts, and I'll probably have to get a few eyepieces as well. But beyond this, I have no idea what to do or how to choose between them.

I want to be able to see planets better basically, and I only want to buy one telescope (and not have to upgrade or change in the future). So, in other words I'm looking for an ideal telescope that is big enough to see cool stuff but not so big that I have to build a shed to store it in.

Thanks in advance!

>If this isn't the right place, then please let me know where I could ask...