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I used to use a small telescope when i was a teenager for astronomy, the bug has just bit me again and i have been looking at scopes online with the intention of buying one for general backyard astronomy, my question is should i get a big one or a small one, the dilemma has arisen since i have read that the best telescope is the one that is used the most, now i can fully appreciate that i will be too lazy to lug an 8"-10" outside more than once a fortnight, but i may be out 2-3 times a week with a grab'n'go 3"-5" but would i gaze through it wondering what the object i was looking at would look like if i had a larger one? maybe it wouldn't bother me and i'd just enjoy the view i had, i'm not interested in astrophotography so a small one would be good i guess, i think maybe this might just be a moment of reminiscing though and just want to revisit some old cosmic friends, maybe i should get a small one then a couple years later if i am still interested plumb for a large beast?
Anyone ever have the same dilemma at any time and what did you decide?
Terry.
My recommendation would be to get very good binoculars rather than a scope. Small Maksutovs and the like are OK, but you still need a sturdy mount. Two eyes are better than one for faint objects anyway, and you would have something thats usable for other purposes. I still use my 7x50s more than anything else, and I have an 8" SCT and a 12" Dob.
The other thing is that binoculars are much easier to transport to dark sky locations.
Yes Bins and naked eye etc, But if you want a scope I would suggest as big as you can Dobsonion you will get lots more apature for you money, if you need to take it to a dark site in the car then make sure it will fit in there before you buy it.
As suggested try a local astronomy society I have been a member of 2 in the past and used to look after the clubs 12" Dobsonion which was a great telescope.
I currently have an Orion Europa 150 6" reflector and a Meade Lx90 8" but I am also looking to get a large Dobsonion as they are really easy to set up and quick to do so. Other than as with all scopes leaving them out to reach the same temp temperature as outside.
HTH
Stu
Also have a look on Stagazers Lounge there are a few telescope threads there and also groups of people from all over who meet up in a field near you (well possibly)
EDIT
Forgot to say the larger the mirror the better they are, it's like a bucket that catches light. The wider the bucket the more rain it catches. Talking of rain as soon as you buy a scope it WILL be cloudy everytime you go to use it for at least 6 months 
In astronomy terms, I liken it to London taxi drivers having to do the "knowledge". Getting a few good star atlases and a good pair of binoculars and your eyes, finding your way around the sky, learning the map of the heavens, is priceless. You'll find then the even if you don't have a telescope, it's a reat gift to look into the sky on any given night and know what you're looking at, what the planets are doing, etc.
A telescope is then a bonus. A smallish one will be OK for the moon, Saturn, Jupiter and a few wider "objects" like the Pleiades and the Milky Way, but if you get past that and want to look deeper and deeper, in more and detail, then you'll find yourself having to upgrade from there.
Remember don't be sucked in by "magnification", it'a all about light gathering capacity. In photographic terms, aperture (width of mirror or lens) is more important than focal length
Enjoy
Stephen
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