This is worth having a look at, if you're buying your first telescope.

http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/yourfirstscope

What it says is true: the most important thing is the mount (tripod) you put it on. Don't spend huge amounts of money on a great telescope if you're not getting a mount that will keep it rock steady.

Anyone here in the Flamsteed Astronomy Society? http://flamsteed.info/about-us/