Start with Meade ( WWW.Meade.com ) Also check out mail order. I got one as a gift. But it actually had a peice of lint glued in it. I returned it for one that works much better. Rork is right a typical one will probably have a wooden tripod. However that does NOT mean you can see much with it. BUT the field of view is not as large. Mine does have a wooden tripod but I've never had too much of a problem with it. It's sturdy enough. If you bump the scope hard it's going to move anyway! My suggestion is take a look at an astronomy magazine. Those are littered with telescope manufacturers. Btw many of the less mid expensive models have automatic tracking. Which means you can enter in the cordinates of what you are looking at and it will go there. is there light polution in your area? What are you going to look at. Do you want to photograph it? Are things you may want to consider. If you are unsure. Plus get warm clothes. It can get chilly star gazing! Good luck!!! Bsteph