I started with a 10"f6 dob. I think I would have been dissapointed with with anything much smaller. I got a book from the library and went from there, it was a great experience. Saturn was the first object my wife and I looked at once the scope was built and we were blown away. I found the night sky to be an awsome thing that I just could not get enough of. I started with a PVC tube and found it to be way too heavy, now it is aluminum. I would suggest using as many stainless steel and or brass fasteners as possible to prevent rust.