Great start on the binos. I have the same pair. Make sure you have a tripod though and I'd highly recommend upgrading the bino holder to something sturdier. For example: BARSKA Binocular Tripod Adaptor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYH8EQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_UKfPybX5P9Z99

The adapter that comes with those binos is a bit flimsy, so it can shake a lot while you're trying to spot things. That gets quite frustrating and fast. Otherwise, if you don't have a tripod, get used to laying on your back and letting the binos rest on your upper cheek while you hold the far ends with your hands to help make it more stable.

For your first scope I'd go with something like this. http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian-telescope-skywatcher-black-diamond-collapsible-8-inch.html

Just as much aperture, but much cheaper too! That means money to put towards decent eye pieces!

Equatorial mounts are great for go-to scopes, tracking the sky, and Astrophotography. But they have a steeper learning curve for beginners. You have to balance them out, polar alignment them, carry them around in pieces, and if they aren't substantial mounts they tend to be a little shaky. If you plan on upgrading the mount to a full go-to do to Astrophotography, then you should plan on purchasing a mount that is up to the task. I.E. 1500.00 (USD) and up from there, just for the mount.

Dobsonians are so much easier to use and frankly are my preferred viewing for visual astronomy. Just aim the thing and look. You just have to track by hand, which correct me if I'm wrong but you would have to do that with the scope you selected originally. The dob I linked to will collapse for easier transport too.

At the end of the day, you want the scope that you're most likey to use. For most beginners that means something simple. Set the thing down and start watching the sky. Otherwise, you might get caught up being frustrated with balancing it and polar aligning and then the odd movements an equatorial mount will seem to make, etc.

Anyways, that's my recommendation.

Hi, I would avoid that scope if I were you, it's liable to turn you off astronomy more than pull you into it.

The most affordable worthwhile scope out there at the moment (imho) is the AWB Onesky.

If your budget doesn't amount to that much, I would recommend finding either a pair of decent 10x50 binoculars attached to a cheap tripod with a Barska Adapter

Alternatively you might be able to find a used 4 or 6" dobsonian for under $150.

The best beginners book on backyard astronomy is definitely Nightwatch, and it should be followed by the more in depth Turn Left at Orion

Hope that helps!

I have these as well and paid about $30 for them used. Excellent binoculars. OP I recommend getting them with the tripod you linked. The binocular adapter that comes with it isn't very good you may want to buy another one. I got this one for like $10:https://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-AF10546-Binocular-Tripod-Adaptor/dp/B000BYH8EQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1479749705&sr=1-1&keywords=binocular+tripod+adapter

You'll have a better time with the binoculars if you can borrow a tripod (even a standard video camera tripod is better than hand-holding) and you can purchase a cheap tripod adapter on Amazon.

Don't expect to see amazing things through 10x42 binoculars. They are great for broad, pretty starfield images but not really suited to viewing of detailed objects.

You can download the free sky atlas Stellarium and plug in your trip dates to see exactly what will be in the sky at the time.

Take a look at the brighter clusters like the Pleiades and the Hercules cluster. I don't have access to Stellarium at work so I can't tell you exactly what planets will be up. As far as deep sky objects go, you may be able to just detect Andromeda with the naked eye, and if Orion is up at that time you'll be able to see the Orion Nebula.

The best advice I can give is to take along a reclining chair or yoga mat and just sit back and take it all in. The night sky over the Grand Canyon is something best experienced with the naked eye. Don't ruin your experience by trying to plan an overly technical viewing session.