Some help narrowing down scopes
Hey guys,
Just looking for a few suggestions as to potential paths into this astronomy world, so let's crack open a frosty cold can of worms and dive in.
Firstly, I have picked up for myself a second hand Orion 102 Mak Cass (collimation was spot on), with its stock finder and 25mm plossl. After using my Acuter 15*70 binoculars for a few months I decided to pick up the little Mak, which seeing the rings of Saturn for the first time was just amazing. But now I find myself facing a dilemma.
My partner has offered to help fund a telescope for Christmas. (her ideal max level is about $400aud, I pay the rest) Needless to say I quickly developed aperture fever. After much pondering I came to the idea that I want to look for a semi jack of all trades scope. I also know my habits in the I'll will be keen for a month, put it away for 6 months, something like a conjunction will happen and make me keen again, the cycle then repeats.
So... I have come to rest on the following
Saxon/SW 150/750 dual speed focuser on a EQ 5 mount
Saxon/SW 200/1000 d/s focuser on a EQ 5 mount.
My reasoning also stems to if I only have one main scope, these can do both visual and astrophotography, moderate aperture and 2" EP capable. EQ is needed for AP, although the 5 maybe a little to close to limit for 200mm (these on steel tripod so 9kg limit)
I would love a Mak-Newt but that's out of price range for now.
A third option is simply to invest in quality eyepieces to use on the 102 (these also transfer to different scopes anyway, but I would like to be able to get brighter views of DSO's as well.
If you've made it this far, thank you and any input is welcome.
Ramble over... Cheers,
Gary
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