First post

[Steampunk]

Hi all,

Been into stars for awhile but recently been in a position to pursue this hobby. Currently looking at getting a skywatcher 200/1000 Newtonian reflector, but I'm tossing up which mount to get. Should I go for the heq5pro or the neq6pro? This would be a stepping stone to go into astrophotography, although first unguided shots with an unmodded dslr, then eventually building up the kit.
( guide scopes, CCDs etc). Well that is the plan anyhow.

Cheers Scott

[jjjnettie]

The HEQ5Pro would be a tad too light weight to handle imaging well, in the long term. It will do it, but if you can afford to go for the 6, then do it.
Welcome to the forum :)

[Steampunk]

Thank you. Yeah I think I'll bite the bullet and go the 6.

[MattT]

Hi Scott,
Like the IIS name 'steampunk'
As jjj says go for the 6, or are you any good at DIY? If yes you could eventually build a pillowblock EQ mount with 'steampunk' looks :thumbsup:
Lots of know how on IIS to help out.
Matt

[ZeroID]

Hi SteamPunk, :welcome: to IIS.
I'm another SP afficianado, do you post on any of the SP forums ? Brassgoggles is probably the most active I know of.
You know you are going to have to find a brass scope to have any cred .. ;)
Anyway ask any astro questions on here, plenty of good help and advice available. They are all weird and friendly :thumbsup:

Cheers
Brent

[Mizar22]

Hi Scott,
I agree too that the EQ6 would be more versatil.
Wellcome to IIS!
Santi

[Steampunk]

Cheers Brent.
I don't go on any of the other forums apart from a snake one, in which I do use this name.
I had look at the brass scope and I think I'll have to whack them on the wish list ;)

MattT- i had a look at the pillow block mounts but I completely confused myself. I'm not adverse to DIY as I'm a plumber, which helps, but I think I'll start off with bought stuff. Heaps easier :)

Mizzar22- cheers, yeah from what research I'm doing the neq6pro seems the way to go over the heq5pro.