New scope, Mount etc. Feedback wanted

[Goschencat]

Hi all,
I'm about to purchase a new Astrophotography setup. From scratch, apart from a few bits I have in the bits box. :D

I have researched the forums here and learnt heaps, so I hope I'm on the right track. Things like the 2/3rds rule for mount weight and the 1/3 rule for Guide-scope size etc. All interesting stuff.

So I'd like some feedback on the following gear that I'm looking at getting. Its hard to fit within a budget and still end up with something you really, really, want as well :lol: My main focus will be deep sky imaging but I'd like the scope to be multiuse as well. (Don't we all)

So here's the list. :rolleyes:
Orion EON 115mm ED Triplet APO
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro GoTo Mount with Skywatcher EQ5 Pier
Orion Guide Scope Package (80x400) with Orion Star Shoot Pro Guide Cam (Windows 10 compatible)
Orion 9x50 Illuminated Finder
Orion 3" Field Flattener for EON 115 (Screw on)
Kendrick Dew Heaters with controller to suit
Canon EOS 30D Camera (Already have this, so it will do for a start)
Various cables adaptors etc to make it all work.

Now I have researched the weight for all of this and it is close to the 2/3rds rule for the HEQ5, so that makes me wonder whether I should go up to the NEQ6 as I'm sure there may be other stuff added later. However I was hoping to keep the whole kit as light and easy to setup as possible. (Previous scope was a 12" LX200 and the setup was difficult at best)

I have chosen the Orion (F7) for the main scope as it seems to be the scope that has the features for the price. I originally was looking at either the Skywatcher ED80 or ED120 (Both F7.5) but I would like to go to a Triplet first up if I can. However I'm also considering the new Skywatcher Espirit 100ED as well. But I'm not sure the F5.5 is best for me. Any thoughts on the Espirit series out there ?

Anyhow, let me know what you think. All feedback is appreciated.

Oh, and if "Jen" comments on this post....just ignore her. :lol:
She just goes round and round. :screwy:
I'm so lucky she lives in the same town as me.:D
Actually to be fair, she has helped a lot. But don't tell her. Please. :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh Rexy Rexy Rexy :lol:
What am I going to do with you :question:
I'm not going to say a word :rolleyes:

[Somnium]

sounds like a pretty darn good set up to me. one thing you need to consider is the field of view you have and the types of target you want to image. with that set up you are looking at nebulas and some of the larger galaxies.

[vlazg]

go with the NEQ6, carry more or carry what you have with ease

[Nortilus]

Defs go the NEQ6.

[Jen]

:hi: ok I've held my breath long enough I can't breathe any more hahaha

But what would I know I'm just a crazy Astro chick Hahahaha.....
Oh am I begining to hear jens words echo in here from months ago saying go the 6 go the 6 :lol: it's only 10 kilos heavier man up and go for it.
And yes go the Orion triplet just to make Jen all jealous then I won't show you how to use it etc etc haha then you will get all frustrated and then Jen swaps them over and gives you her basic imaging package and I take yours just until you know what your doing hahaha :D:D:P
Cmon lets go shopping :) :) :)
JUST DO IT call Bintel up already :D oh and tell them Jen said Hi :lol:

Oh what the hell you only live once go the tac :P:P:P
Ok I will shut up now and I'll be hiding behind the shelter sheds
:scared3::scared3::scared3:

[Jen]

Oh I just can't help myself :)
I forgot to mention that once you stick a camera in that thing you won't put an eyepiece in there ever hahaha :) except maybe to polar align ;):P:D

[casstony]

Rex, if you're buying new, the black Orion version of the AZ-EQ6 is only $400 more than the NEQ6 but it has a number of mechanical improvements over the NEQ6: the AZ-EQ6 is belt driven, has better clutches, better latitude adjustment and a shorter distance from the RA axis to the saddle (less CW needed to balance a given load).

It's well worth penny pinching elsewhere to get a mount that will do the job comfortably.