G'day all

[infomorph]

Hi all, I've been lurking here for over a year (although I haven't visited very often tbh), and decided it was time to finally make some belated introductions.

In the next few months, I'm planning on purchasing a scope and mount, and think I have it narrowed down. Going to (probably) go with the Skywatcher BD 120 ED (although as I'm currently in a location that provides free shipping from US Amazon, it'll be called the Skywatcher 120 ProEd). Alongside a HEQ-5 mount.

My wife has a DSLR around the traps somewhere that she doesn't use anymore, so I'm going to try co-opting that for a splash of photography, but the scope will mainly be used for viewing with the kids. We go camping a bit, so it will probably spend a fair bit of time in the back of the patrol.

Anyway, great to finally stop being a lurker!

Cheers,
Sean

[Atmos]

So you’re the one that’s been spying on us all along :lol:
You’ve picked a great setup to start off with, the 120ED punches above its weight and will throw up some great moon and planetary views.

[xelasnave]

Welcome Sean
While you are waiting read up on polar alignment and focuser masks...getting a good polar alignment and focus makes a huge difference.
Good luck and make sure to post your first effort and the story of your adventure.
Alex

[Rkonrad]

Welcome to the forums Sean that will be a nice set up good luck

[Ukastronomer]

Welcome

You say

it'll be called the Skywatcher 120 ProEd

The ED120 Pro is this

http://www.opticalvision.co.uk/astronomical_telescopes-sky-watcher-ed_refractors/esprit-120ed_f7_super_apo_triplet_refracto r.html

Which is what i have and I was told is too heavy with accessories for the HEQ5 if you want to stay under the 60% capacity of the mount, or do you mean this one

The ED DS Pro 120 EVOSTAR (I know they can be different names where you are in the world which really confuses me)

Whichever, nice scope, just remember to take into account camera, 2" diagonal etc weights

[LaughingBeagles]

Welcome mate.

My wife and I go a fair bit of camping in our GU Patrol and more often than not throw in the Explore Scientific ED102CF. I can totally relate.

Pete

[raymo]

Jeremy, two points; firstly, the HEQ5 and NEQ6 are both very conservatively rated, and will happily accept larger[heavier] scopes than their rating would suggest. Secondly, the general consensus seems to be 75%, not 60.
I used my HEQ5 with an 8" f/5 Newt + DSLR+ coma corrector+ electric
focuser+9x50 R/A finderscope+ D.I.Y. tube rotating device for years
at approx 80% of visual rating, and I know of at least one member here who
ran a 10" f/4 Newt on his HEQ5 at around 110-115% with some success.
If Sean is going to be travelling around with his gear, the last thing he needs is to add even more kgs by getting an NEQ6 or similar. Just my opinion.
raymo

[Ukastronomer]

I was saying that because I was unclear of what scope he was talking about Esprit or ED, but I have always read that you should not exceed 60% payload capacity, is that wrong ?

Thanks

[leon]

Don't lurk my friend join in and learn heaps.

Leon

[raymo]

Every imager has his/her own thoughts on imaging payload percentage.
The HEQ5 and NEQ6 are built like brick outhouses, and provided that the rig is properly balanced, the motors draw within their rated current even when loaded a little over the max visual payload.[ I checked for myself]. The real
limiting factor is not so much the weight, as the length[windage] of the scope;
it also helps a lot to have a long dovetail so the tube rings can be as far apart as is practical.
raymo

[Startrek]

My 2 cents....
Factors relating to your mount and imaging
Telescope type
Payload
Wind
Flexure
Long exposures vs short exposures
Guiding
Dithering

Cheers

[Outcast]

Welcome to the fold Sean, lots of great information on this site & lots of fantastic folk who are more than willing to help answer your questions, give helpful feedback on your progress & problems.

Many very experienced folks on here & many of us who are at different points along our Astronomy / Astrophotography journey who can relate very closely to the problems encountered when starting out..

Use the search function regularly, browse through the various sections & threads... lots & lots of information, just can take a bit to find the bit you want or need... if you can't find it, just ask... someone will jump in & either answer directly or link you to a relevant thread...

Enjoy the journey, it is fantastic.....