Celestron Nexstar 102SLT

[duncan]

Hi everyone,
Been away for months on end working. Can anyone advise me as to whether this scope is a good start point for astro-photography.
E.G. Does it track well enough? How good are the optics?
Any and all help appreciated.
Cheers,:thumbsup:
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/4/small_image/135x135/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/2/2/22096_1.jpg (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/refractor-telescope-celestron-nexstar-102-slt.html)
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT Computerized Refractor Telescope (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/refractor-telescope-celestron-nexstar-102-slt.html)

Retail Price: $1,350.00
Our Price: $895.00

[hikerbob]

Duncan I don't know that particular scope but there are some really good resources anout the Nexstar's at http://www.nexstarsite.com/index.html

I've got an older model 80mm Nexstar which does not track well but from what I've read the newer models are much better.

Bob

[gb_astro]

Hi Duncan.

The 102SLT is definitely the scope NOT to get for imaging, unless you just want a few snaps of the moon.
With it's Alt/Az mount and just ok optics it is more suitable for visual wide angle use.

You should think more along these lines:

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatcher-pro-ed-80mm-skyscan-heq5-telescope.html

gb.

[duncan]

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to wait till next time i get home and see what i can afford. Might have to stay away a bit longer (LMHO). Missus wont like that one bit but OH WELL. Havent even done any visual work cause we're clouded out. Anyway a nice eq5pro and 120ED just might suit,LOL.
Cheers:astron:

[dannat]

I agree with other advcie the single arm mount is unsuitable for polar aligning ad thus astro-photography - i was frustrated with my mount and the views were not great imo.
were you wanting images of planets or dso?

[duncan]

Hi Daniel,
Both DSO and Planetary. Hence my last reply to the thread.