WANTED: Refractor 100+

[Heath]

Hi all,

I have recently forked out for a Canon 5D markII with the idea of having a very good normal photography camera that could also be used for astrophotography. Hopefully I've made a decent choice (Comments welcome).
I'm now looking for a scope to match it and have read 100's of write ups regarding what's good and what's not. I've arrived at confused however realise I will get more bang for buck with a used scope. WO's are appealing but if someone has a decent set up for sale that will get the most out of a full 35m DSLR I'd be interested. Hoping to get out of it for around $2000 scope and maybe $1500 for mount? Am I dreaming here or will I get something that will be decent?
Regards Heath

[The Mekon]

Look further down this section for the Orion 120ED at $1900.

for mounting, a used EQ6 can be had for less than $1500.

[spearo]

Hello and Welcome to IIS
You will also likely want a second smaller/cheaper scope and a guide camera for guiding as exposures will be long and stars will trail unless you autoguide. The second scope is usually mounted on top of the main or on a side-by-side set up.

good luck
cheers
frank

[Heath]

Thanks Frank,
It may be a bit of a process to build a set up I'm happy with. Would love everything now but have to keep an eye on costs. I'm looking forward to experimenting and learning and are thankfull for any suggestions and advice along the way.
Cheers Heath

[allan gould]

Heath
Welome to IIS and I have PMed you
Allan

[sejanus]

Andrews sells them for $1599 brand new at moment, pretty good bang for buck.

[Octane]

Let me welcome you to the 5D Mark II fold (having owned one from the first lot in the country!) -- you will /not/ be disappointed (you can see my images in the terrestrial imaging forum). : )

You will want to look for a telescope with at least a 2" focuser to illuminate the entire 35mm field.

Can't go wrong with William Optics gear! As Gavin has mentioned, check out the Andrews Communications web site for more deals on William Optics.

H

[Heath]

Thank you to all for advice and offers. I have purchased a lovely WO Zenithstar 105 triplet. Now I'll be looking for all the bits and pieces to complete the set up.

Cheers Heath