New refractor

[Jay-qu]

I have had my fun with an 8" dob and have dabbled in some wide field photography (just with camera lens) but now I would like to make a step up to a nice refractor. The photos you guys have produced are inspiring and I would like to give it a shot myself.. but starting with the basics, I don't think I will get into full tracking etc yet.

Does anyone know if the Skywatcher 100ED (http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=2176) (on EQ5) is a good choice for imaging? or perhaps a similar Orion version (http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes-with-Equatorial-Mounts/Orion-SkyView-Pro-ED100-EQ-Apochromatic-Refractor-Telescope/pc/1/c/10/sc/335/p/9977.uts)

I am looking at spending up to around $800, more if it includes a mount, also I would be happy to buy second hand.

Thanks in advance guys :)

[Poita]

What camera do you have/plan on using?

[Jay-qu]

I've got a Canon 500D.

[pin3appl3]

Jay if anything I would look at getting a decent mount first. Then slowly build your equiptment up and upgrade as you go/feel more confident etc. Its a slipperly, expensive slope mate but once you start pulling some data together you'll be dying for more!

Keep your eyes peeled on the classifieds here...theres gem setups that come through for cheap! I would look at getting a HEQ5PRO minimum and go from there, anything in the ED80 range will be perfect for introducing you to the world of AP, but remember theres lots of little accessories in between that also add up too that are essential.

Will you have access to power where you plan to do your AP? And do you have a laptop? You'll find that you'll keep bumping into these hurdles as you dive further and further into it haha goodluck! :P

Darc

[Poita]

I'd second that advice. The ED100 will be fine, but get at least a HEQ5Pro or EQ6Pro mount, anything less will most likely just make you tear your hair out.

[Jay-qu]

Thanks for the tips guys, will keep an eye out for a HEQ5 ;)

[ballaratdragons]

Jay, so you don't get confused about the quality of the different brands, the Skywatcher and the Orion in your links are the same scope. So is the Saxon, and half a dozen other brand names around the world.

All made by Synta in China, painted different colours for each company and then the name printed on them.
To start on your Astrophotography path you will be happy even starting with the famous ED80.
Better to save a bit on the scope and spend more on a mount :thumbsup:

Throw it up on top of a HEQ5 or an EQ6 and you have a great setup.
Try not go as low as an EQ5 if you want to do great Astrophotography.

You can sometimes get great prices on package deals when buying mount and scope together.

Keep an eye out for second hand mounts and scopes.

The prices for NEW are: (Andrews) (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm) in Skywatcher section:

ED80 - $899 with Tube Rings and Dovetail bar
ED100 - $1199 with Tube Rings and Dovetail bar

HEQ5PRO SynScan "Go-To" - $1199.00
EQ6PRO-T SynScan "Go-To" - $1499.00

Bintel currently have an ED80 for $599 !!! HERE (http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Refractor/SkyWatcher-SWED-80-Refractor/983/productview.aspx)
but it doesn't say if it comes with tube rings and dovetail bar