First telescope help

[Dispozition]

So my girlfriend and I are looking to buy a telescope for each other for christmas (awww) and we have a budget of around 700-1k to play with between us. Doing some online research and googling the crap out of everything, the best solution I've come up with for what we want is a Saxon 8" reflector on an EQ5 mount...

Now, my question to you all is do I have a better option in my price range? I've found the Saxon for $950 in a localish store (http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/saxon-20010-eq5-200mm-8-inch-reflecting-telescope-system.html) so we can go down and check it out in person which is a plus, and I haven't seen any reviews of it that slam it or the brand.

We'll be using it mostly for viewing at her place in Ballarat and some traveling to some of the bigger hills around on good nights if we can, but we'd like to motorise it later when we have the money and I'm looking at doing photography with it at some point down the line, but nothing super seriously unless I find I have an inkling for something other than landscapes. Unless it's easy to do deep space imaging, which from most of what I've read, it really isn't :P

On the photography bent, will a d300s with either a 35mm, 50mm, or 10-24mm lens be good enough to do some decent photography?

[andrew2008]

The 8" is probably the way to go but I'd recommend a dob to begin with. It is relatively large and for a "noob" I can see the EQ5 leading to lots of frustration. If you want to go down the photography route later on grab a HEQ5. If you just want to motorise it goto dob bases can be bought which will take less setup than an eq mount.

GSO 8" dob - $400-450
Collimator - $50-100
Telrad - ~$60
Red light - $30
Pocket sky atlas - $40

Save the rest for eyepieces down the track after you've had some experience. The GSO dobs give you around 4 to begin which is pretty good so play with those and see what you like.




And welcome, now slowly turn around and walk away before you find all your spare money spent on astro toys.

[Scorpius51]

I agree with Andrew, but if you're set on an eq mount & 8" 'scope combo, then how about this instead of the Saxon:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Reflector/Bintel-BT200-f/5-EQ5/1001/productview.aspx

It has a better quality & dual-speed focuser, and mirror fan. Still within your budget, too.

If you can manage it, go along to a local astro group and see what they are using. Get to look through and 'feel' the different 'scopes. While Eq mounts are an important piece of the kit for various types of observing, they can be an impediment to casual relaxing viewing.

What ever you do - DON'T buy on impulse just because it's quicker & easier. In this hobby it's definitely better to try before you buy!

Cheers
John

[Scorpius51]

... and some more!

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Cheers
John

[MattT]

The only problem with a newt on an eq mount for visual is the awful positions the eyepiece can end up in. I have an 8" f5 that I don't use because of that. I use a 6" refractor instead so much easier.
Matt