[Neutronstar (T)]

Hi all,

I have had a lifetime astronomy interest. I used camera tripod mounted binoculars as a kid. Now I'd like to purchase something for some general family viewing.

From the outset my budget is probably no more than AU$1500 for scope, tripod and eyepiece. However, my biggest issue is wife friendly storage. I don't have a lot of room anyway, and any scope is better than no scope. Its a bad way of looking at things but the scope will more likely be kept and used if it can be stored easily. (most scopes spend more time being stored than used). Also its likely to be taken on weekend outings if quick and easy to move. You may ask what I want to look at? My answer would be - anything the scope is capable of.

That said and with this in mind I have been thinking a CAT that breaks down to OTA, tripod and ancillory parts. I don't feel a need to have GOTO. While I can see its benfit, I think we'd enjoy learning to track objects down. With this budget am I being realistic that I can't reach a 6" mirror, I'm more likely in 5" CAT territory?

After some reading I get the feeling that a Russian Intes MK503 (US$800) or a Santel MK6 (US$1100) is a better buy than say a kit like the Celestron XLT-127, 5" Skywatcher or Saxon Mak which includes a tripod. I have no fear in sourcing bits and assembling items. I have been a long time camera enthusiast and have some electronics knowledge. I often sourced camera gear OS. I'd rather buy a quality instrument with lower specs than something cheap and consumer grade.

What, if any downside is there to going with a MK503 or Santel MK6? or is the Saxon/Celestron a better route for a re-beginner.
Thoughts?

Thank you in advance