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Hi Kevin, This is a sticky issue, with many things to consider, so don't
jump right in.
Firstly, your words "take some pictures" are important. Unless you
are going to be satisfied with very mediocre images, you will have a
heck of a lot to learn, regardless of any knowledge of other types of photography you may have. The processing of your images after you have acquired them will require several types of software, and time
spent learning how to use it. It is most definitely not just a matter of
attaching a camera to your scope and clicking away, except for the
most basic shots. You can spend many hours, or even days, on the
computer to come up with a really good image.
Secondly, if you don't think that you have the commitment to do the
above, the rig suggested by Bintel would probably not be the best
choice for you. Firstly, it is essential that early observing sessions
be enjoyable, in order to maintain your interest. This may not
happen if you have to lug your tripod outside, level it, attach 20kgs
of mount and counterweights, attach scope. Connect a power supply.
Switch on Synscan, enter your observing site details. Do a polar
alignment by which ever method you choose, and then do a star
align. If you have to bring your rig indoors after each session this
quickly becomes tedious. There is also the matter of cost. You can
add many hundreds of dollars to the price of the scope and mount.
Firstly a decent power supply, then an autoguider, and probably
a guidescope, and all sorts of other accessories you will find you
will need.
If you think you have the commitment, then go for it; it's a good
beginner's to intermediate rig.
I personally would suggest an 8" Dob [Go To or not, your choice].
You can simply carry it outside and you're ready to go. You can do
basic imaging with it. Whilst enjoying your new scope, learn more
about astronomy and imaging, and a bit further down the track
get the imaging rig that you have by then decided would suit you best.
I taught adult evening classes in astronomy, and was able to
follow up with many of the students. I found that frequently the ones
that went in boots and all, and bought large/complicated scopes
were soon lost to the hobby. One young man was so keen that he
imported a 17.5" Coulter Dob from the U.S. He used it twice.
In short, as has been stated many times, no one scope will do everything really well, so choose your compromise carefully.
raymo
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