[Mark_Heli (Mark)]

I have recently decided to upgrade my existing setup to better enable astrophotography. Given the wealth of experience on the forum, any advice would appreciated.

In 2010, I bought a Meade 8" LX90 which has been excellent for both visual and basic astrophotography. Long exposure astrophotography has always been on the cards and now seems like as good a time as any to "bite the bullet" and upgrade.

I would like an all-round setup which is as future proof as possible. I currently use a Canon EOS 550d and will continue to use this camera with the new setup (at least in the short term).

For the mount, I have decided on the Skywatcher AZ-EQ6.

For the telescope, I have been considering a number of options:

1. Defork the LX90 and mount the OTA on the AZ-EQ6
- Buy an OAG for guiding in order to reduce differential flexure and issues around mirror flop (the LX90 doesn't have a mirror lock). Bintel suggested the Orion OAG. I have also read that mirror flop is not too much of an issue on the 8".

The pro's and con's of this option include:
Pro: Can re-use my existing LX90 telescope which is an excellent scope;
Pro: Good for galaxies given the long focal lenth of the LX90 (I am keen to image galaxies)
Con: Will de-value the LX90 and the mount will essentially be wasted.

The total cost of this option is around $2700 for the new mount, OAG and Guider (Orion SSAG??)

2. Buy an ED80 and mount it on the AZ-EQ6
- Buy an ED80 with a guidescope / guider for autoguiding (Orion Mini or Awesome package).

The pro's and con's of this option include:
Pro: Keeps the LX90 whole (telescope and mount). The LX90 can be de-forked at a later stage if it makes sence.
Pro: Good for wide field astrophotography
Con: Not good for galaxy imaging.

The total cost of this option is around $3700 for the new mount, ED80, Autoguider package

3. Any other options
- Any other options which people may recommend as a good upgrade for astrophotography.

I understand that there is no simple answer and the question has been asked many times before however any advice, experience or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark