Quote:
Originally Posted by Brycepj
Thanks Rom, Budget is $1500 Being able to take the scope on travels is a " "must have" like to be able to see Nebulas Saturns rings,Star clusters such as jewel box cluster ( better than I can see in my 10x50 Bin) Etc. The long term goal is astro photography but that's a fair way down the track. I would like to start with a decent scope and have been recommended the Ed80 on a Eq5 with Goto capability but like the challenge finding stars clusters etc my self
The ED 80 being an Apo really appeals and it's a scope that I would keep for awhile. There is so much to choose from and take into account it is hard to know if I'm making the right choices. A refractor is my preferred option I have at least made that decision.
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Ok, There are a couple of things to consider:
- If imaging is way down the track then consider yourself a visual observer to start with. At a later stage, if the passion is there, you can join the upgrade train and build up to a scope that will do imaging well. (Thats code for "run away as fast as you can NOW")
- If you are a visual observer, then size matters, to a point. DSO's generally require a lot a of light gathering power. This suggests a reflector, particularly for the faint fuzzies.
- A refractor is compact but wont show very faint diffuse targets very well. Good for clusters, moon and stuff like Saturns rings, cloud belts on Jupiter and a bunch of "moons". One of my first scopes was a 60mm achromatic refractor and Saturn was unforgettable. If you want to resolve brighter globulars, you need 80+ mm aperture. A 10 inch Dob will do this really well. A 10"-12" reflector would leave an 80mm in the dust for both resolving power and light grasp.
- A travel scope can range from a backpack scope on a camera tripod through to a 10" -12" Dob in a car. Both options have advantages and drawbacks.
- The key is to get something that will encourage your interest but can be on-sold as your skill / interest develops. Since you've said you like the idea of star hopping, (Good fun), go for a simple mount and learn about the sky first. Alt-Az is easy to use.
- Not sure a refractor will meet all your needs and I suggest you explore the reflector option a bit more from the perspective of light grasp. You can upgarde many dobs to GOTO capability, for example, or perhaps experiment with an "equatorial platform" for short run imaging Equatorial mounts take time to setup for observing, alt-az is a more practical grab and go option
- As for the budget, you can buy new but the second hand gear in the classifieds is a VERY pragmatic way to increase the size of scope you get; most folks look after their stuff very well and you can end up with an essentially new scope for 75% or less of retail. If you go refractor, I'd try for a 100mm ED if you can stretch it; 50% more light grasp than a 80mm and more targets within reach.
Hope this helps a little
Rom