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Old 23-12-2017, 05:10 PM
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LostInSp_ce
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Hi Craig,
If you're looking at getting a used EQ5 then make sure that it's the HEQ5 pro. There's an older model EQ5 that's now discontinued, but if memory serves me correctly it required an upgrade for the GoTo system. I may be wrong on this but I think the pro version may have had a slightly higher load capacity too. Either way the EQ5 is better suited than the EQ3 for the scopes you're looking at.

As for the scopes both options will take great pics. A few things that might be worth considering are:

Price - The 8" will be cheaper then the ED80.

Portability - If you want to use it offsite then size and weight may be of concern.

Setup time - Depending on your environment and where you store it the 8" may take about 45-60 mins for the mirror to cool down and if you are moving it around a lot then you'll need to collimate it before every image session.
You don't need to collimate the ED80 and will cool down in about 10-15 mins.

Focal length/field of view - The 8" has a longer focal length and will gather more light. Whereas the ED80's focal length is shorter but will give a wider field of view.

Again both will take great pics but if you're looking for a biased opinion then I'll say get the ED80.

Happy Hunting.
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