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Hi Zeke,
I use Bintel GSO 6” and 8” newts for imaging only and a Skywatcher 12” Goto dob for visual work ( 5 years now )
An NEQ6 is not too heavy , I’m 61 and own 2 off EQ6-R mounts , 70kg dripping wet with a history of lower back problems and I can lift my mount head off and on to a parcel trolley used to transport it in and out of the garage ( My wife has even lifted it off onto the trolley ) Ask anyone , when it comes to Astrophotography, the mount is everything, there’s no such thing as over specifying a mount.Bigger the better IMO
For AP or imaging I prefer the Bintel or GSO newts , I find the dual speed crayford focusers so much more smoother and precise than the Skywatcher plus the barrel and thumbscrews are machined so much better than Skywatcher. GSO and Skywatcher mirrors are pretty much the same.
As Raymo mentioned, steer away from an f4 newt until you have had some experience under your belt. I’ve been using f5 and f6 newts for 5 years for imaging and they are so easy to collimate, plus they hold Collimation well.
You can use your newts on an EQ mount for visual but a Goto dob ( Az Alt ) is best for visual as the eye piece position on an EQ mount maybe in a low or awkward position when observing. A Goto dob (Az Alt) for visual is usually very comfortable anywhere in the Sky.
IMO I would eventually use the EQ mount and newt for AP and a Goto dob for visual.
Bintel GSO f5 and f6 newts have no trouble reaching focus with DSLR’s or dedicated CMOS cameras ( I use a Canon 600D DSLR and a ZWO 2600MC cooled Cmos camera )
Using a DSLR all you need is a T ring and adapter
Dedicated CMOS camera come with the required Spencer’s and adapters
In regard to Astrophotography, f5 and f6 newts still suffer from coma in the corners, so you will eventually need a coma corrector ( like a Baader MCCP Mk3 ) but that can be purchased later.
IMO if your going to spend the money on an NEQ6 mount I’d go a little further with your budget and buy the EQ6-R pro , you will not regret it believe me.Super smooth belt driven Ra and Dec drives with minimal backlash, quiet as a mouse and a Max payload of 20 kg ( recommended AP payload of 15kg )
Hope the above is helpful
All the best
Martin
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