hi all - new to astronomy, and the forums. i have done a bit with binoculars - enough to know i want a telescope.
after reading a lot, this forum included, i've decided to get an 8" GSO dobsonian. i'd like an EQ mount and shorter focal length reflector for portability, but i realise i need to spend at least the value of the dob just on the mount to get a decent one, so dob it is for now (and well, we will just have to make it fit in the car
). that should keep us happy for quite some time.
id eventually like to get a Mak or similar on a decent EQ mount for viewing and imaging. i enjoy (non-space) photography so will probably get a DSLR at some stage anyway.
it sounds like i can upgrade to a better scope in increments, to avoid forking out lots of $ all at once? i'm also mindful about not having to buy the same things over again.
for example, my first purchase after the dob could be a couple of good eyepieces - useful for the dob but also later scopes.
could i then get an EQ5/EQ6 mount and mount the dob on that? that would get me into some basic imaging.
after all that i understand i could finally get a Mak or similar OTA to put on the mount to replace the dob?
does this sort of upgrade path make sense? the way i see it i'd end up with a scope that to buy outright would cost say $3000 - but id be buying it in chunks like $250 (eyepieces) $1000 mount and say $1750 Mak? all the while having a respectable telescope (the dob) to use!
thanks for reading
