View Single Post
  #2  
Old 09-03-2008, 10:40 AM
madwayne's Avatar
madwayne (Wayne)
Registered User

madwayne is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Robertson NSW
Posts: 517
Welcome to IIS!

Good choice, but then I have a Meade 8" (never needed collimation in the 6 or 8 months I've owned it) so what else am I going to say. If you get the astrophotography bug you will be well served as you will have an EQ mount already.

Personally I would ditch the filter buying idea (yes I have a couple of dust collectors clogging up my accessory case), except a moon filter for $15 or $20. Instead make sure you get some dew protection, dew shield and dew zapper as an example (and yes get both). A 12V power tank (or car jump starter kit) should also be on your list. Dew shields can be hungry on power so go to your local car accessory store and buy as big as you can get.

Also join your local astronomy club. Our club (Sutherland Astronimcal Society) is fantastic, very friendly and full of helpful tips and tricks. Not too mention our two dark sites around southern Sydney and other different viewing locations members have told me about.

I'm sure other IIS members will come along and offer their more seasoned advice but this is just my two cents.

Good luck with your shopping and most importantly clear skies (although once you do buy it be prepared for two weeks of cloud - happens every time I buy somethng astro related).
Reply With Quote