[Davekyn (David)]

Hi guys,
My ED80 has been sitting about, pretty much doing nothing. Its part of my wanna be astrophotography dream. I got side tracked and bought a Dob/binos & other gear. Now when I look at it, sitting on its rather cheapish Alt/Azi mount; I get upset...given that I paid just as much for it as I did the dob...(should of bought the OTA only)...Anyways...what is holding me back is MONEY!!!!...I really have to do something as I am sure this little ED80 has potential...

I was thinking of going cheaper...but with gear that would not be a total waste if I ever decided to upgrade...better to go cheaper than not at all (right?) S0...:

Am I expecting too much, thinking that I can get by “Practising –astrophotography- with just an HEQ5 mount...like the one at Andrews with gears & hand controller for $899.00?

I am also thinking of just getting a 5-$600 CCD camera such as bintels Mead DSI II ?

I know I will not get fantastic results, but could is it possible that if I am willing to go through the pain, I may be able to get a good grounding with reasonable results.

900 + 600 seem realistic ... & not bad if that’s all I need to actually get started without having to buy other attachments and so forth.

Can anyone give me some ideas on this...as I just can’t really afford anything that requires anything more than a $1000.00 in one hit with regard to this little project. (I’ve put the dob build project on hold...decisions decisions

Cheers Dave.