Good advice here so far, Shep.
You aren't from Oberon are you???
(I just happen to know a Shep or 2... EDIT: ah, I've just seen your latest post... add a new Shep to the list
)
Either a DOB, or an SCT/Maksutov on a tripod would be good options. A diagonal will help your neck with an SCT or Maksutov. BTW if you get a dob that is too low, you can make a box to sit it on to raise it to a better height
.
An adjustable observing chair will probably be a good investment, regardless of what sort of scope you get, as they will provide a good range of adjustment.
I suspect the scope may be the least of your problems... the finderscope may prove to be a bigger challenge. A straight through finderscope will be a pain near zenith no matter what scope you have, and a right angle finder can be a bit more awkward to use but will be better on your neck at high altitudes. If your neck is really bad I would recommend 2 finderscopes... a right angle one to use near zenith and say a Telrad or red dot finder to use at low altitude.
As for binoculars, yes they are a great way to start, but you have 3 options to save your neck:
- Build a front surface mirror mount that will allow you to look down at 90° to the actual direct you are seeing (I'm sure someone has posted details on IIS somewhere);
- Build or buy a binocular chair... that's a swivel chair that reclines and has (usually) large binoculars mounted conveniently to look through; or
- Use a reclining lounge or a blanket on the ground and lay down to observe (sleeping bag to keep warm, warm drink in a camelback)
A bad neck shouldn't eliminate you from astronomy
. We'll help you solve it
. (It's all done with mirrors
).
Al.