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Scope and mount advice
Hi again people
I would like some advice on some scopes and mounts that some people use or have used.
I was considering getting a manual 8" or 10" Dobsonian scope but after looking OS at prices i have decided that a computerized goto mount is not out of the question for me. I was looking at a few Cassegrain scopes such as the Nexstar SE series but found that a wedge would be needed to take photos without motion blur on the edges of the picture. I think only the SE 4" has a built in wedge but that is to small in my op. So I have been looking at the computerized EQ mounts that are around and a couple of scopes that are taking my fancy so far are the MEADE LXD-75 10" Schmidt-Newtonian and the Celestron Advanced Series C8-SGT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (on a CG-5 GT mount) Are there any members that use either of these? or something similar?
Size and transportation is an issue for me and as i would like to dabble or at least attempt to take some DSO images i have decided to get a goto mount. Both these scopes are at the very limit of what I am prepared to pay for my first telescope. I am not at all worried about the learning curve of using these as my first scope as I am by no means stephen hawking but i am fairly mechanically minded and good with my hands, I am also an engineering student :-)
Getting a cheap Dob would be great but i am worried i will outgrow it to quick and i only have access to a small car. A cass is ideal for me and if anyone knows of a great scope and mount that provides the power of say an 8" dob i would welcome the recommendation. I do plan on attending the local meeting tomorrow night if the weather is clear just to speak to some people.
but advice on those scopes i have suggested ie strengths weaknesses would be welcomed.
If you need me to clarify anything just let me know.
Cheers people
Ps i should note i am interested in observing deep sky mostly and some solar system observing as well. Also I am looking at getting the Orion ED80 80mm f/7.5 Apo Refractor Telescope as my next purchase for solar system viewing and imaging, would this be a complimentary scope for viewing the solar system?
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