|
Ok first lets look at astrophotography. There are two types (1) very very expensive (2) not so expensive. For the most part the amateurs that create the pictures that make us all go 'oh wow if only I could do that' are doing type 1. Now for all I know you may have an unlimited budget that doesn't even blink at $10,000.00 but if you don't you might want to postpone astrophotography for a while.
A good reflector on a dob mount with reasonable eye pieces will run you anywhere from $400.00 up to $2,000.00 depending on size and accessories.
A minimum sized reflector would be 4.5". If you download 'Astrobyte' software (it is a digital log book) you will find in the Messier logging form photos that are close to what you will see in a decent scope in the 4.5 to 8" range.
Personally I found that after about a year of 3 to 4 nights a week observing I had learned enough and developed my skills to the point where I was running into the physical limits of my 4.5" reflector and moved up to an 8". Two years later I am no where near reaching the limits of the 8".
Hope this helps.
Brian
|