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astrophotography
You don't mention what camera you are going to use..
My opinion ( highly controversial probably)
Choose what you want to photograph, i.e planets, moon, or deep sky stuff first, then look at a rig to suit.
Mounts: Equatorial mounts are the go for longer exposure but are harder to set up. In this bracket I would add- EQ 6 mounts are cheaper, rock solid and will take heavier loads but they are like a muscle car, they need tuning, expect to be losing skin off hands and kicking the f****r before you are happy with it. People can make them sing like a Stradi but it takes work and dedication (See B.Mitchell's work).
I have one and have had issues with slews and dampness affecting the electronics- so much so that it stopped working for a while (it's stored outside with towels and covers but Tas is still a little too damp for it I think)
When it stopped working I invested in a CGEM mount, plus because I have limited horizons at home the all star align protocol on the hand set was an attractive feature. Obviously as soon as I made a payment for the CGEM my EQ 6 sparked back into life!
Anyway, back to the CGEM- not your work horse heavy lifter like the EQ 6 but with a small refractor on board I have never been happier.
My advice, (personal opinion warning) if you are interested in deep sky stuff (not really planets) then get a CGEM and a cheap 80mm refractor (W.optics/Orion/Skywatcher etc) doesn't matter really as the glass is pretty much the same, it's the focuser that's the difference.
Starting out you can get loads of deep sky mileage with a small scope and a CGEM.
Scopes:
Big scopes like the Meade SCT are lovely for visual but I have found (opinion again) that photography is difficult-re. I use a DSLR so it hangs off the back like a big bat, focusing with the tiny knob is hard, and in the usual alt az config you are limited by rotation. Would be interested to see how it performs on the new mount.
After spending too much on gear this past few years my shopping list would be....
CGEM
Short tube mini guider package from Bintel ( SSAG and modified scope)
Small refractor of any description- but the sell a kidney and buy a Moonlite focuser, not only you get a great focuser,you also get two dove tails brackets on the focuser so you can fit your guide scope and a finderscope/ laser finder.
Now you are ready to astro-photo -party!!
Welcome to the money pit!!
Graham
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