[andyroo (Andrew)]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy my first real scope. I'm interested very much in observing the moon because hey, it's the only one we got! Also the other planets and any other deep sky interesting things I can see well.

I really want an automated scope because from what I've read it's way more fun and easier if you don't have a brilliant knowledge of whats even out there, plus I can connect it to my laptop and use stellarium which I love.

I've got a canon 550d and would like to use it for astro photography, and maybe video too? Most people seem to use webcams but surely it would be better to use an SLR right? Or not?

But right now my biggest decision is which scope to get.

The nexstar 130 is way cheaper but I know it's not as good, the meade has over twice the focal length, but I hear people say reflectors are better for photography. But look at the cost!

If I get the meade (which I'm leaning towards) it's say $1900 just for the scope and tripod stand, (Dont know if it comes with eye pieces?) but if I get the eye pieces then thats another say $350 for a kit, then I'd need an AC adapter etc etc. So say about $2500 for that scope!

The nexstar is so much cheaper, say $700, say $300 for an eye piece kit, so around $1500 less than the meade..

But I really think it's something I'll have for a very long time, so $2500 for say five to ten years isn't too bad?

I've never bought my own scope before and where I live there are no clubs etc where I can go check some out with others.. so I don't know if its worth an extra 1500?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,