|
Hey Andrew,
Why not split the difference and get a Skywatcher 8" reflector (newtonian) on an HEQ5 pro like mine for about $1499 from Andrews Communications. I use mine for visual and Astrophotography with a DSLR and I love it.
MUCH more light gathering than a 130SLT and even though its an F5 wide field scope with 1000mm focal length (less mag than the ACF Meade Schmidt Cassegrain), a great scope to get you going.
Alternatively, and because its a doddle to get easy photos from these scopes, perhaps an ED80 refractor on an HEQ5 for $2099 from Andrews would suit? LOTS of people use ED80's to get beautiful widefield photos.
Hang on, even better.....a 10" GOTO dobsonian for $1599!!! You can take photos of the moon and planets with this and its a light bucket for visual, has a goto computer and tracking for easy locating and keeping on target without having to drift align.
Search for JJJnettie's Saturn shots in the Solar System section for some truly EXCELLENT shots of Saturn with a DSLR on this scope. They are phenomenal.
Dobs are a doddle to use and for the money, are the best bang for your buck. No polar aligment to worry about and they resell very well if you decide to upgrade to an AP rig later on.
It's settled, check out the dobsonian GOTO 10" Skywatcher at Andrews, they will deliver this to you for only $30 more. So, for $1629, you will pretty much be ready to go, you will just need a T ring for your camera to connect to the focuser ($29 from Andrews) and then you can start taking photos of the moon straight away!
Cheers
Chris
|