Quote:
Originally Posted by traveller
Welcome Andrew 
For $1500, I'd go for a second hand EQ6 Pro (about $1000) and an ED80 (about $300). The $200 can be used for accessories etc. Remember, the longer the focal length, the less forgiving the final image, so start small. The ED 80 has a solid reputation.
As Dannat said, mount is everything in AP.
Once you played with the ED 80, then get a SCT or a larger refractor and then the ED80 can be turned into a guidescope for detailed work.
HTH.
Bo |
This is great advice I think I will go with one of these mounts. The Meade just seems a little more like a 'toy' ? That sounds stupid but anyway, the NEQ6 mount looks very precise. There is one for sale now but I might be too late.. but I'm sure another will come out.
Do all scopes use the same type of mount to connect? Or not? Also there seems to EQ3, EQ5, EQ6, so EQ6 is the best right? Are EQ5 almost as good or? Dang this is complicated!
Also is there something a little bigger than an ED80? I don't mind if it exaggerates errors I just want to be able to see the moon really close, and have good light collection? I don't have to spend only 1500, I can spend more if I can get a bigger scope! Say 800 for the scope? Leaving 200 for eyepieces etc, so 2000 approx all up?
Is it difficult to align the EQ6 everytime? I'm watching a video and it seems pretty hard.. Also all of the Skywatcher EQ6-5 videos I've seen, the mount's gears grind every time the mount starts/stops slewing. Doesn't sound very good??