Hi all,
I've always had an interest in astronomy but only in the past 12 months have I started looking into it more seriously and am now looking to get started.
Most important to me is something easy to setup and use so I will spend more time enjoying it! Generally I'd imagine most viewing would be done at home (which is currently in Adelaide, but likely to be Sydney soon). Astrophotography isn't really a priority to begin with (but who knows what the future holds).
I've read a lot of the threads posted here and have come up with a few ideas, total budget with accessories around $2,500. Prices from
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm .
Sky-Watcher Reflector - 200mm on a HEQ5PRO - $1,499
http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/pro...1=1&class2=104
Sky-Watcher Refractor - 150mm on a HEQ5PRO - $2,099
http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/pro...1=1&class2=103
Sky-Watcher Dob - 200mm GOTO - $1,199
http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/pro...1=1&class2=106
My current thoughts are that the Sky-Watcher Reflector with the HEQ5PRO is hard to beat at $1,499, and if I wanted a Refractor later I could just buy the OTA and swap them over as desired. The cost of the Reflector isn't much above the Dob either, so I feel as if the mount is really only costing $300.
Am I on the right path or am I overlooking something?
Is there any reason to choose a refractor over a reflector?
Would a Dob be easier to setup and use than the other options?
Any other thoughts or suggestions are also welcomed!
Thanks
