Hi Everyone
I need some help.
I am considering the purchase of an APO 127mm or above.
Initially, I have been considering the purchase of a 150mm APO (WO FLT 151mm @ $7000) or the new, yet to be released Explore Scientific 152mm CF APO (price unknown, at this time). Actually, I would like a Tak, but at $16,000 for an OTA plus mount, it is a little beyond my budget, actually, a lot beyond my budget.
However, it has become apparent that a 6" OTA isn't going to be that portable (portability is an issue) so I am now considering either a 127mm North Group, 127mm Explore Scientific or a Williams Optics FLT 132mm. I am currently leaning towards the WO 132mm FLT ($4000) due to its slightly larger aperture, FLT-53 lens element and 4" rotatable focuser.
Has anyone used and compared these scopes and what recommendations can you make, regarding performance, focusers etc?
Also, I will require a mount (suitable for astrophotography), so any recommendations for an excellent equatorial mount, for the above scopes, would also be useful, as I haven't had much experience or exposure to "modern" EQ mounts. The only mount I have been considering at this time is the Astrophysics Mach 1, but adding another $7,000 to the above scope puts it beyond budget.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received, as this will definitely be my last telescope purchase.
Thanks and regards Peter
