Quote:
Originally Posted by LAW
Sorry, should have mentioned that the EQ5 has motor drives and while I am a complete n00b with my current setup I did spend a lot of time in the school observatory a few years ago. Ra and Dec shouldn't be a problem once I've got my head around it all again.
The EQ5 was what I was recommended? 
I figured the 20mm would be a good start then I would use the shorter one for getting a closer look? |
I have the same mount and the same sized Newt except in the Saxon line. It's true that if you expect to point and shoot a Dob is better but the Newt will keep you learning for years and that aperature size will allow you to see plenty. I am happy to focus on say 2 objects in a night of viewing rather than swinging around the sky. The motor drive really helps keeping planets in my field of view and it also helps me pan very slowly when I know I am in the general vicinity of a DSO. Ultimately though it will assist you with finding every Messier object in the sky through the RA and Dec coords. A geat way to learn your way around the night sky and far more rewarding when you find one than using a GOTO system (in my opinion).
For wide field EPs (i.e. viewing Nebs/clusters) I have a 2" 30mm GSO 68 degree widefield ($49 from Andrews - a great purchase at a great price), a 2" 15mm Andrews branded eyepiece ($80 second-hand from IIS classifieds or $169 from Andrews). For Lunar and planetary observation I have 2" 8mm Hyperion with a 2" 2x barlow. I am considering selling the barlow and purchasing a 3.5m Hyperion, I am a little concenrned about the heady mag on this EP though. Happy viewing.