Quote:
Originally Posted by Paddy
Hi Andrew,
I think a bit of reading is a very good idea. The kind of scope that is good for observing visually is usually quite different to one that is good for astrophotography. And the budgets are quite different as well. It is possible to do imaging with simple equipment as Rob_K's efforts with a DSLR and tasco 4.5" newtonian show. Bear in mind that you will need an EQ mount so that the scope rotates with the sky and that you will need to guide the scope. Rob does this by hand, but most imaging folk use a second scope, second camera and all mounted on an HEQ5 or higher.
Having said all that, I don't do any imaging, but I've seen what it takes. My main point is that it will be worth doing quite a bit of research if that is the path you want to take. The scope that you're looking at is perhaps not the ideal choice for that path (and possibly not for visual observing either)
What might be the most beneficial bit of research is to go to an ASSA or other club night and have a look at and through some gear and talk to some of the people about their experiences.
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Hi Andrew,
Paddy has given you sound advice. Equipment suited for imaging is very different to equipment suited to visual observing. Whilst $1,500 might sound a reasonable budget, it isn't enough to get you something really suited to both pursuits. It will certainly get you a scope and eyepieces that would be good for visual (8" to 10" collapsible dob), but that same scope wouldn't be any good for imaging. Similarly, it would get you something 1/2 decent for introductory imaging, like an 80mm to 100 mm refractor on a cheap EQ mount but IMO that scope is very limited for visual astronomy. The 4" Celestron SCT you are considering isn't really much good for either.
Cheers,
John B