Hey guys,
So through some interesting set of events, I have ended up back with my 8" Newt and EQ5
This is a great scope for both beginners and experienced astronomers looking for a great visual scope. This scope has taught me everything I know in astronomy
Its the perfect size too; small enough for one person to carry around (I had 10" but it weighed a ton and ended up selling it), but big enough to show you the ice caps on mars, rings of saturn, the belts on Jupiter's surface, details in galaxies and nebulas. Combined with the solar filter listed below, it gives spectacular views of the sun, perfect for the arriving solar eclipse. Just have to know what to look for
I'm selling because I only do imaging now and can't justify keeping it. I spent around $1400 on this, and now I'm selling for almost half of that
Mount: The Skywatcher EQ5 is the one with the steel tube legs (Not the lower-spec aluminum legs) and got all the original accessories (Counterweights, caps, manual, slow-mo knobs etc). Brand new is about $600, I'm asking for
$380.
Tube: The Skywatcher 8" f/5 newt is a great scope. It has always been stored indoors and covered when not in use. It's in perfect condition aside from a small scratch on top the OTA, as shown in one of my pics. Comes with all the original accessories as well (Original 25mm and 10mm Plossls, finderscope, tube rings, dovetail etc). Brand new this will cost over $450, I'm asking for
$240. Please note the guide rings shown on top is NOT included in the sale.
Motors: I also have the Dual-Axis motor drives for the telescope. It allows for tracking so the stars won't move from your FOV, and also to guide your telescope to do astrophotography if you wish (I've modified the handcontroller to accept ST4 commands). Comes with all its original accessories too (leather/vinyl pouch and battery adapter for it). I think
$190 is a reasonable price.
I actually used to own a 10" dob, which I traded to get my 8" newt back. I personally never liked the mount of the dobs (I guess the EQ5 spoiled me), especially the lack of slo-mo controls. The views were marginally better but taking into account it weighed over 30kgs, it was difficult to track anything over 60x and it just frustrated me to the point where id rather not do any viewing at all then take it out (Sorry to any dob owners I might have offended
hehe). An 8" can show just about anything a 10" can from even a low-light polluted area (I should know; I live in such an area and had both the 10" and 8").
If anyone is interested in buying more than one item, I can give a discount
I'd prefer local buyers but
happy to ship interstate. I have a quote for ~$130 for the EQ5 and ~$80 for the OTA
