[schmikko (Michael)]

Hi,
I'm looking at getting a telescope soon and have been reading through various websites with this one being one of my favourites. I am after a smaller scope due to storage and ease of use. I know that dobs are highly recommended as first scopes but as I also enjoy photography, I know that I'm going to want to sooner or later (probably sooner) take some photos. Yes this opens up a whole new discussion and I realise that for this the mount is the most important. Like most others I'm on a budget and for a first scope I will not be able to get the ideal set up.
I'm interested in deep space objects (nebulas, star clusters and galaxies) mostly. From what I have read and cost and storage limitations I'm looking at getting a skywatcher 102x500 refractor (achro) and looking mounting on a eq3-2, second hand preferably. I would like to get some motor drives for tracking. I like the wide field telescope also as it is lighter (better suited to eq3, less tracking problems than long focal length especially for beginner) and I'm also looking at attaching my dslr directly to the mount for wide field photos. I have done some wide field from a tripod but would like some longer exposures. I don't count on getting an auto guider but would just be polar aligning and aiming for 30 sec or 1-2 min exposures (depending on the lens). A eq5 would be great but depends on if I can get one for an ok price.I suppose I'm looking at doing visual but also have the option to do limited photography. I'm not expecting to achieve any unrealistic results but to get my feet wet and learn. Any feed back or other suggestions out there would be much appreciated.
thanks