I have had a 80mm f5 achro on an alt/az mount and a 150mm f6.6 newt on a motorised EQ3 mount for about 2 years now. These scopes and mounts have given me a good intro to the night sky but I am now after something a little better/bigger.
I have approx $3000 to spend and I am looking at options for a new scope/mount - possibly two
I have the possibility of a getting a second hand HEQ5pro in the very near future so the $3000 is for new options on top of that.
Options that I looking at from my own research so far:
1. a small GOTO mount for the refractor so the kids can more easily find things.
2. a MAK or similarly smaller in length scope for the HEQ5 - the current newt would be ok its just a bit large to throw in the back of the car with a few mounts and camping gear.
3. 100mm APO refractor for the HEQ5.
4. I won't rule out a decent dob but due to size it would probably be mainly for home which has a bit of light pollution - maybe a collapsible ?
The main use for any new purchase will be visual but I am beginning to dabble in astrophotography and also looking at having a CCD attached for outreach nights so a larger group can see what you're looking at.
I don't really want to spend $3000 on a single scope, I am mainly looking for something better than what I have that gives some extra versatility to my viewing activities.
Thank you for reading
