Hi all and I'd like to start by saying what a wealth of knowledge there is here. I have been researching (and saving) for a while now but need some advise before I spend it all. My intention for equipment is visual but I will be going down the AP route so need gear that can handle it.
I have narrowed down to the following:
1. C8-NGT
2. C8-SGT XLT
3. C9.25-SGT XLT (at at stretch)
4. CPC 800 XLT (second hand but in good condition)
I realise there with be quite a bit more $$$ over time and will be happy to build, but want the basics right.
I think your research has been a bit biased towards SCTs.
Start thinking of a 100-120mm ED or APO refractor on a good cheap mount like HEq5 or EQ6
My 130 refractor easily outperforms any 8" SCT on visual, and though I don't do photography, just check out with what type of scope the best photos are taken with.
You don't mention a mount at all and if you intend to go down the black hole of astrography you will need at least an EQ5 or better an EQ6 ( or equivalents ). This will determine what scope and other accessories you can expect to carry. For astrography the mount will be first consideration.
What gear do you have at present ?
What experience do you have astronomically ?
For any new starter it's a good idea to kick off visually first and learn the ropes before embarking onto the slippery $$ slope of taking pix.
All that being said I have seen some quite amazing pix taken with point and shoots through eyepieces by people just having a go. The moon is always a good starter for this and whets your appetite for more.
Thanks so far guys. My experience and equipment is zip. The mounts on all these are the CG-5 (except the CPC). I was going to Andrews Comms and have a talk to them.
I do intend to start learning through visual and then move to AP so was hoping to buy equipment that would serve both. Near impossible, probably, but would like a mix if I can, hence why I was looking at SCT's.
I am more than happy to be steered by experience here. I'll get bak to reading
I think that a 200mm or 250mm scope is a good visual scope and don't really agree with the comment about using a big refractor instead. They are heavy and cumbersome to move. The also have a relatively short focal length which is fine for widefield views but not as easy to use for high magnification views of deep sky objects.
Mostly photography and visual have different requirements. Choose your visual scope as a visual scope. It needs to be easily set up or you won't bother getting it out. Apeture rules for visual so if you want to search out faint fuzzies then the bigger the scope the better. Goto makes finding things easier but isn't essential.
Photography is a great challenge and lots of people decide they would like to take pics like you can see here on the forum. However there are very different requirements depending on what you want to take photos of.
If you want to take the 10000th pic of the orion neb and post it online then you need a widefield scope. If you want to take pics of planets you need a large, long focal length scope. If you want to take pics of small galaxies to search for supernovas then your 200mm or 250mm scope would be fine.
My feeling is most people get a basic setup to take the standard pics of the small mumber of bright nebulas. They do this and realise that their pics arn't as good as the few very talented astrophotographers on the web. They then have a choice of spending huge amounts of money to get to that level of either give up or choose a different photographic pursuit.
The 200mm scopes are fine but maybe for visual then a 250mm dob with or without goto probably will give you more visual value.
The C9.25 is a fine scope to look through. I am very happy with mine! It may be a little heavy for taking photos with a CG-5 mount though. If you want to do more visual, its a good option. If you want to image, try a smaller scope with that particular mount would be my recommendation.
I went down the same path as you, and tried to find a scope that could do it all. They don't quite exist though. My C9.25 is on a CGEM mount (the next size up from what you are looking at). It is a jack of all, master of none approach. I would think you might consider the 8" SCT if you have a CG-5 and want to image.
I have a CG5 and a C8 and in my experience you would need an outstanding example of the CG5 to do much imaging at beyond a few seconds. An HEQ5PRO or EQ6PRO would be a better choice.
An Equatorial mount doesn't prevent you doing visual although it can put the eyepiece at a funny angle sometimes so if you still intend to go imaging one day it still means you need to ge the best mount you can afford at the beginning unless you are prepared to upgrade when required. That is the expensive path to take as although they are saleable you know you are going to lose each time.
Best advice, buy a biggish DOB, 8"-10", preferably second hand so it's cheaper than new. Check the classifieds here for a starter. Get your head around using it for a year or so till you are comfortable with sky navigation, and the general rules about the obsession.
THEN, when you're ready and have decided where you want to go either move the DOB onto the next beginner and buy what you need. You will recoup most of your investment in the DOB or like many you will retain it for visual use anyway and a Push-pull DOB is not that expensive these days.
I think most people will have found that is the best starting point to learn from.
I must admit, I have not purchased this locally and took a punt on buying from the US. Before I get swamped, all this equip came from a very reputible supplier I have purchased from before, and I was able to get the OTA and mount with accessories shipped for the same price as the mount alone here in Aust. (There was an error in their on-line shipping quote, but it was honored at 1/10th the price).
That also included a warranty where they cover any and all damage for the next 2 years. I have had to use this warranty in the past and they are good for their word. So even with GST and duty, I will be miles in front.
Now, I just have to wait a week till Austpost come a knocking.
I can see the clouds in our region building up already in anticipation.
That's right. Well done - and do share your experiences importing direct from the US, it's a vexed question on these forums.
Lovely clear skies in Canberra right now. Really enjoying them, aren't we Ric? My guess is your scope will arrive in two weeks, right in time for full moon and three weeks of overcast ;-)
Hey hey, locals - good to meet you guys. From the locator John, we are almost walking distance from each other. I got notification this morning that tracking labels have been attached and picked up. I was advised that expected delivery is 4-6 working days If it takes a bit longer, I don't really care for the price paid. Will more than happily fill in the gaps on importing but did read somewhere that I should be careful outlining exactly where I got it from on an open forum given distribution rights etc. If anyone wants to PM me, to help in the interim by all means, but expect the pics once it arrives which should be about the time that cold front comes across from WA
Hahaha. Thought I would do it now given the predicted rain tomorrow. Well, I can confidently say that I would buy like this again. The ease of this was astounding. This should keep me occupied now. I am on leave following surgery to repair my foot (very long story) for the last 6 weeks so this will be a great time filler now. Any way, off to open boxes.
OK, I'll stop now but here is the final product. This mount appears bigger, stronger and more stable than a mates CG-5 so should be interesting. Just need some clear skies and no blasting wind to get started.
If it takes a bit longer, I don't really care for the price paid. Will more than happily fill in the gaps on importing but did read somewhere that I should be careful outlining exactly where I got it from on an open forum given distribution rights etc. If anyone wants to PM me, to help in the interim by all means, but expect the pics once it arrives which should be about the time that cold front comes across from WA 
