Looking for computerised scope

h45e (Anthony) · #1 06-03-2011, 01:13 PM

Hey guys,
Use to have a 10" dob (with mods) and sold it onto a friend. Now got the curse of wanting a new scope. Looking for a computerised scope that is max $3k ($2k mark better for me not getting screamed at by the Mrs). Im asking for this because I can setup the scope anywhere and mates/family etc can look at planets etc and go WOW (like they did when I had the dob).
Any recommendations?
Thanks

renormalised (Carl) · #2 06-03-2011, 02:11 PM

Anthony, are you thinking of doing any astrophotography with it?? Just asking, so I can figure out a good buy.

If not, try one of the new Skywatcher Synscan GOTO dobs (12" = $2099, 14" = $2999 at Bintel. $200 cheaper at Andrews).

Or you could grab any of the Meade LS and LT family of scopes from Bintel. Or an 8" LX90 ACF from the same. Or a Celestron CPC800 from the same. Or a Celestron NexStar scope from the same. All under $3K, some under $2K.

h45e (Anthony) · #3 06-03-2011, 02:24 PM

Im seriously thinking about AP with it also.
Unfortunatly I would love to buy a purpose build AP scope and then a goto scope but my mrs will take something from me first.

renormalised (Carl) · #4 06-03-2011, 03:06 PM

OK....all of these scopes will do planetary and lunar pics with webcams and some DSO shots if the webcams are modded. You could also do some shots with a DSLR. But if you want to do good astropiccies in alt-az mode, the best scopes here are your Celestron scopes, especially if they're "fastar" compatible. Then you just get a Hyperstar lens to suit the scope and attach that along with a suitable CCD camera. The Hyperstar lens for a "fastar" compatible 8" Celestron will cost you around $750-$850 dollars USD.

h45e (Anthony) · #5 06-03-2011, 10:43 PM

I'm thinking about getting the Meade LT8 ACF telescope with the LCD display.