cheap refractor

[Davros (Lauren)]

Hi folks
I am thinking about dabbling my feet in a bit of astrophotography but no aspirations towards flash hardcore gear. Any recommendations for a small refractor i can mount the dslr to and throw on an eq3 or so. Just want to get some basic imaging done for my own ends. Not out to challenge the Hubble. budget = cheaper the better

[Tandum (Robin)]

Hi Mick, I just ordered a William Optics 70mm ED primarily as a guide scope but it should also take nice pictures (under $500). If you where to connect a dslr to it then it would probably need a field flattener.

Or, a skywatcher 80ED pro appeared on Astrobuysell today for $380.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Mick...eq3 might be a bit light on after attaching a dslr to the back of the scope. They're not really meant for putting a reasonable amount of weight onto as they're only light mounts. Even a 70mm apo isn't all that light (2-3kgs) and with a camera attached it could cause quite a bit of flex in the mount. If you got something like a NexImage or LPI it wouldn't matter as they weight hardly nothing at all, but you'd be restricted to the moon, planets and brighter DSO's. If you still wanted to use your camera, I'd suggest you get a heavier mount..an eq5 at the least.