First "real" scope advice ...

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Hi folks,

I've had my 4.5" Newt for a year now and am looking to get into my first "real" scope soon. My interests are planets, nebulae and potentially some other DSO such as galaxies. I'm also interested in astrophotography.

So many choices that I'm getting quite confused.

I'm tossing up between the following types:

1. an EQ mount + my existing very basic Newt
2. an EQ mount + a decent Newtonian OTA (e.g. SkyWatcher SW880)
3. a Schmidt-Cassegrain type scope + wedge (e.g. 2nd hand LX200 or Meade LS-8 ACF)

Options 1&2 will probably give me more flexibility for upgrading the OTA in the future. Option 2 will probably give me a better scope to begin with but with a smaller aperture and less flexibility to upgrade parts.

To those of you who have owned scopes for a while, what is your preference?

Or, am I completely missing the point here with this and should be focusing on a different question?

Thanks,
Af.

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

After a bit of sleep and some conversations with some knowledgable and friendly folk here, I've decided to go with options 1 or 2.

So I'm now in the market for a good quality EQ6 mount. As I want to try my hand as astrophotography I'm guessing something with automation/tracking would be required.

I'm currently looking at:

• EQ6 Pro GoTo / NEQ6 Pro GoTo (these are pretty much the same I think)
• iEQ45 GoTo (iOptron 8000)
• Celestron CGEM Computerised Mount (bit expensive for me though)

Any others I should be investigating?

Cheers,
Af.

[dannat (Daniel)]

are you wanting to carry a 10" newtonian on the mount?

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Thanks for the response Dannat.

Perhaps one day but certainly not to begin with. I'd want to carry my 4.5" to begin with and perhaps upgrade to an 8" in the nearish future.

What are you thinking with regards to your question (just so I can understand the right questions to be asking myself too!)

Cheers,
Af.

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

After a bit more research, I decided on the NEQ6 Pro GoTo. It should arrive in the next couple days.

I've also purchased a new 4" refractor (Stellarvue SV105 f6.2 triplet APO) which should work very nicely with the EQ6.

Now, stay warned for a heap of upcoming questions!

[Keshdogga (Casey)]

I think you went the right way getting a refractor I'm learning the ropes myself and I think it's been easier not having to have to worry about collimation and such with Schmidt Cass and Newtonians. An NEQ6 will give you a fair bit of room for movement too.

Good Luck! Keep us updated

[CarlJoseph (Carl)]

Thanks Keshdogga.

I set up the EQ6 last night and realised that it didn't come with a power adaptor. I guess you astro geeks like to build your own power supplies! Bought an adaptor today from Jaycar, powered it up and all working nicely.

Mounted the SV105 and that fits nicely too (just debating the virtues of a Losmandy vs Vixen mount)

Now, since I'm finally all set up and ready to go ... I have to wait a week for the clouds to part.

Cheers,
Af.