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[jwoody (Jeremy)]

Hello Ben
If you are just starting out with some DSO imaging (large nebula, galaxy clusters etc) then I would defiantly start with a wide scope (the 65Q/ED80 etc) on the HEQ5.
If you can stretch to the NEQ6 then get it so you are a little bit future proofed should you upgrade to a heavier scope (or want to use your 8se and the 65Q).
But my two cents is get the HEQ5, 65Q (or similar) and use a finder as a guide scope (with a little QHY5 or similar). Using a finder guider with a wide FOV scope is a doddle and you will get some really good results.
Cheers
Jeremy

[langman78 (Ben)]

Cheers for the advise all. Good to get some great feed back and to know after mths of reaserch of what a reasonably priced set up would be that's best for me. Now just to save up. A little premature perhaps it being a while before I can afford but I guess better in a way than being cashed up and rushing into a purchase which I could regret and I'd no doubt would of done.
Thank you again all

[raymo]

An HEQ5 will carry the 8SE OTA and the 65Q. You could use each as a guide scope for the other. The 8SE will be great for longer focal length
imaging when you have gained some experience of guiding, and in the
meantime will be great also for shorter length work with a .63 reducer
giving a focal length of about 1260 mm, which I wish my 8" f/5 Newt
had.
raymo