First Scope

[asimov (John)]

2 comments from me...1/ My EQ5 won't even hold my 6" F/8 refractor sufficiently steady....(let alone doing any decent photography) Actually, it's more the tripod's fault rather than the EQ head....if it were pier mounted with an 8" OTA on it?....maybe. Rather see a HEQ5 minimum, (EQ6 would be perfect!) under an 8" OTA though. The max. load capacity for the EQ5 is about 20 lbs. for visual use.

2/ Seeing this a 'learning phase' for you, I would have to say, given your 1K budget....I would go with the 8" dob to be honest! A bit of dough left for a couple of DECENT EPs etc as well.

[asimov (John)]

Originally Posted by Ratman

Calling Professionals! How would you guys (and dolls) rate the Meade EXT-70 as a first scope? Comes with "auto star" finder thingyee. Uses would be purely visual at this stage, (later on I might try some photography).

Cheeers rats

I ain't a professional by any mean's! But I'll answer your question to the best of my abilitie's! As quoted from about 8 review's I just read on the EXT-70......'DONT throw your shipping boxe's away, cos' you'll more than likely need them again to ship it back to the retailer' & another...'it would make a great anchor for a boat!'