Imaging scope: 150mm refractor or RC

[Gem (Grant)]

Hi there

If choosing a scope primarily for imaging: would you go a Skywatcher 150mm f/5 achromatic refractor or a GSO 8 inch RC? How do they compare in terms of weight? HEQ5 Pro do to carry them ok?
I am starting to think of going the two scope option, with a portable dob (10 or 12 inch collapsible to go in a camry or hatchback) and an imaging scope for DSLR or CCD on an eq mount.
Assuming a budget of maybe $6000-$6500, what are the thoughts? Or should I use all the budget on a scope to cover it all?
Whatever you recommend needs to be one man setup and fit into the above car options. The camera has to fit into the budget too!

I look forward to suggestions!!

[allan gould]

You could not have picked two more different scopes to compare.
The 8"GSO IS LIGHT AND A GREAT IMAGER, HOWEVER IT'S NOT A SIMPLE PLUG AND PLAY scope as it needs quite a lot of expertise to get the most from it especially in the realm of collimation (sorry about the caps - didn't mean to shout).
The 150 mm refractor is a heavy scope that will need a good mount to carry it and you will get problems with colour fringing - even if you can't see it a photo will definitely show it with your stars and it will ruin a good shot.
To be honest if you want the best of all worlds I would recommend an 8" SCT on an heq5 or eq6 mount with a DSLR and a good set of eyepieces. The 8" scope will let you see most everything and also image it. Remember to get a light and cheap refractor as a guide scope and maybe a used DSI II as a guide camera. Either second hand or new your outlay would not be that great and then if you need to upgrade you can do so after you have exhausted you systems potential but that will take several years if at all.
Hope that helps.