cloudyweather

Is anyone able to summarise the differences between the EQ5 Pro and HEQ5 Pro ? Of course there's also a EQM-35 Pro. It's really difficult finding out anything from the Skywatcher product specs... and I think they have too many products... I see the Celestron AVX has 2" tripod legs which might be overkill for me. Thanks

Thank you so much everyone. I've got a few extra questions. Can the Starfield be 'switched' easily during a session between Visual and Imaging? What mount do you/would you use for the Starfield? It would ideally need to be somewhat portable... despite living in rural Wiltshire, you wouldn't believe the bright led street lights. I don't intend to carry it on my back, just car but I do have a restricted view very dark spot in the garden. Really portable things like the AM3 raise the price somewhat. Or add in a slow mo alt-az for travelling visual. Too many options. Thanks

Looks like same price as FLO (double the Starfield/Askar)... at 740mm and f/7.4 it's marginally better for visual right? Still, what a price and length 815mm.

Thanks "Generally good condition but a slight amount of dust in the optics from usage but not worthy of cleaning." Ooo, I don't like dust and it's 'in' the optics not 'on'. My prime camera lenses are all spotless, never cleaned just covered and they have lots of glass.

I do like a sharp image... thanks

Thank you for confirming 100mm as a sweet spot for visual. And the need for a decent tripod/mount with extension. I was trying to use binoculars the other night on Alcor and Mizar (painfully) so definitely need greater than 60 degrees of altitude. It had been suggested that the AZ-GTiX would fit the bill but I'm not so sure now. I had heard triplets would be better for imaging due to corrected colour - just didn't know if the glass quality made a difference. Good to know a triplet would be overkill for visual. Thanks

Thanks for confirming the 100mm choice. You are right about the nights right now - although most seem to have had constant rain clouds for months. That Takahashi looks nice - and so light. I wonder if they ever appear in sales - black friday sort of thing.

Hi all, First let me say that I've read as much as I can find online and I'm looking for help. I'm fairly new at astronomy, retired and a semi-professional photographer in the past (love HQ lenses). Not sure about all the image processing/stacking that seems to be needed for astro but may give that a go (I have an APS-C Fuji). But I'm also looking for Visual and somewhat portable (car / easy setup). Consider the Starfield 102 + 0.8 reducer/flattener and the Askar 103mm + 08. reducer/flattener to be the same price and both in stock. I've read nothing but glowing reports of the Starfield everywhere. Praising the quality build, finish & optics for both Visual and Imaging. The Askar seems to have split views. Concern about cheaper glass than perhaps more expensive triplets. I did read of possible focuser issues on one site. Why am I asking? The Starfield has been out of stock for a few months and I could get the Askar, but I'll wait a little longer if needed. Has anyone actually used both telescopes? First hand experience of both? For Visual and Imaging? Many thanks