Hi,
My 23 year old Meade 4500 4.5" reflector is end of life, so it's time to replace with some new equipment. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the following thoughts. I have a bit of spendable money ($1000-$1500), so I'd buy a new sturdy mount, and a Newton or SCT with larger aperture. Leave some room for decent oculars and other accessories.
Question 1: For the Mount, i have following requirements:
it should be portable,
goto,
fit for astrophotography,
so I was looking in the direction of the Meade LX85. Is it good, are there better alternatives for this or a lower price?
Question 2: For the OTA, I have some requirements as well:
it should be portable
multipurpose: fit for astrophotography, fit for normal observing, fit for lunar, planetary and a shot at AP of dso;
would I be happy with a 8" reflector for a couple of years (compared to the 4.5" newton) or should I save some more and wait for an SCT? I'm not sure what I want/need here...
Put otherwise: what is the added value of the SCT at a higher cost, anyway? (and, which focal ratio?)
I have many other questions, but I'll save those for other topics once I have a clear view how to invest (or spend 😉 ) on my new mount and ota.
Reading suggestions welcome too !!!
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!