Switch10

Exactly, I'm trying to make sure any investment now isn't wasted if I want to upgrade my scope or move more into AP in the future. Ideally, I'd go with the HEQ5 but it's out of budget for me hence trying to figure out if EQ-5 Pro or EQM-35 will be a good investment

Thanks all, very useful advice. Got some thinking to do and decisions to make now.

Thanks Alan. The issue I have is the HEQ5 is out of my budget because i want both a new mount and scope Will an EQ5/EQM35 plus 150/200PDS be an adequate setup to uprgade from my current setup (114 on basic EQ mount)? If i can save some money but still get a good setup, I'd prefer that.

Thanks both for the replies I'm still saying "wow" a lot in my 114mm as it had been so long since I've looked through a scope so look forward to greater detail with a bigger aperture. I understand where you're coming from re. concentrate on visual for now, any thoughts on which mount to invest in, the EQ5 or HEQ-5? To make my choice more difficult, I've just got back from my local astronomy shop who introduced me to the SW EQM-35 Pro mount as well which to be honest I'm leaning towards as it's good some good specs including a 10kg payload plus other improvements that seem to put it in line with the EQ5 Pro. Choices choices...

Hi everyone, I'm new here and wanted to get some opinion to help me make a decision on what telescope to upgrade to. I've recently got back into astronomy after a long period of lapse so for the last few months have been using my (very) old 114mm reflector scope. It has served me well from using it when I was a lot younger but I'm after something more substantial now as I'm really getting back into astronomy as a hobby. I'd like a scope that balances good visual observing but also allows me to partake in some casual astrophotography (lunar/planetary/some DSOs). I've landed on two choices, one within my budget and one out of budget but from what I've read may be a better investment. I'm currently leaning towards a Skywatcher 150PDS on EQ5 Pro Syncscan mount but for an extra £300, the Skywatcher 200PDS on HEQ5 is also on my radar. The reason I'm torn is because the 150PDS will gather 70% more light than my 114mm so will be a big upgrade and also if I get into AP more in the future, the EQ5 mount would be more than enough to mount a smaller refractor/guide scope setup. It's also more portable than the 200PDS which is a requirement for me. However, I've read a lot online about the HEQ5 mount being the best choice and given I can get the 200PDS on that, that would be a huge upgrade visually from my 114mm. Any help / opinions would be greatly received. Thanks.