pequod

Thanks for the replies. I can still use the Nikon for astrophotography but will never modify it. It is out of warranty but still fairly new and immaculate, and of course used for terrestrial. I will keep watch for a canon (modified even better) for future use. I have seen U-toob videos of the conversion - a bit scary, but I could handle it. Is it neccessary to add an additional filter to maintain the focus - and what about the IR focus being different. This is where it gets complicated for me. Can you point me to any reports on this?

I'm OK with that. I always thought I sometimes live in a vacuum.

I would like to buy a 2nd hand Canon Rebel DSLR for astrophotography . I do not wish to modify my Nikon DSLR. I have read that the Canon is a suitable candidate for modifications and obtainable 2nd hand relatively cheaply. How far back in models do I need to go to get something suitable?

Thanks Red Dwarf, that really helps me. Also thanks to Star Forming. I did see the Skywatcher and it would be a good one to start. However, the Williams and Takahashi are well out of budget for now as I would have to add EP’s etc to this price. Maybe a Takahashi next time. I need to look at an alternative mount. The VX is more expensive. Maybe I will start from sctratch.

Hi. Just joined the forum and looking for advice. Living in Spain so have about 300 days clear skies per year. Astophotography is my main interest. I have decided on the CG-5 mount as it can handle a wide range of OTA's and has "go-to". I would like a 100mm APO refractor, but not yet as funds are tight. So I was thinking of a smaller, cheaper (70mm or whatever) which could be used as an autoguider at a later date. Current buget for this OTA is €700 (including IP's finder etc). I have a small DSLR and a microscope CCD which will be used. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Some supliers list a reducer/corrector for photography. Why would I need this on an APO? Thanks, Ed