Evanr

Thank you all. I must admit I’m impressed with the sharing of knowledge in this hobby already. In the time I wrote my first thread I have actually purchased the edge HD and there was a special on the SW 120/600 frac as the basic kit so i have bought them both for different reasons. The AZ3 mount seems a bit rough around the edges but it’ll do to start me. The biggest learning I have found is that I need to respect the equipment for different reasons and there is a certain level of patience and knowledge I’m happy to commit to. I’m excited! Im off to Coral Bay next week which is a coastal location about 14 hours drive north of Perth in Western Australia. Last time I was up there was pre COVID and I remember thinking about getting a telescope to view the night sky so this will be a good moment. The dark skies are so amazing in this part of the world you almost don’t need a telescope you just lay on the ground and look up. It is insane. Obviously I have one now so I’m looking forward to a bit of viewing practise. Thanks everyone for your advice. I will post a non telescoped picture of the sky with my standard DSLR for you all. Later Evan

https://www.space.com/amp/astrophotographer-12-years-mosaic-image-milky-way-galaxy

Thanks @nfotis im starting to think I need 2 telescopes! That video review is great and has almost settled my mind on not getting the 925 as I need a bit more portability. As you say I need to assess what I want to do with it. With me being an amateur photographer the appetite for AP I know will come eventually but I have young kids and I know that sucks a lot of time late at night. I’m sure when I have more time it will be easier to manage. I guess that’s reason I was looking at the 8 edge as it was high quality but wasn’t a refractor. Plus I just like them. I really like the look of the Williams optics refractors or the redcats or the larger SW Esprits. That’s a $10k AUD exercise though. This seems like a sweet setup. Ive watched a few vids and read a lot to get my knowledge up but the majority of online chatter is to do with AP.

Thanks @Starflyer i was looking at the CGX mount for the 925. The neq6 is nice. The guys at the shop recommended the eq6. $$ though

Thanks @Cosmic Geoff yeh I think that’s it. If I wanted to do photography the edge is a better long term choice. good points on tube loading. ‘I was looking at the 120 SW originally. Big jump from $900 to the EDs. ‘I’ll see what the stock situation on Monday is. Thanks for equip advice. ‘Evan

Hi everyone. This is my first post! im just about to make my first scope and mount purchase. I’ve done some research and am looking for a high quality viewing scope to get to know everything. My other presrequisite is good portability as I live in Western Australia and dark skies are quite accessible with short car rides. I have young kids too and think they will love it. ‘I’ve been looking at the 8inch edge HD but there are none of them in OZ. This is my pick for what I want. There are quite a few standard 925s around and people have said to me this size and performance will beat the edge HD in quality. I’m aware this is a vague statement. I’m not too versed on my tech speak yet. I do know the edge has corrector technology and a few other elements that the standard doesn’t but I’m questioning if my novice eye would notice. the 925 is bigger and if I want to experiment with any accessories in the future I’ll be better off getting a bigger mount. This means my portability factor goes down. is there anyone who has experience who can answer if the small edge HD would outshine the standard 925? Lots speak very highly of the 925. thanks Evan