Jim Beaumont

Thank you all for all the feedback and recommendations. I think I will be taking the plunge into what has been described to me as 'cash blowing worthwhile adventure' very soon. Again, many thanks.

I have settled on the Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 SyncScan AZ Goto as my choice, to use a viewing scope with maybe some basic AP. I believe it gives me the flexability of nothing to big as to be arduous to get out in to the garden when wanted, gives me good viewing of planetry and some deeper objects at a reasonable price, with the advantage (i think) of the remote control ability. Is their any users here that agree/disagree or can offer advice of extra's needed/would be good things to have given my budget is £800 and the scope is £500. Or maybe offer a better alternative even? Thanks in advance.

Yes i think it was slightly out of focus too. Sonething else i need to work on lol. I think also the cropping was done during the stacking, as i didn't do any personally. Big learning curve.

Sure.

Thanks. I know its not much, but it's a start lol 80 @ 5s with 20 flats. ISO 800. Using a handheld shutter switch.

Completely new to this, i was recommended to get just a 50mm f1.8 lens for my Canon 1000D, stick it on the tripod and give it a go before spending money on scope's etc. Make sure your happy to comit the money!! So on the first clear(ish) night, I targeted Altair. Here is my offering after stacking under DSS, post production (not much, this needs a lot of learning) under GIMP. First.tif

I'm just getting started with this new hobby myself, and in talking to the local Observatory Society, they said if the end game is AP then just try a simple camera and tripod with a prime lense before spending bigger cash on a scope. Having a Canon 1000D from a few years back, they also recommended a prime lense 50mm f1.8 just to get used to taking lights, bias etc with the best chance to get decent photos in short shots (3-10 secs) and then learning the stacking post production process. This way i will get a better feel for what i want to do and where i want to spend my money later. The prime lense has arrived this morning, so here's for a clear sky tonight.

I've been enthralled reading this thread, as I am having the same dilemma but I am lucky enough to have a larger (sorry) budget of up to £800 (very lucky 50th birthday offering from the good lady indoors). I have been reading, watching Youtube videos galore and fell on the 200P EQ5 as my choice, and now reading more in to this scope and mount (its well within budget, with room to buy those extra essentials that often get spoke of). I was hoping to visit a Rother Valley Optics, but Covid has put a stop to that for now, however I have a Zoom call with my local Observatory Society club on Monday night to hopefully get more advice to make the final, informed decision. Really intrigued to here how your getting on with your purchase though.

Just in the process of deciding upon my first telescope, and was directed to this post. Brilliant, honest and a good insight into the reality of what it will be like. Thank you.