First Scope

[briman]

Hello to everyone. I am new to this game but have wanted a decent scope for many years.

I would like to view the moon and planets but also further afield and have read good reports on the Skywatcher Explorer 200P EQ5 GOTO.

Is this a good choice? What are the pros and cons?

What about initial accessories - power, dew shield, moon filter etc?

Thanks in anticipation.

cheers,

Brian

[brantuk]

Hi Brian and welcome to SGL

The EQ5 Goto is a great mount for smaller, lighter scopes under 8" diameter. The 200P will work on it but you have to have perfect calm conditions and be well balanced in both planes. Even then you may find you have to wait a few seconds for vibrations to dissipate after using the focuser.

An HEQ5 would be a better mount for that size because it will give you more stability. You'll find it more often on a dobsonian mount as a cheaper alternative - but it can't be used for dso photography in that configuration.

You would need a powerpack for any goto scope if used away from mains outlets. This can be anything from a 17ah car starter type to a 110ah leisure battery. A collimation tool is an absolute essential and a dew shield would be a useful inital accessory - hope that helps

[briman]

Thanks for the advice Brantuk. More things for me to consider before telling Santa what I would like!

cheers,

Brian

[swamp thing]

Thanks for the advice Brantuk. More things for me to consider before telling Santa what I would like!

cheers,

Brian

Are you sure he'll get it down the chimney.

Regards Steve

[briman]

Are you sure he'll get it down the chimney.

Regards Steve

I'll make some special arrangements with him - we go back a long way!

cheers,

Brian