scope recomendations.

[Domis]

Hi, I'm looking to purchase a newt that would be comfortable on a CG5-advanced GT mount. Expecting at the moment to try some AP with a DSLR and webcam. I reside in the US, so any suggestions would have to be available here. Budget is about $600 USD but would like to save some of that for any required adapters needed to mount a camera or cam and of course rings and mounting bar for the scope if not included. I've been looking at some of Orion's products but I soon found that I have no clue as to how they would compare with some of the other brands which are out there. I would be very thankful for any advice offered.

[DOBBY]

Max payload of this mount is... 12.5 Kgs (27.5Lbs) 'scope + counter-weights + extras

this would seem to fit the criteria... Orion SkyView Pro 8" Equatorial Reflector Telescope | Orion Telescopes

[Domis]

Dobby, thanks for the response. That scope seems OK but I'm looking for just the OTA. Do you think this is the same OTA? 203mm f/4.9 Reflector Tube - Crayford-Style Focuser | Orion Telescopes What do you think of Orion's other offering? 8" f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope | Orion Telescopes

[ollypenrice]

I'd beware of the astrograph version unless you are ready for it to be a 'work in progress.' They generally need a lot of sorting out, the fast F ratio requiring very fine adjustment which the standard construction does not make easy.

In my view the mount is on the small side for a Newt. to be honest. For imaging that is. Camera, guidescope, cables, a bit of wind...

Olly

[Domis]

Thanks Olly, I would assume then that you would lean towards a small refractor or an SCT with this mount. Any suggestions as to what scopes to look in to?

[ollypenrice]

I wouldn't go withn a million miles of an SCT. The long focal lengths requires very very accurate autoguiding and this your mount might well fail to deliver.

Yes, I'd always say, 'Small fast apo with short focal length' to anyone starting out in imaging and not up for spending a lot on a premium mount.

Olly

[Domis]

Thanks for the insight Olly, I'll start looking into those options.