Telescope Help Please

[lanyonjones]

Hi, this is my first post of any kind so help is needed. I want to buy my first telescope and interested in the William Optics Megrez 72 Doublet APO DDG Telescope. Opinions would be appreciated please. What type of tripod do I need I would like advise as I am interested in taking photos and tracking stars.

[jfox61]

Have you considered the Altair Astro or Ikharus 80mm ED APO. Look for them on Altair Astros own site or Iankingimaging for the Ikharus, they are less than 2/3rds the price. Ok so you don't get the spanky new digital readout but I don't seroulsy know how many times I would actually use that. You will need a field flattener/reducer if you are taking AP. You will also need a good, motorised or goto Equatorial mount. Something like an EQ5 synscan or Celestron CG5GT. Better still but more expense a HEQ5 or 6.

[NGC 1502]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

If you go to a good supplier, like our sponsors FLO, or Ian King imaging, Greenwitch near Cambridge, Telescope House, and I'm sure there are others, you will get good advice.

It's worth paying a bit more by buying from somewhere that knows what they are talking about. Buying from a "know nothing" source is more expensive in the long run.

Regards, Ed.