Del6600 Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Hi,I have been interested in astronomy for some time, using quite basic scopes. I am retiring in the next few week so have decided the time has come to invest in some better equipment. Below is what I am thinking about getting which I hope will allow all forms of gazing. Your views and opinions appreciated. Spec: Skywatcher Explorer 200PDS HEQ5 Pro GOTO Telescope Antares ND Moon Filters 2" Density: 13%Density Skywatcher M48 x 0.75 SLR Adaptor For Coma Correctors Camera: Camera: Nikon D90 Skywatcher 2'' Coma Corrector Deben Tracer 12v Lithium Polymer Battery Packs 10Ah Skywatcher x2 Super Deluxe ED Barlow Lens 2"Del Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charic Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Hi Del6600.........welcome. If you're just gazing, I would suggest the Skyliner Dobsonian instead.If your needing astrophotography then what you suggest is a starting point.The Skyliner takes a few seconds to put in place and start using. The GoTo will need accurate setup and alignment EVERY time. so just for visual work, save the effort and stick with the Dobsonian. Both scopes would still need a cooling period to ambient temperatures, and both require similar collimation.About £380 for Skyliner and two of my EP's! (Only opinions remember - enjoy your struggle with the decisions ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Do you already own the d90?(Hi) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldpink Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Hi thereyour choice is similar to my first imaging rig and it will serve you well for both visual & astro photographyI suggest using a laptop and software to control the scope for imagingif you want to image as well as observe a dobsonian isn't a good choice due to field rotationbut you seem to have the basics sorted but be prepared when I started 6 months ago with this hobby it got seriousand my bank account has suffered greatly but I'm glad I took the plunge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del6600 Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 Hi Del6600.........welcome. If you're just gazing, I would suggest the Skyliner Dobsonian instead.If your needing astrophotography then what you suggest is a starting point.The Skyliner takes a few seconds to put in place and start using. The GoTo will need accurate setup and alignment EVERY time. so just for visual work, save the effort and stick with the Dobsonian. Both scopes would still need a cooling period to ambient temperatures, and both require similar collimation.About £380 for Skyliner and two of my EP's! (Only opinions remember - enjoy your struggle with the decisions )Quick reply, thank you. Yes I do intend astrophotography which is why I thought (after a lot of research) this spec. I appreciate the set up procedure but I think if used regularly it should become common place.DelDo you already own the d90?(Hi)Yes had for 2 years. I have various lenses inc 18 to 200 Nikon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del6600 Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 Hi thereyour choice is similar to my first imaging rig and it will serve you well for both visual & astro photographyI suggest using a laptop and software to control the scope for imagingif you want to image as well as observe a dobsonian isn't a good choice due to field rotationbut you seem to have the basics sorted but be prepared when I started 6 months ago with this hobby it got seriousand my bank account has suffered greatly but I'm glad I took the plungeHiYes intend useing my Dell Precision M6600 laptop (w7 pro). I am aware of the bank account problem, I am retiering from running a IT company for the last 33 years, so this is my treat.Del Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 If you are thinking of imaging it is regularly suggested to read the book making every proton count.18mm lens nice for wide field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charic Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 .........for astro work, stick with the solution you have.You're right about regular use, things do become easier / natural, but the EQ setup just takes a little more attention to detail, to get things right. It also takes a little more space than a Dob? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldpink Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 HiYes intend useing my Dell Precision M6600 laptop (w7 pro). I am aware of the bank account problem, I am retiering from running a IT company for the last 33 years, so this is my treat.DelsnapI've been running an IT company and more recently my own PA / multi media companydecided to retire early to take advantage of my circumstances and really get into this hobbyand I still have the company to keep my bank manager marginally happy with my spending habitsonly this week I spent £2500 on a new PA system that is going out on hire this week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del6600 Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 snapI've been running an IT company and more recently my own PA / multi media companydecided to retire early to take advantage of my circumstances and really get into this hobbyand I still have the company to keep my bank manager marginally happy with my spending habitsonly this week I spent £2500 on a new PA system that is going out on hire this weekcan't take it with you so spend it and enjoy. Hopefully there will be some cloudless nights in the next few months, it's not good at the moment, rain, rain followed by rain!! I wish I purchased my intended system a month or two ago, cloudless nights one after the other. Looking positive I am sure it will get better? Good luck.Del Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhwaz Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I would think about NEQ6 instead HEQ5 if you can spare the extra cash would make it future proof and much more stable 200pds acts like big sail in wind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del6600 Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 Thank you all for your commentsUhwaz: you comment re NEQ6 is correct, my only concern was the extra weight, I plan on carrying my system when not useing at home in my motorhome, with all the other things that are carried weight becomes a consideration.Once again thank you to all of you.Will post back when the new system is up and running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 What about making a dob base for it when taking it on the motorhome would that be less weight and take up less space? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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