Selecting a New Scope

[jandcando]

I currently have a Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ that I got for Christmas from my grandparents, and it has been a great learning experience. It has gotten me interested in astrophotography, but this scope just isn't powerful enough for planetary imaging. (And the tripod annoys me.) Can anyone point me to another scope that would suit my astrophotography needs? I would like to eventually take pictures of distant nebulae, but the price needs to be not much more than $1,000. I have noticed that whenever I go shopping for telescopes online, it is as if a universe of telescope shops is sealed off to me; I just don't see very large telescopes like the ones I have noticed people use here. So if you don't feel like shopping for me, I would also like some advice on where to look for what I want.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'll leave it to those who know better than i do, but i dont think a 127mm scope on an EQ mount is bad (certainly not for observing). However............for imaging i think the tripod is wrong. Those Celestron EQ tripods are not the best because they suffer from vibrations. 

For planetary imaging and deep space imaging, most people tend to do it via webcams or CCD.

I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you better.

[ronin]

The "hiccup" is there are visual and imaging setups, but within the imaging side there are DSO and planetary setups.

For DSO's you need an equitorial mount, preferably goto and a short fast scope, the camera needs to be able to take long exposure images.

For Planets the equipment seems to be a Mak or SCT, Alt/Az mount will do and the camera is usually a webcam and it takes a movie. Also usually a 2x or 3x barlow is added to increase the image size.

So planetary and DSO imaging is different.

If you get a Mak/SCT then it's use for DSO imaging is limited for use later in that field.

I suspect the easy option is buy an inexpensive Mak on an Alt/Az mount and go do some planetary imaging (All 2 of them), you can use the Mak for some visual, but you have the 127.

DSO imaging is somewhat specialist and there is sort of "minimum" level of equipment - good mount, good scope, camera, remote timer, t-ring.

Fitting a DSLR to some reflectors is a problem, they fit but cannot get achieve a sharp focus/image.

[jandcando]

Interesting... I guess I'll have to contemplate what I want to do then.

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi 'jancando' and welcome to SGL. 

If the tripod is your biggest gripe, then how about pouring concrete/mortar down the tripod legs. It should make it steadier and help reduce vibrations.

As for photographing DSO's then a sturdy, accurate polar aligned mount is a must have. I do not think you will get a lot for US$1000.00 

Please accept my apologies if I appear negative. Just my 2p, (in your case '2 cents'), worth.