What to buy?

[phooey]

Ok so here's the thing.  I am new to astronomy and need some advice on what to buy.  I want to focus (no pun intended) on astrophotography and planning to buy a scope something like a 200mm reflector.

I know I shall also need a motorised EQ mount.

So, I am thinking of 200p with motorised EQ5.  Does this sound right?  If not any advice.  Will this allow me to hook my camera up and take pics of planets, galaxies etc.

This is proving to be a mindfield in terms of what is available.

Thanks guys. 

[Herra Kuulapaa]

Your total imaging weight will be over the capacity of EQ5 if you put 200p and camera etc on it. HEQ5 should be a better option.

200mm reflector can be a bit difficult to begin with and I'd consider a decent FL refractor instead. Polar alignment and tracking is easier with less focal length.

[John]

Hello and welcome to the forum !

Astrophotography is quite a specialised field and the equipment needs are really quite different to visual astronomy.

If you are really keen to follow the astrophotography path then I'd suggest the book "Make Every Photon Count" by Steve Richards who is a member of this forum:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/books/making-every-photon-count-steve-richards.html

I know it's rather dull to recommend research rather than equipment but you are right, it's a minefield and very easy to invest in something that "seemed like a good idea" but is later regretted.

Deep sky photography, as least initially, seems to be best carried out with a small scope (say an 80mm ED refractor) on a largish mount (eg: HEQ5) for maximum stability.

For visual observing the above might not satisfy for too long though - hence my comment about different equipment needs.

[phooey]

Thanks guys ... The book looks like a sensible starting point.  Also spotted a nice bit of kit on the site,  200P with computerised HEQ5 for just under a £1000.  That is about my limit so think it might be wise to read the book first and get an idea.

Trouble is, I know that starting with a smaller refractor will be sensible but in the long run it'll cost me so much more because I'll be wanting to upgrade before it's come out of the box.  So, going for the biggest and best that I can afford first off gives me some time to learn how to use it and outgrow it giving plenty of time to save more money.

[PeterCPC]

In this case the biggest is not always the best. John has given some excellent advice about a short FL Frac.

Peter

[John]

Trouble is, I know that starting with a smaller refractor will be sensible but in the long run it'll cost me so much more because I'll be wanting to upgrade before it's come out of the box.  So, going for the biggest and best that I can afford first off gives me some time to learn how to use it and outgrow it giving plenty of time to save more money.

Not necessarily. A small refractor can give stunning results. When I go to the SGL star party I notice that experienced imagers still use relatively small refractors on large and relatively sophisticated mounts.

Going for an scope that is large creates a lot of challenges that may well prove really difficult to overcome and end up putting you off. It's a very exacting business indeed.

[salas]

After lots of research starting out on astro photography I came down on the side of a refractor and a decent mount (HEQ5). I upgraded scope recently paying a kings ransom and still went for an average sized 80mm refractor as opposed to a large aperture tube. So far the results have been awesome. Generally speaking a large scope is not necessary for astro photography. The bigger the diameter scopes will collect light quicker than smaller ones resulting in shorter exposure times with your camera. On a good mount like the HEQ5 you can take long exposures with a smaller scope negating the need for a large aperture scope. I'm probably over simplifying things but I reckon for a grand you could get a decent set up - look for a 2nd hand HEQ5. You can always upgrade stuff as you go. If you don't already have a DSLR don't be afraid to buy second hand, you can pick up some absolute crackers cheap.

Steve

[sidelight]

A lot depends on your potential targets, I enjoy going after nebula and can tell you my 200P has not been on the mount for over a year.  My 130PDS get used as its lower focal length is better suited to these (and is less affected by the slightest breeze).

Whatever you go for reflector/refractor do your homework and allow in your budget for field flatteners/coma correctors etc.

Cheers

Ross

[phooey]

Thanks to everyone ... a lot to think about.