130p with dual-speed focuser and az-eq mount

[Astro G]

I'm looking into buying my first telescope, and after countless hours of research and readings (a lot on this forum I must say!) I think I'm pretty decided on a Skywatcher 130pds.

My intend will be general observing (so probably a bit of lunar and planetary to start with but surely more DSOs soon after) and aiming at "playing around" with astrophotography. For this purpose I've been quite appealed by the dual speed focuser offered on the 130dps, as well as its aperture size and portability for the price.

Now I can't seem to find a 130dps sold with mount but I've been quite appealed by the az-eq mount found on the recent starquest line or explorer 130ps, as it would provide both the alt-az ability to freely stargaze all while allowing a more steady setup required for tracking in AP without having to require to 2 mounts (again, portability in mind). However I can't seem to find either of these mounts sold on their own. 

So here are a few questions:

1. Is there any other (budget) mount alternatives that would allow such hybrid az/eq mode of operation? 

2. Would it be possible to add a dual-speed focuser like this one:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-focusers/dual-speed-crayford-1252-inch-focuser-for-skywatcher-explorer.html

On an Explorer 130ps (ie. https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/telescopes/sky-watcher-explorer-130ps-telescope-and-az-eq-avant-mount/) or Starquest 130p (ie. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/sky-watcher-starquest-130p-f5-parabolic-newtonian-reflector-telescope.html) and essentially convert either of those into a 130dps?

3. Any suggestions for another alternative scope worth considering is still welcome, although I feel quite settled on a 130mm reflector with fast focal ratio. 

Many thanks 🙂

Edited December 6, 2020 by Astro G

[AstroMuni]

13 hours ago, Astro G said:

essentially convert either of those into a 130dps?

The PDS version has been adapted with a shorter tube length and the secondary mirror positioned closer to the primary mirror for more convenient prime-focus photography. With the others you may have to do this yourself.

[Andrew Singleton]

I can confirm the pds is a fantastic scope. The perfect one for learning the basics like collimation before taking on larger scopes. 

 

As mentioned don't get the other skywatcher 130 as you won't achieve focus without a Barlow, ok for planets, not so much deep sky. 

Edited December 7, 2020 by Andrew Singleton

[Astro G]

OK thanks, that's good to know, I was wondering if there was other differences. 

I just have to find a mount then. Any suggestions for an affordable one easy enough to start with?