Buying the equipment

[Anne Shipley]

Hi all, I am completely new to astronomy but have studied astrology for over 20 years and I am always fascinated by the stars. I am also moving to the Peak District, hopefully next month and will have amazing views of the skies. I want to get into astrophotography and have a Sony A6000 which I would like to hook up to the telescope. I have been doing some research on different telescopes and it is mind blowing. One that has been suggested to me is the Bresser Messier NT-203/1000 Hexafoc EXOS-2/EQ5 Telescope, and I wonder what people thought of this, and remarkably it is in stock in some places. Also, I'm aware I need to get a compatible t-ring for the camera, are there any other accessories that I would need?

[Carbon Brush]

Hello Ann. Welcome to SGL.
The Peak District will give you amazing views of the night sky.
Take your time over choosing a telescope. Have read on SGL. There are hundreds of 'my first scope' type of threads.
Your first scope choice will in part be influenced by where you store, and where you view.
A big reflector is not a good choice if it has to compete for space in the broom cupboard and you have to negotiate lots of steps.
Maybe stick with something more portable until you you have moved into your new house?
On astrophotography. This can be money pit. An EQ5 mount is on the small side for the big scope you mention.
Take your, enjoy the views, ask the questions.
Above all, don't do any big spending yet.
On astrology and astronomy. The both begin and end with the same letters. Beyond that they are chalk and cheese.
David.

[Anne Shipley]

Thank you David,

I'm just finding there is too much choice out there, but yes, will take my time and do my research!

Thanks

Anne

[Spile]

My recommendation is that you forget astrophotography for the time being and start with visual astronomy. There is a ton of stuff you can do with your eyes especially with a dark sky.

Getting to know the asterisms, constellations, main stars and objects like the Orion nebula, Pleiades and Andromeda will give you a sound foundation. 

[Cosmic Geoff]

This outfit is in stock? Not necessarily a good sign, in the current situation. 🙂

I used to have a 203mm f5 Newtonian on an EQ-5 manual mount. I thought the combination was horrible and soon abandoned it.  This outfit is not well suited to beginning deep space astrophotography.  The typical deep space imaging outfit is a small high-quality refractor on a heavy GoTo equatorial mount.

If you are interested in deep space astrophotography, you should obtain and read "Making Every Photon Count" by Steve Richards, available from FLO. It could save you from making expensive purchasing errors.