If you are really concerned about image quality, I would shy away from the Schmidt Cassegrain (SCT) telescopes. You'll get a much better image through a Newtonian. I have made several hundred newtonians, many of which are 6" f10 scopes. Almost without exception, people comment that the image through them is far superior to the image through an 8" SCT. I think you will also get a better image through a Newtonian for astrophotography, too. Many people call me prejudiced here, but my opinions are backed up by many members of the general public, who are not used to looking through a telescope. They comment freely at star parties about images they have seen in telescopes. I have also had the same comments from teachers I have worked with as they compare images. Another advantage to a Newtonian (without GOTO) is that you get a chance to be on a first name basis with the stars. You get to really know the sky, and it becomes a part of you. If you want to do astrophotography, you can get access to SPOC. Those scopes will give you a better image, and are already set up to do the job. Very careful alignment is a must for good astrophotographs. SPOC is already aligned, and you won't have to spend hours aligning to get a good shot. All the equipment is already there, too. Brent --- John Renstrom <JohnRenstrom@hotmail.com> wrote:
I have been doing a bit of research on the web and noticed that there are some Meade scopes that have what appears to be a wedge mount...I would like to get a scope that could allow for equatorial rotation but still maintain it's auto find features? I am heavily leaning towards a Nexstar 8 or Nexstar 11 for the ease of use and quality...However, I loose the auto find feature as soon as I put it on a wedge.
From all my research over the past few years, I have nailed down my buying decision based on the following priorities: #1 Ease of use (Auto Find Features)...This is absolutely the most important thing because this is my first scope. #2 Quality of image...I want to make sure I don't under buy...I am afraid I might get bored if the image quality isn't very good. #3 Photography...Long term goal.
I would appreciate any opinions of other scopes that might meet my needs.
Thanks, JohnRen
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