Orion Refractor, Astrophotography, & Suggestions

I'm in the process of purchasing my first (and hopefully only) telescope. I want to be able to use the telescope for backyard viewing of planets, the moon, and I guess some of the more prominent stars and nebula, etc. I'd also like to be able to take photos with my Nikon 35mm camera using the telescope (of both nighttime viewing and maybe some of the nature things in my backyard - like baby birds, etc.)

I'd like to get a scope that offers clear, crisp and detailed images of major planets, stars, etc. but I don't want a scope that offers set-up challenges or major calibrations, etc. I want it to be more fun than work but I don't want to be bored with it either in a few years time. I don't want a cheap, beginner scope, but can't afford the more deluxe models either. I'm looking to spend in the neighborhood of $500 to $700 and am looking for suggestions from you folks that have experience with the big 3 brands (Celestron, Meade and Orion).

I was looking at the Orion SkyView Pro 120mm EQ Refractor (Orion is selling it for $598 with dual axis drive, 2 eyepieces - 10mm and 25mm, 6 x 30 finder scope and steel leg tripod.) Anyone have experience with this (either good or bad)? Any other comparable scopes that I should consider in place of this one? If I go with this scope, any suggestions from owners of this scope?

In terms of eyepieces, in addition to the 2 included above, what other ones should I consider getting? What about the filters (moon, basic "4" filters, etc.)? Which ones are "must haves" that I'd definitely need with this scope?

Any other equipment I need in addition to the universal camera mount for my 35mm camera? Any helpful hints or things you have learned that would make this a more satifying hobby?

Any suggestions you folks have would be great appreciated. I've browsed through these web posts and find the information overwhelming and so helpful. If you can email your response to me, I'd greatly appreciate it to: [email protected]

Thanks!!!

Hi Bruce -

One of the best deals around right now is the Konus 8" reflector. It has 8" of aperture (enough that you won't get "bored" in a few years), and comes with a heavy duty CG-5 GEM mount with dual axis drives and a corrector handpaddle for astrophotography. An 8" f/5 is ideal for prime focus photography, and it includes built-in t-threads to mount your 35mm camera. The optics are excellent on these scopes ( I have one, and it has better optics than other scopes I own costing >$2000). These can be had for under $600 from Digitec Optical (look on the Astromart homepage) as well as other sources.

This is very similar to the Orion "Skyview Pro" 8" f/5, but it includes the motor drives, 2 good eyepieces, and a big 9x50mm finder.

If you want to see what it can do, check out the Digitec website, and you can see photos taken with this telescope. Incidentally, if you are interested in photography, stay away from dobs as they do not track the sky - you need to have some type of equatorial mount. If you are only interested in visual use, a dob is the best "bang for buck" out there.

This is, of course, all just my opinion - I hope it is helpful to you.

-J. Jacobson

Considering your interests (moon, planets, more popular DSO), you really don't need go-to. At the most, a copy of Astronomy/Sky&Telescope should be all you need to point out the most visible planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) when you first go out, as they are pretty obvious. Of course, if you can't find the moon. . .check to make sure you are actually outside!

I have a LX90, a go-to scope. I used the go-to feature at first for the novelty of it. It is now a hassle to get it set up. I just slew it manually. It is handy for faint deep sky and satelites, though.

I can't comment too much on the Orion scope, though I am thinking of getting the skyview pro as well. Its not the best telescope when compared to every other one on the market, but from what I have read, for the money it is a very nice scope.
Jason