Celestron AstroMaster 130

This scope is on craigslist for a decent price (I think) and I saw there is a battery operated drive that be purchased for tracking. I do realize this is a low end scope. So my question is 1) does anyone have first hand experience with this scope, and 2) what if I mounted my camera on this for astrophotography, maybe I could get decent exposure for a couple of minutes? Or would this be an exercise in frustration.

Scope

Drive

An exercise in frustration would be a fair description. We all have to start somewhere but starting with the added challenges of an unstable tripod, poor(if not unusable with a DSLR) focuser, questionable accuracy and a tiny finder scope will more than likely make the experience disappointing. Two minute exposures are not likely and maybe near impossible even with a good polar alignment, which in itself will be difficult. If you factor in the weight of a DSLR (I'm assuming that's what you'll be using) and the mount will be struggling. There may not be enough counter weight included with this scope to properly balance the added weight of the camera.

The first obstacle would be whether or not the focuser will allow you to focus as well as attach a DSLR. Most(if not all) factory Newtonians at this price point are not designed for imaging. They don't have enough travel to attain focus with a DSLR. A low profile focuser would be needed and would cost more than the telescope and may not even be available for this particular scope.

Sorry, but I would not recommend this one. It's probably a good beginner rig for visual observation.

I figured as much, although if I had this I'd remove the scope before attaching the camera