Ready to break in to AP

Ok after realizing the cost needed to get into AP and doing a little homework I am within a few weeks of being able to make a large purchase so that I can begin to do some legit AP. I have been watching this package http://www.celestron.c​om …omy/celestron-c6-sgt.html And I plan to get the autoguider for this separately, probably used off of astromart. Now for the questions. Is this tube good for imaging nebula clusters? There seem to be many APO refractors under $700 that have very good reviews but I am always a little disappointed with their low zoom capabilities, most seem to be in the range of 400-600mm. Also what other accessories will I need besides what come with this package and the autoguider. I assume I will need a power supply but are there any sort of focusing parts or eye pieces that I need to purchase separately? Also does the SkySync GPS help to polar align and guide or just polar align? Thanks everyone

400-600mm would be good for most nebula. 1500mm is too long for most nebula but would be better for those smaller objects like galaxies. I would say that shorter focal length would be a better option to start off with as polar alignment is not as critical.

Ok so a refractor would be a better way to go than the schmidt casegrain because I will over shoot the nebula with 1500mm, got it. Next question. A. Is this a good tube to begin with? https://www.astronomic​s.com …aph-telescope_p18437.aspx and B. What do they mean when they say in the Specs column "Highest useful magnification" 140X ?

calypsob wrote in post #15181750
Ok so a refractor would be a better way to go than the schmidt casegrain because I will over shoot the nebula with 1500mm, got it. Next question. A. Is this a good tube to begin with? https://www.astronomic​s.com …aph-telescope_p18437.aspx and B. What do they mean when they say in the Specs column "Highest useful magnification" 140X ?

I would say yes, this is a suitable scope for Astrophotography. Whether it's value for money or not is another thing as it lacks a few pieces of included accessories. My ED80 comes in a nice aluminium case with an illuminated finder scope, a nice dual speed focuser, dielectric diagonals and a 30mm 2" eyepiece.

both are good, it really depends on what your imaging, the 6"SCT would be used with a focal reducer anyway, so youd have around 900+f/l, i use both the 6"SCT and 400 ED refractor