Telescope info

So I want to try and take moon shots and other intergalactic things. What would be a good telescope that can do automatic tracking and which I can be able to mount a camera (either a 5D3 or Sony NEX).

What other things should I consider and/or need to know? I've tried to read online but seems like there's a mixed ideas out there (or maybe I don't understand their lingo).

My other 2 requirements: I should be able to take sharp pics of the moon and it shouldn't cost an arm and leg. Again, I need something that will keep track of what I'm looking at.

Thank you.

How much does an arm and a leg cost? You could get the moon with a basic CG5-gt and telescope package for $799

This is what I just bought for astrophotography.

http://www.telescope.c​om …tor-Telescope/p/24281.uts

There are three types of mounts. Dobsonian, Alt/Az and Equatorial. If you want to take pictures and have your camera negate the rotation of the planet so that it stays on target, you want an equatorial mount.

I own a Dobsonian-mounted Newtonian, which I have used for taking amazing shots of the moon. Cost was around $300. But you have to move the scope yourself and it won't follow anything automatically.

I also own that scope and mount I linked above. It follows whatever object you want to track in the sky once you've aligned it properly. The mount also has a good payload-to-weight ratio for the optical tube, my Canon 550D and the guide scope (sold separately).

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Astrophotography is an expensive hobby. There's always another item you need that will make your photos that much better. You have light pollution? You may need a filter for that. Your pictures have stretched stars on the edges? You may want a field flattener. Is the focal length of the scope a bit too long? You may want a focal reducer. You want to take pictures of planets? You may want a CCD camera. Can't get focus with the CCD camera? Might need an extension tube. Image not big enough? Might want a Barlow. Or two. The list goes on and on.

2. If doing astrophotography, the weight of all your gear, when mounted on your mount, should not exceed 50% of the payload capacity. That includes your camera, the guide camera/guide scope, the extension tube, the t-ring and t-mount, the optical tube, etc.

Might want to read up over at StarGazersLounge.com or CloudyNights.com and get some expert opinion. A sturdy mount should be where the bulk of your cash goes. Not trying to dissuade you - I think this is a great hobby but it has also cost a fortune and I have a list of things a mile long I want to buy that will make my photos better.

This is the kind of info I was looking for. Thank you very much for taking time to write this. There are always what seems to be a good deal found from my local CL but I'm always scared of buying something that is going to be something that I didn't expect.

To calypsob, thanks for your suggestion too. Will look into this.

atmenterprises wrote in post #15327185
This is what I just bought for astrophotography.

http://www.telescope.c​om …tor-Telescope/p/24281.uts

There are three types of mounts. Dobsonian, Alt/Az and Equatorial. If you want to take pictures and have your camera negate the rotation of the planet so that it stays on target, you want an equatorial mount.

I own a Dobsonian-mounted Newtonian, which I have used for taking amazing shots of the moon. Cost was around $300. But you have to move the scope yourself and it won't follow anything automatically.

I also own that scope and mount I linked above. It follows whatever object you want to track in the sky once you've aligned it properly. The mount also has a good payload-to-weight ratio for the optical tube, my Canon 550D and the guide scope (sold separately).

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Astrophotography is an expensive hobby. There's always another item you need that will make your photos that much better. You have light pollution? You may need a filter for that. Your pictures have stretched stars on the edges? You may want a field flattener. Is the focal length of the scope a bit too long? You may want a focal reducer. You want to take pictures of planets? You may want a CCD camera. Can't get focus with the CCD camera? Might need an extension tube. Image not big enough? Might want a Barlow. Or two. The list goes on and on.

2. If doing astrophotography, the weight of all your gear, when mounted on your mount, should not exceed 50% of the payload capacity. That includes your camera, the guide camera/guide scope, the extension tube, the t-ring and t-mount, the optical tube, etc.

Might want to read up over at StarGazersLounge.com or CloudyNights.com and get some expert opinion. A sturdy mount should be where the bulk of your cash goes. Not trying to dissuade you - I think this is a great hobby but it has also cost a fortune and I have a list of things a mile long I want to buy that will make my photos better.