What do you guys think of this for a first setup?

For the telescope:
http://www.telescope.c​om/control/product/~ca​tegory_id=optical_tube​/~product_id=09959

For the auto-tracker:
http://www.telescope.c​om/control/product/~ca​tegory_id=astro-imaging_scopes/~pcateg​ory=astro-imaging/~product_id=24​770

And for the mount:
http://www.telescope.c​om/control/product/~ca​tegory_id=mounts_and_t​ripods/~pcategory=acce​ssories/~product_id=09​648


I'm also considering this as a scope:
http://www.telescope.c​om …escopes/~produc​t_id=09895

The 80 ED would serve you far better on the CG-5. The CG-5 would not be my suggestion for shooting at 1200mm FL like the Newtonian you linked. Starting out, think short focal length and fast optics. Especially with a mount that really isn't a good candidate for long exposure work. Autoguiding will help but periodic (gear) error will make it a challenge.

If you could find one of these used and in good working order you'd have a good mount for the 80ED and one to expand on down the road a bit. I would spend as much possible on your mount, even a multi-thousand dollar telescope takes poor photos on a poor mount. Not saying the CG-5 is poor just making the point that your mount will be the foundation for your imaging efforts so make it as solid and capable as you can afford.
http://www.telescope.c​om …product/~produc​t_id=24338

You might want to spend some time shooting without autoguiding at first just to get the feel for things. Accurate alignment and rig balance alone is enough to keep you busy for a while. Autoguiding is a bit advanced and I'm sure you'll adapt to it but it's really far from a "beginner" or first rig procedure. There's much to learn in this hobby and it's easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated so feel free to ask questions and share your challenges, plenty of experienced and helpful folks here.

I agree with Steve; I have a CG-5 with an Onyx 80EDF (500mm) and while I'm really early in the learning curve, with a good alignment the best I can seem to do is 180sec exposures without autoguiding. At 4 minutes, most have streaking and other issues. I bought my CG-5 used on Astromart for $325. I will definately be getting a better, heavier mount at some point for photography.

Well, to be honest, that mount wouldn't be up to any real serious imaging imho. Far too lightweight. Weight rating is 30lbs, but I doubt it'd do that. Probably lucky to do 20lbs.

Whilst f4 or so for the scope sounds good, it's a b*tch to focus. Longer focal lengths are apparently easier, with the focusing sweet spot wider. f4 scopes will not have a flat field either, although with a small CCD chip you might get away with it, otherwise expect field curvature. A focal reducer/field flattener is necessary imho with that sort of scope. Then there's the coma...

And being a Newtonian, with a large central obstruction, you're going to lose out in the contrast department.

I'd recommend a Refractor and at least a Orion Sirius mount, more likely the Atlas. The mount is utterly critical to good shots. Probably more so than the optics.

If you haven't already, grab a copy of Ron Wodaski's most excellent "New CCD Astronomer". A+ read.

Dave

Canon's 400m f/5.6L ain't too shabby either! I've got one on a CG-4 mount.