Newbie looking for input

Hi, Gang! *waves*

A little about me - I'm an avid amateur hack photographer - looking to get into Astrophotography.

Got my eye on a couple of scopes, wondeing if any have experience with these to compare the 2.
1 - the Hardin Optical 8 inch StarHOC, along with it's included EQ mount & tripod for $549......
versus
2 - the Orion SkyViewPro 8EQ, with it's included EQ mount & tripod (including single-axis drive) for the same price.

Pros & cons of each? Which has better optics? Which is the better mount? The Orion mount has provision for a polar alignment scope - does Hardin's? the catalogue & website neither are too clear about this. Any serious drawbacks to either, especially in terms of Astrophotography use?

I am also looking to get the heck out of Central Indiana, and relocate to North Central Arizona, someplace - having been there a couple of t[COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR]imes, the skies are fantastic - as is the weather & the scenery. Would love to correspond with any of you from that area.

Sorry to be so long-winded for my first post out of the box. *grin*

-Kevin[COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR]

Kevin,

If you are really looking to get into astrophotography, you will need a much larger investment, particularly in a mount.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the scopes you mentioned, but the mounts look to me like they would not last long in astrophotography.

Alex

Can't give you any info on the scopes, but if your looking for a place to move with dark skies, I would suggest New Mexico. Look up site called "Windmill Ranch". About 2 hr drive northwest of Albequerque. Not developed, but water and electric pulled to property line.

20 acres for $18,000. Only catch is you have to live at 6100ft elevation.

I'd do it myself, but I have a disabled child and New Mexico's state medical services is one of the worst in the nation.

Lots of good thoughts here, guys - thanks a bunch!

So my current dilemma looks to be - $1500 for the Canon D20 (20D?) that I want.....or similar $$$ for a decent Losmandy mount.

Hmmmm...what to do first.....???

-Kevin