I'd spend time searching the classifieds for like new previously owned scope. Because of todays light polution being so prominent, I'd look for a scope that I can use with either CCD or viedo (eg. Mallincam Hyper) so that I can amplify live images of the astro objects to the point that they can be seen well through the light polution. I prefer to go this route since I think it is easier to roll out the telescope from the garage and use it at home rather than always needing to depend on traveling long distances to find dark skies.
For CCD I'd look for a 4" Apo to use on a Vixen GP-DX mount. For Video I'd look for a 8" F/6, or a 10" f/4.5 to f/5.0 reflector on a heavier GEM.
Having the two options of either using CCD, or video would allow me more opportunity to find a used scope faster. Finding an older scope would save money; however, it would have to be a well respected (in the astro community) model in excellent condition and have the capability to be updated as the needs dictate and as my astro equipment savings improved.
P.S., I'm suggesting live immages on a TV or computer, not capturing immages for later processing.
Jim
For CCD I'd look for a 4" Apo to use on a Vixen GP-DX mount. For Video I'd look for a 8" F/6, or a 10" f/4.5 to f/5.0 reflector on a heavier GEM.
Having the two options of either using CCD, or video would allow me more opportunity to find a used scope faster. Finding an older scope would save money; however, it would have to be a well respected (in the astro community) model in excellent condition and have the capability to be updated as the needs dictate and as my astro equipment savings improved.
P.S., I'm suggesting live immages on a TV or computer, not capturing immages for later processing.
Jim
