Telescope for astrophotography

Help!

I'm trying to choose a telescope to put on a Losmandy G11 for astrophotography. The more I read, the more confused I get. I currently have a 10" meade, and would like to step up from that. Mainly, I would like something that produces more crisp photos with a wider field of view.

I started out thinking perhaps an 8" f/5 Newtonian with coma corrector from televue. Then I read about problems with mirrors shifting, and just generally managing an optical tube that size on the G11. I also had someone tell me it would be difficult to take photos near the zenith. So I was thinking about a refractor, but there is "chromatic aberation" ... then Apochromatic, but they are very expensive. The list just seems to go on forever ...

Any suggestions? Basically I would like this:
1. Photograph Nebulae, globulars, perhaps occasional galaxy on 35mm film.
2. Experiment with medium format (if it doesn't add too much to the cost)
3. System with the potential for good quality photos (I already know that doesn't guarantee results!)
4. It will be permanately mounted, so portability/size is not a concern (other than the G11 needs to be able to handle it)

Sorry for the long post, but its been very confusing.

thanks,
dan

Dan,

Mount the Meade on the Losmandy. That will keep you busy for a long time. there is a ton of stuff to learn about taking pictures that does not depend on which type of scope you are using. Just save your money for now, get a focal reducer (if your Meade is not already 6.3) and a good off axis guider to go with your Meade, and start taking pictures.

If you simply have to spend some money to get it out of your pocket--pick up a used ST-4 for $500-$600.

Which tube you are using will not matter for a while. And by the way--the Meade is about as good as it gets without going APO crazy.

Alex

Alex