Hi CzC,
I've been doing AstroPhotos for about 2 years and have used a few different systems. You can see a bunch of photos at
www.telescopes-r-us.com in the "Gallery" section. Look for the ones noted "jb" or "jbarnes". Most of my images are on film with a 35mm SLR camera. I've also done videos with a digital video camera (Cannon Elura) and some digital stills (Nikon 990).
1) I've used a Meade ETX-90EC (90mm Maksutov) for some very good moon photos and some OK pictures of Jupiter & Saturn. Its good points were crisp images, excellent portability, and lots of back-focus for prime focus photos (using it like a telephoto lens). Its main drawbacks were the tripod, mount, and motors could not handle the extra weight of a camera.
Comparable new scope at today's prices: about US$850 (not including camera).
2) I've used an Criterion RV-6 (150mm reflector) for some very good Jupiter & Saturn photos. Its good points were a lot of light (6") with fast optics (f/8). Its main drawbacks were lack of portability, the tripod, mount, & motor were not precise enough for long exposures, and lack of back-focus for prime focus photos.
Compare at about US$600.
3) I've used a Celestron C-5 (127mm Schimdt-Cassigrain) on a CG-4 equatorial mount. Its good points were fair portability, the tripod could carry the scope plus camera well, it had lots of back-focus, and lots of accessories. Its drawbacks were the mount & motor were not precise enough for long exposures.
Compare at about US$900.
4) I use a TeleVue 85 (85mm apochromatic refractor) on a CG-4 mount (same as Setup 3). Its good points are fair portability and great low power (600mm focal length) photos and the tripod could carry the scope plus camera well. Its drawbacks are lack of back focus, lack of high power, and the mount & motor were not precise enough for long exposures.
Compare at about US$2200.
5) My most often used photoscope is a Celestron Ultima 2000 (200mm Schimdt-Cassigrain) on a wedge and heavy-duty tripod. Its good points are good portability, computer pointing, lots of accessories, auto & hand guiding options, lots of back-focus, lots of stability on the tripod, and excellent precision in mount and motors for long exposures. Its drawback is weaker clutches so that piggyback scopes are not an option.
Compare at about $3000. (Not including lots of helpful but not required options.)
It also has the ability to mount an SBIG ccd camera to the FRONT of the scope for low power, super fast (f/2) imaging. (I have not tried this method yet, the camera costs $1500, but I would like to someday.)
What would I recommend? As you can tell from these descriptions the tripod, mount, and motors are every bit as important as the scope, maybe more. So, maybe a smaller refractor (a 3 or 4" apo) on that tripod you already have for the 6". Is it a CG-5? That mount has a lot of potential with dual motors. By reducing the size of the scope you'll be able to carry a lot more camera gear and maybe even a second scope for guiding. There are some websites that discuss rebuilding the CG-5 into a great mount.
Off the shelf, I'd recommend concentrating on that mount instead of the telescope. I feel the NexStar 5 has some good possibilities. Its the same optical tube as Setup 4 with a fair mount, lots of flexibility, and computer pointing. Its not as heavy as the 8" on the one arm mount so it can carry a camera. Comparable at about $1200. The new NexStar 5i has a few interesting upgrades (auto guider ability).
The Orion/Vixen 102ED has great possibilities. Its a small apo on a GP mount (step above the CG-5). Compare at about $2300.
I would avoid Maksutov's unless you are only doing high power moon or planet photos.
I strongly recommend the book, "Astrophotography for the Amateur", by Covington.
Clear Skys
(edited to add the "avoid" comment)
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JimB on 2002-06-26 00:29 ]</font>