Guys,
after several months of researching, I took the advice to get the best mount possible for your budget, before getting a telescope. So I now have a Losmandy G11G with Gemini 2 system and heavy tripod. I like Scott Losmandy’s philosophy on building a mechanically precise system.
I also have a very good camera - Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, not modified. I also have an older Canon EOS 60D that could be modified. Or is it better to get a purpose built Astro camera?
i want to do astrophotography, and visual, so maybe two different scopes. And I would like to get it roughly right the first time rather than start cheap and work up. I will be using this setup for many years.
Some questions on the mount - is the $300 illuminated polar alignment scope worth the investment? What other add-ons recommended for the mount?
For the scope I have been looking at APO triplet refractors for astrophotography. Astronomics has some great deals this month on Explore Scientific. Any downside to going big with the FCD 100 127mm CF? I know it is long focal ratio. Visual and astrophotography capable?
What about DSOs? Any advice on selecting an OTA for DSO would be appreciated.