TheSkySearchers

Hi Guys! Long time no chat!

I just moved, and my new spot is completely covered, so I do not have any room for AP. However! I am planning a trip with my family and an RV up to the redwoods in about a month or so, and I'm hoping to get some shots along the way. Also, sometime before then, I plan to make a trip up to the dark site to try and get some shots for the first time.

I also have a second telescope that I would like to get a mount for, so my family can look through it while I take pictures. It is an explore scientific 80mm FCD100 triplet refractor.

My question is: Does anyone have a recommendation for a good, inexpensive, go-to mount to use for viewing with this telescope? Also, I'm using some inexpensive celestron eye pieces--will those be good enough for viewing as well (They came in the Celestron accessory kit with the nice box)? Any tips and tricks are welcome, too!

Thanks y'all

Hi James,

By inexpensive, how inexpensive? What's your budget?

JT

JayTee wrote: ↑Wed Jun 17, 2020 12:16 am Hi James,

By inexpensive, how inexpensive? What's your budget?

JT

Hey JT! I was hoping for around $300-400, but no more expensive than the AVX. I don't need anything fancy for AP. I just want the go-to function and something that will support the weight of my ES80 FCD100.

P.S. I hope your new gear came and is treating you well!

The Skywatcher EQ-3 Pro would be a good minimal goto mount for your telescope.

Depending on how wide a FOV you want, a set of decent Plossl would be a step up from the Celestron kit eyepieces.
The GSO are a low price for good quality. I prefer the Vixen offerings though for a step up in quality.

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:41 am The Skywatcher EQ-3 Pro would be a good minimal goto mount for your telescope.

Depending on how wide a FOV you want, a set of decent Plossl would be a step up from the Celestron kit eyepieces.
The GSO are a low price for good quality. I prefer the Vixen offerings though for a step up in quality.

Thanks Lady! Is there another name for the name? I can't seem to find it.

How about the iOptron SmartEQ Pro+ Equatorial Mount?

http://skywatcher.com/product/eq3-synscan/
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywat ... -goto.html

It seems it has been replaced by the EQM-35 which is twice the price. I am not sure if it is worth that increase thought.

I have not used the iOptron mount so cannot give any meaningful feedback on it.