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How would you specify and aquire your ideal, high-power, tracking, stable, portable, reflecting telescope?

What would you choose for the aperture and focal length? Assume that you already have a good 5" GEM, Newtonian reflector. What would you buy pre-assembled (given outstanding competition in today's free market) and what would you build yourself to save costs? I like the split ring mount and the equatorial platform. Assume no access to powered wood working or metal working tools. What would be your specifications and your approach for an ideal telescope along these lines, but on a budget of about $50 a month with as much time as is needed for aquiring a powerful, quality celestial probe.

Public Comments

1. Well first, I'd buy the telescope used. Second, I'd get an 8" Meade or Celestron Schmidt Cassegrain that already comes with tracking. Dobsonians are great but for astrophotography, the equatorial platforms are very expensive and building one will require either power tools or excellent hand driven wood working and machine skills, not to mention a lot of time. Believe it or not, building your own telescope isn't neccisarily cheaper than buying a pre-made one anymore.