I recently used my Nikon D40x digital slr camera to take some photos of the full moon with a 200mm telephoto. After that experience, I am interested in purchasing a telescope that I can use along with my Nikon D40x to take even better photos of the moon and other night sky bodies. Can anyone recommend a good telescope that would be good for this purpose. I would prefer to spend well under $1000 for any telescope and gear. Thanks.
9:16 pm on October 13th, 2009 1
Sorry I’m not much help but you can check out your options at http://www.bhphotovideo.com
9:17 pm on October 13th, 2009 2
You have a wide variety of telescopes to choose from for under $1,000, however, you have a wider variety if you buy a used telescope.
You want a reputable brand such as Meade, Orion, Celestron, Takahashi, TeleVue, TEC and the likes. The telescope must have a stable mount and have tracking abilities. Goto isn’t needed though.
An equatorial mount is preferred for astrophotography but many Schmidt Cassegrains come standard on fork mounts. This is fine if you buy a wedge and a field de-rotator.
Most people are very well suited with 8″ Schmidt Cassegrains. You can buy these used for under $1000, often with accessories, on places like http://www.astromart.com and http://www.cloudynights.com
You can try eBay as well.
9:51 pm on October 13th, 2009 3
Meade (meade.com). They have everything you’ll need.