what is the best refractor telescope i can get for astrophotography that is under $2500?

Question

what is the best refractor telescope i can get for astrophotography that is under $2500? i am set on getting a high quality refractor and i am looking for suggestions for a few really high quality ones for under that price. I already have a high quality equitorial mount and a camera. thanks

Answer 1

$2500 should buy you a good 90mm apochromat, with a little change left over. I'm not sure there's a clear winner, but some brands to consider are Takahashi, William Optics, Stellarvue, TMB, and TeleVue. Depending on the size of your detector, you may want a field flattener also. Buying used is a good way to make your money go further. Astromart (http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/list.asp?classified_group_id=1 ) is well worth the modest sign-up fee.

Answer 2

Best Refractor For Astrophotography

Answer 3

Takahashi, and TeleVue are companies to consider for high end refractors. You may want to consider buying one used if you can find one. Make sure it's apochromatic.

Answer 4

I was talking the other day to a friend who is an excellent astrophotographer, and he was strongly recommending the SkyWatcher 120mm ED refractor:

http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/Pro.html

This is also available from Orion under their brand name:

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=201578&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=09976

I own the 80mm and 100mm in this series, and both are excellent.

Answer 5

If you are doing serious work, a reflector is better; you don't get dispersion nor absorption of some wavelengths by the glass. I haven't looked recently, but Meade and Questar made good units.

Answer 6

auto tracking can't go wrong. Best Answer material. Thumbs up for me!

Answer 7

Meade telescopes are good, try going to meade.com