The popular Skywatcher Explorer 200PDS paired with the amazing heavy duty NEQ6 Pro equatorial GOTO mount is a superb kit to get started in serious astrophotography. The 200PDS is an 8" reflector with a high quality parabolic mirror with a dual speed crayford focuser which is optimized for imaging with a DSLR camera. The mount is a heavy duty tried and tested mount with an impressive 18kg payload for imaging. Very high accuracy and the ability to fit a belt mod to them at a later date.
Full details are found below for the tube and mount.
Explorer 200PDS OTA:
200MM (8") F/5 PARABOLIC DUAL-SPEED NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OTA
The new Sky-Watcher EXPLORER-200PDS Newtonian Reflector incorporates the same superb mirror-set as the Explorer-200P Black Diamond Series, but with two significant advantages. A Dual-Speed 10:1 ratio focuser is now included for excellent focusing precision. Also the tube length has been slightly shortened to optimise performance for prime-focus photography.
Even better performance for astro-photography and visual use can be achieved when used in combination with Sky-Watcher’s Newtonian coma corrector (Prod.Code 20233)
Standard Specification:
Magnification (with eyepiece supplied) x36
Highest Practical Power (Potential) x400
Diameter of Primary Mirror 200mm
Telescope Focal Length 1000mm (f/5)
Eyepiece Supplied 28mm LET (2"/50.8mm)
9x50 Finderscope
Parabolic Primary Mirror
2" (50.8mm) Dual-Speed 10:1 Crayford Focuser
0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports
77% more Light-Gathering than 150mm
NEQ6 Pro Mount & Tripod:
SynScan GOTO Mount that will take a massive payload
This is the new NEQ6. Used to be called the EQ6 pro. The differences are twofold:
1) A counterweight extension bar is included in the package – the mount is still supplied with 2 x counterweights though.
2) The mount is now supplied with TWO saddle plates; Sky-Watcher 45mm and 75mm. They are easily interchangeable and can be removed by loosening 3 x Allen screws.
This Monster Mount will satisfy amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a precision computerized GOTO system, the EQ6 ProScan is your answer. The Sky-Watcher EQ6 ProScan is designed with the novice user in mind. With the user friendly pushbutton hand control, locating and viewing the treasures of the night sky becomes as easy as a walk in the park. The hand control allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The EQ6 ProScan also comes with features that advanced astronomers can appreciate.
Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
AutoGuider Interface for astro-photography.
Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object database containing complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Polarscope illuminator for easy use of the polarscope.
Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
Specifications:
Power Supply: 12 VDC 2Amp
Motor Type: Microstep driven 1.8° stepper motors Resolution: 0.144 arc sec (or 9,024,000 steps/rev.)
Slew Speeds: 2X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 64X, 400X, 500X, 600X, 800X Gear Ratio:
Tracking Rate: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar.
Tracking Modes: Dual Axis, R.A. Tracking.
Alignment Methods: One-star Alignment, Two-star Alignment, Three-star Alignment.
Database: 25 user defined objects. Complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues. Total 13,400 objects.
Telescope Mounting: Tube Rings.
Mount Type: German Equatorial.
Tripod: 2in Diameter Stainless Steel Pipe.
Tripod Weight: 7.5Kgs
Tripod Height: 85-147cm.
Slow-motion Control: R.A. & Dec (motor controlled)
Counterweight Shaft Material: Stainless Steel.
Mount Weight: 16Kgs
Counterweight Shaft Daimeter: 1.8cm
Mount Height: 41cm