120mm refractor - ST or regular?

Hey all.

I am trying to decide between the Startravel 120 f/5 and the evostar 120 f/8.3

I intend to use it as an all round scope on the EQ3-2 mount. I may also put a drive on the RA axis and try some astrophotography.

Can anyone please help me to decide which one would be more suited for me.

Thanks

Hi Burrd

I own a Skywatcher 120mm f/8 refractor and this is on a EQ5 mount which makes it just about stable for visual use but not to good for astrophotography except the odd moon/ planet shot if short exposure. I think this telescope would be to large a scope for a EQ3-2 mount and I would go for the 120 F/5.

Hey Guys, Depends also a lot on what you want to see, the Startravel 120 f/5 would provide a wider field of view.

Just my 2 cents again...
Keith..

Just how much wider is the short tube?

I thought it would be better at DSOs, but would induce more CA than the f/8.

I would use it for backyard stuff, so not THAT deep :lol:

Cheers.

Jay

For Astrophotography the faster F5 may be better. Depends on what you want to do most. No scope is going to fit all requirements.

If I do get the f/5, wouldn't a barlow make it a f/10 at 2x and an f/15 at 3x?

Wouldn't this be the way to see planets using a lower power eyepiece?