Just an afterthought, esp. as you are in Plymouth. First Light Optics in Exeter are very good and helpful and defo. don't try and sell you stuff you don't need. They have even told me not to bother buying things I was about to buy from them and suggested alternatives they don't sell themselves.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/contact.html

If you contact them, email is best as telephone can get very busy, with what you are wanting to achieve they might be able to shortcut all the online research a bit.


They are online only as their plans to open a showroom got put on hold, but sometimes will let locals visit the warehouse for stuff.

I am no expert but have to say I have never seen moon shots posted on astro forums via a telescope any better than that unless they have spent thousands on imaging equipment. I appreciate it's small and a scope will get you closer / bigger but for overall impression....

Nebulas and the like yes once you have spent a lot on kit.

If you can accept just visual get a 150P / 200P Dob. but if you want astro photo's of that sort quality be prepared to spend serious dosh.


I am, now, SO regretting not getting a DA*300 when they were a bargin on Amazon a year or 2 ago.

Good advice here re the Dob we have a bigger version and love it. Photo of moon fine but planets a struggle , a Dob is not an 'astrophotographers' scope as it doesn't track well enough.

The 'manual' ones don't track at all.

As well as getting opinions on here checkout 'Stargazers Lounge', it's a great and very friendly forum that has been invaluable for me.

http://stargazerslounge.com/

I'd back Vic on the 18-250 / 270. I have found that you will get the best out of it at f8, but then that's what people are saying about the 18-135 as well.

If you want more background in addition to JAK's link have a look at

http://stargazerslounge.com/

this is pretty much the UK's ( + others) best astro forum and there is a section ' Getting Started With Imaging' , where you can find answers or register and ask questions.


Very friendly and helpful forum ( just like here)

I'd back up 100% Jon's suggestion of a 18-250/270 & 35. I use one with my k-x and find it suits most of the time but when I want those extra special shots that I have more time to set up I put on the 35mm for extra quality. Although I have access to hubby's range of lenses I rarely find my self using them.

I use a hand grip strap I got from e-bay and am very happy with it. Never had the neck strap on the k-x since I got it.


Looks like this one, but not the same seller.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hand-Grip-Strap-for-SLR-digital-camera-CANON-NIKON-/20...


There are plenty to choose from at very reasonable prices.

Agree Tarr steps is a fantastic subject, there is so much that makes potentially great photo's down here it's difficult to know where to start.

Perhaps if you told us what your photo interests are ( landscape, wildlife, historical buildings or whatever) I could be a bit more helpful giving specifics.

Thanks good stuff esp. for relative beginners like me

Yes, 2 more Time Team fans / Pentax users here.

Very sad at relatively young age for nowadays, Mick / Phil & Tony were the core of TT for us, their love for the subject infectious. It lost something after his departure.