I'm getting back into amature astronomy a step at a time. Due to some long ago storage snafus with an expiring credit card, I'm starting over. First purchase will be a Canon 5d mk ii that I'll get modified for astrophotography. On the heels of that purchase will be an EQ6-Pro mount. That will let me ease into some astrophotography (and mount my less than stellar refractor my bought me for Christmas for a little goto practice and fun). I have in mind two telescope purchases. Eventually a Celestron 9.25 to replace my long lost Meade 8 inch SCT, in the short term a Williams Optics refractor. My question, on my budget I could go RedCat 51, 73, or 81 (whatever clever name they have). I'm really gravitating toward the redcat, but it's hard to shake the old more aperture is always better mindset. I've been haunting AstroBin looking at pictures from the various models, but I'm not seeing any pics making one a slam dunk over the others. Curious what opinions here are?
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Hi!
The Redcat 51 and the Zenithstar scopes are all great and popular. Yes the aperture is different between each but at this point I would just look at which one you prefer in terms of focal length because for example the Redcat 51 has a much wider field of view (250mm) than the Zenithstar 81 (559mm).
Another great option is the Raptor ( https://bit.ly/2HLa7Z3 ) which we currently have and love. It's a 61 so kind of in between the three you listed. it is also within your budget I believe.
Great choice on the EQ6-R Pro mount!