[BizarreByte]

I live within a Class 2 location and can get to a Class 1 in about a 20 minute drive. It’s one of the few things I actually like about where I live.

In fact it’s probably the single best thing about where I live and it’s an extremely rare privilege to have in North America.

I really need to take advantage of it and get a good camera/telescope.

[dylan604]

Modern day MFT cameras like Sony's A7 series have amazing low light (the older A7sii is still my favorite) for doing live views when attached to a telescope. it then can be used as your day-to-day camera at other times for multipurpose use. for DSOs, they are great. for solar system objects other than the moon, they're a little underwhelming since the actual object will be such a tiny percentage of the image.

one thing to remember when buying gear is to only go as big as you can carry/assemble by yourself. getting something that requires 2 people to lift/carry means you can't use it unless you can convince someone to go along with you, we let's face it, it's definitely a hobby that leans towards the soloist. for someone like you that can do it from home without having to travel every. single. time. might be a bit less of an issue. just general advice for others that might come along

the only regret i have in buying my gear is that i'm at least 4 hours to a class 2 site, and i no longer have a car of any type let alone one that fits all of my gear plus camping equipment.

[verall]

Sony a7 series is full frame not MFT. You're not going to get nearly so good low light performance out of a MFT sensor. I think you meant mirrorless.

[dylan604]

yes i did. in my head, MFT equates to the form factor vs sensor size. i need to stop doing that

[germinalphrase]

Binoculars are a good starting point if you already have them.

[dylan604]

binocs are good, but you still need a decent form of stabilization. I know I tend to shop higher end because I know what I'm getting, but by the time I've priced out support and the glass I've nearly arrived at the price of a telescope with much high magnification.

so it all comes down to realistic expectation levels what can be seen. you don't want to spend the money and then be disappointed and get turned off to the experience as underwhelming.

[dwaltrip]

A pair of 7x50s is small enough for most people to hold relatively stable with just your hands. You can also prop your arms up with pillows, etc.