Celestron go to for an almost beginner

[ripe geyser]

Been out of it for over ten years, I like the idea of astrophotography but probably more interested in planetary photography for now. I used to have a Maksutov about 100mm back then but it wasn’t GOTO. Used it a lot for moon observation.

So if I buy a GOTO like a Celestron how limiting will it be for upgrading the ota later? If I’m gunna spend $1000 Aussie dollars (600usd roughly) I’ve found a few used ones close by I can get around $800aud

Is that budget better spent no on a better alt az

I’m full time on the road (think van life) but I’d be happy to allocate room for the right kit but I can’t physically fit huge stuff

[hearty locust]

I have a skywatcher mak 127mm with an Alt Az mount and it works fine for planetary, you might need a barlow if it's only 100mm in aperture. I've only been doing astrophotography for 10 months now, and I personally think Eq mounts are for deep sky and az can be used for planetary. Eq mounts are generally just better though