NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Looking for your advice / suggestions. Just got back from a week in Hawaii and was blown away by the beauty of the night skies. When I got back home (northern NJ), spoke with a friend who is deep into astronomy and he said that while the night sky here has to take into account background light, pollution, etc., there is still lots of great things to be seen after the sun goes down. When I told him my equipment (D7000, 500mm f6.3 lens), he said that would be more than sufficient. However his buddy said I would be better off getting a telescope and adding either a camera adaptor or use a camera designed to work with a telescope.
I'd welcome your comments and suggestions. I already have a lot invested in my camera and lens, however I don't mind spending a few bucks to get a telescope or other equipment if it would result in some great photos of what I can see in the sky.
Thanks!

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

I would say a mount would be your next best investment, otherwise your exposures at that focal length would have to be so short as to avoid the trailing of the stars.

I would suggest an equatorial mount of some type. Since I do not know your budget I will refrain on advising a particular model or brand. The mount is the most important piece of gear as it is the foundation.

HTH,
Matthew

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Am looking at that type now. From what I've been told and read, this is a much simpler tool for tracking an object. Have a friend who offered me his old tripod with a motorized mount. Only problem is he's in France and I'm in NJ (pickup only :))

Europa Loc: West Hills, CA

As Mathew said, the mount is extremely important. You should consider where your interest is leading into...decide what targets interest you. There have been some pretty cool images taken with just a camera. I'm sure if you browse this forum, you can get an idea of what you are interested in.

If you decide the 500mm camera is all you need, you can get a mount and tripod in the 500-600 range, if a telescope is your end result, you may be closer to 1,500. I'm not taking into account used equipment.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

If you decide to use your lens and camera on a EQ mount, you will need to get a vixen/losmandy dovetail bar so your camera and lens can fit the mount. I had ADM make mine - bar plus spacers.

http://www.admaccessories.com/Productgallery3.htm

It is a great hobby...it is best to do your research before buying - not after (that's me)!