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Old 20-04-2010, 09:48 AM
casstony
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Warragul, Vic
Posts: 4,494
Hi Rob,
a schmidt cassegrain telescope(sct) is not the easiest instrument to start imaging with, and imaging is not the easiest way to get into astronomy. Had you thought about just going visual at first and easing into imaging?

The long focal length of the sct will more readily show errors in tracking/guiding; sct's have problems with cooling and won't show the best image unless they're at ambient temperature, and best focus changes with changing temperature; sct's have 'mirror flop' where the mirror moves slightly as the scope tracks accross the sky. That said, the sct is my favourite type of telescope, but an 80mm refractor on an equatorial mount would be easier for starting out in imaging.

So an alternative plan would be a 10" dob for visual, followed by an EQ6 mount and an ED80 refractor. After you gain experience the 10" tube could be put on the EQ6 for imaging.
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