[OneCosmos (Chris)]

Hi all,

I am finally about to bring out my TMB/APM 152mm from the UK - about time after three Astrofests using the humble but capable Meade 80mm.

I don't currently have a field flattener for the 152mm and so am looking at options. APM sell a Riccardi 0.75 flattener/reducer for my specific scope and they also sell a dedicated flattener for the LZOS Triplet I have. I will be using the QHY12 camera.

Of course I understand the advantages of f6 over f8 and also the advantages of 1200mm focal length of 900mm but I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which is the best way to go? For example would I actually get better results with the flattener notwithstanding the longer exposures required? Is a reduced image size really the only downsize to the reducer?

Thanks,

Chris