Worth going from 6"Meade ACF SCT to a 8 or 9.25" Edge HD?
Hi
I am considering getting a larger SCT I think 11" would be a bit big, so am looking at either a 8" or 9.25" Edge SCT or perhaps the next cheaper version down. I could use my 6.3 Reducer with that but not the edge I believe.
Getting pretty good results from my old Meade 6" ACF SCT . Both visually and photographically but sometimes a bit more aperture and focal length would be useful. It is already quite heavy with added rings and dovetails.
I have a Minitower Pro and a AZEQ6 I think both would handle it ok. Though I need to get more weights for the Minitower Pro.
Cliff, so long as you’re going to use it with our AZ-EQ6, go with the 11”
Celestron tubes are typically a lot lighter than Meade, and there’s not a huge amount of difference in size/weight between the 9.25 and 11 (the former has a slower primary and thus longer tube). Also, the Celestron tubes don’t require rings as they have dovetails already fitted. Needless to say, neither of these larger tubes should ride on your Minitower Pro.
An 8” isn’t a huge step up from your 6”, although it would be noticeable.
Will have to see if the 11" is in my budget , yes the Meade is heavy even the 6" one. I've seen a 9.25" on a Minitower Pro or AZ Pro but must be near its limit.
The C9.25 is a touch under 10kg, the C11 a touch over 12. That’s before you add any accessories, like a finder scope, diagonal, eyepiece. Oh a a good dew shield
I went from a 6" SCT to a (non-Edge) 9.25" because that's all my mount would hold. It transformed my planetary imaging, and I have never looked back. I can't speak for the 11" (although I was tempted by the 11" for sale on the classifieds area recently), but if you are planning on upgrading, go the 9.25 over the 8".
Well my 6" weighs around 8kg after I added rings and dovetails top and bottom. The Minitower pro handles it ok. Of course the others have much larger tubes.
+1 for the C9.25
I've had a few over the years and always regret selling.
A great performer.
(I currently use a C11 on an NEQ6 mount - looong story.....)
Leaning to the 9.25 also,
Would a standard or edge be the go quite a cost difference, I know the edge is supposed to have a flatter field I use mainly cropped sensors APSC and largest Astro camera is a QHY163C 4/3" .
Mainly interested in planets and galaxies with the SCT. Visual and Astrophoto..
I think my 2" Moonlight focuser I have on my 6" will fit the 9.25" not sure on the 11"
Nice setup Ken,
had a look into spectroscopy just using the filters s100 I think it was on youtube haven't done anything about it though, yours looks a little more serious.
Ouch 5x5kg thats three more than i have now.
I've only just begun about a year but not a lot of actual sky time with smoke and clouds . Now heavy icy winds.
Cheers
Cliff
Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin66
Cliff,
I've only used the standard C11, no experience with the HD version - not necessary for spectroscopy!
The 2" rear cell threads are the same, so it should fit.
The C11 with all the "extras" needs 5 x 5Kg counterweights
Ok, I might give it a try. the sa100 is reasonably affordable.
I note you have a PST102mm , how hard to modify, I recently purchased a used PST and have been looking at using my old Explore Scientific ED80 for solar with the PST.
Anyway a bit off topic I suppose.
Leaning to the 9.25 also,
Would a standard or edge be the go quite a cost difference, I know the edge is supposed to have a flatter field I use mainly cropped sensors APSC and largest Astro camera is a QHY163C 4/3" .
Mainly interested in planets and galaxies with the SCT. Visual and Astrophoto..
I think my 2" Moonlight focuser I have on my 6" will fit the 9.25" not sure on the 11"
A 11" on a NEQ6 seems a bit much ?
Cheers
Cliff
If all you are interested in is planetary and (small) galaxies, then the Edge is not required. If you are looking for larger nebulae then it might be worth it (although I cannot speak with any experience on that front).
I’ve been using my Edge 11 on my NEQ6 for 10 years without a hitch, mostly for visual and planetary imaging.
It’s a great visual scope...and has a nice flat field with even the widest eyepieces, and is well corrected for full frame cameras. I don’t doubt the 9.25 is too.
Like Andrew says, the difference will be whether you’re gunning for small objects or larger ones. Well, I’m reality they’re all small if you’re using that kind of focal length but your intent will determine the best match.