#21  
Old 19-10-2017, 09:19 PM
Wavytone
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Either commit to being a visual observer, or flog all your gear and buy a rig to become an imager. And in doing so accept that there are many others with far deeper pockets - and better gear - producing better results than you can ever achieve.

If you are thinking of photography you will probably conclude your dob OTA is not appropriate for a whole host of reasons - after wasting many $$$ trying.

If you look around the imaging (dreadful word) forums you’ll find:

- many are using small APO refractors, focal length under 1000mm and f/7 or less l with telecompressors and flatteners; this has a lot to do with the pixel and sensor sizes of available camera vs the depth of your pocket (ie $$$)

- a few persisting with longer/larger OTAs but this also has implications in terms of the size and cost of the mount required to produce half decent results;

- a very small number using exotic optics such as Hyperstar, Maksutov-Newtonians (1.5 stop advantage over f/7 refractors), Riccardi-Honders astrographs (f/3) and other exotic beasties if cost is not a consideration.

Using a DSLR on a dob-style lightbucket OTA on a cheap mount won’t get you far. Either take the plunge and spend north of $30k on a really good setup or don’t bother IMHO.

And anyone whose lifestyle stretches to a permanent setup in a dome in a dark location has a huge advantage over those limited to portable gear.

Last edited by Wavytone; 19-10-2017 at 09:32 PM.
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  #22  
Old 20-10-2017, 02:44 PM
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grimsay (Iain)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wavytone View Post
Either commit to being a visual observer, or flog all your gear and buy a rig to become an imager. And in doing so accept that there are many others with far deeper pockets - and better gear - producing better results than you can ever achieve...
Sums up my concerns pretty well, thanks Wavytone.

Quote:
Originally Posted by astro744 View Post
If your likely to change DOB telescopes then an EQ platform may be your best bet.

See http://www.budgetastronomer.ca/index...ge=eq-platform

http://www.reinervogel.net/index_e.h...attform_e.html

http://www.equatorialplatforms.com. ( I would call this one premium and there are probably others similar)

http://sawdustfactory.nfshost.com/eq%20platform/

https://opticaleds.com/custom-made-e...rms/platforms/

Just search 'EQ platforms'. Lots to choose from and some can be used for photography so yes they are accurate.

Enjoy!
Have you gone down the EQ Platform route Astro744? Optical Ed's look good, wondering if anyone here has purchased one or if there's an Australian equivalent builder?
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  #23  
Old 21-10-2017, 01:15 PM
astro744
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I have the Johnsonian VI that I bought from Bintel over 10 years ago. This was the economical version of the Johnsonian V which had more features. With the VI you just sit the complete Dob with ground board onto the platform. Some designs require you to remove the ground board which makes them a bit more stable. Rubber feet on the ground board stop the Dob from slipping on the 'VI'.

Not sure if anyone in Aus sells any these days. Johnsonian are no longer available.

When casually observing and hopping from object to object I don't use the platform but when planetary observing especially Mars, the platform is a must for comfortable viewing over extended periods. Resetting the sector is very easy and takes a few seconds.
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  #24  
Old 26-10-2017, 07:08 PM
Hemi
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Smile

I think the az eq6/5 mounts are excellent.
I don’t think you need to choose to be visual or image, I happily try do both to my level of satisfaction.
I also don’t think you need to spend $30k or give up on imaging. I’ve see many posts on this forum, cloudy nights and astrobin with very modest equipment. A lot of it comes down to the art and skill of the imager.
I also dont understand the comment about other people’s pockets....it’s not a competition.

The main purpose of this hobby is to enjoy its travails. Visually I couldn’t see half the things I can now 2 years ago, with the same equipment.

Good luck with your upgrade decision.
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