ED100 vs BD1201 for Planetary

[martyninoz]

Hello everybody. :hi:

A while ago I bought a motorised tracker and have been using it with my EOS 600D for moon photography. Unfortunately, the bug has bitten and I am now looking to move into planetary photography.

I have acquired a CCD camera for this purpose and am now looking at refractors.

I have my eyes on the Skywatcher Black Diamond 120/1000 OTA but have also seen an ED100-PRO for about $150 more.

So the question really is, would it be better to have the 120mm/1000 or the smaller 100mm/900 APO? Are the optics on the ED significantly better than the BD to justify the extra $$?

I appreciate any insights to save me from getting the wrong one!

Thanks!

[dannat]

id say yes the ED optic are much better in the long run for only 150 extra

being smaller the ED 100 will cool slightly quicker & be ready to go, it will also likely take 200x magnification [mine did] & the falser colour will not be distracting, at f8 the 120 will show a fair amount of colour on bright stars & the lunar limb

[Wavytone]

For planetary...to photograph the planets in full colour the ED100 will be better, yes. However if you don't mind monochrome shots you could put a filter over the BD to kill the secondary spectrum and the result should be excellent. The same works for the ED100, as well.

[martyninoz]

Thanks, that helps. I'd like to go for colour so looks like I'll be saving little extra and get the ED.