Setup thoughts

[deepskyeyes]

Evening everyone, hoping to get some feedback on the following combination that I'm looking at buying. Any thoughts are very much appreciated.

Scope -
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/bintel-gso-rca10-truss-tube-ritchey-chretien-astrograph/?v=322b26af01d5

Mount -
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/skywatcher-eq6-r-pro-synscan/?v=322b26af01d5

Camera (because I already have it) -
https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-6d-mark-ii

Tracking and OAG -
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asiair-pro
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-oag
ASIAIR pro + ASI120 mini + OAG

Autofocuser zero EAF
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-eaf

All I'm going for is deep space galaxies.
Had three scopes previously and done some astrophotography with the Newtonian with a field rotator. Sold it because it was huge and heavy, 12in and in no way mobile. Plus the vibrations in the tracking and wind always resulted in blurry images even when covered/surrounded.

If I'm doing something stupid feel free to just hit me over the head lol for me its a lot to spend so I'd like to get it right.

The camera I'll upgrade when ZWO bring out their next mono.

Thanks in advance!

[Startrek]

Your scope is 15kg without camera and other accessories , so you would be up around 17kg +
I have an EQ6-R Mount which carry’s an 8” newt , DSLR and guide scope and camera etc.. payload around 14kg.I guide on average around 0.80 to 1.00 arc sec error dependant on conditions
17kg is pushing the EQ6-R Mount with this set up especially in a some wind ( regardless of being a truss newt
Long term investment I’d go for the EQ8-R pro if you have the cash but it’s a heavy beast and suited for a permanent set up ( or a heavier rated Celestron Mount )
I’m considering setting up a backyard observatory late this year and I’ve got my eye on an EQ8-R pro
IMO you can’t over spec a mount in AP , it’s the most important part of your rig
Yes you can shove a 10” scope on a HEQ5 mount but you need pristine conditions and perfect balance to pull off hours of +5 minute dithered guided subs, what’s the point ( cost ?? )
My 2 cents .......

[gregbradley]

General rule is the mount is the most important part of your imaging setup.

The best scope on a bad mount = a bad setup and lousy images.

A good mount can make ordinary scopes shine.

Greg.

[deepskyeyes]

Thanks that's awesome feedback just what I was looking for. I'm looking at the 8, but also there's a skywatcher mount I haven't seen available to purchase

https://www.primalucelab.com/astronomy/equatorial/skywatcher-cq350-pro-synscan-mount.html

It was announced and in their magazine over a year ago. Still waiting lol.

I live in a remote city close to very good skies so portability is a must for when I get out to class 1 skies which is why I was hoping to get away with something lower than the 8.

But maybe I just go with a 8" instead.

[multiweb]

That's a big FL to start imaging. You're jumping right in the deep end.

[deepskyeyes]

Learn by doing right 🤣

I've done about 10-12 years of smaller stuff small refractors and a big dob. All the gear is about 10 years old and second hand so I figure I would treat myself.

I think I have 1000 shots of m31 now lol not really a challenge anymore lol the smaller stuffs elluded me because of tracking accuracy and light gathering power.

[Camelopardalis]

Sorry, I have to say it, but f/8 is painfully slow for imaging :eyepop:

I’d reckon you’d be better off starting with a smaller newt and saving the cash to splurge once you have a feel for how good your sky is. Dark is not the same as stable...

[multiweb]

Fair enough. :) Just checking so you know what to expect. :thumbsup: