Which Scope?

[Jonathan]

Well I think it's about time to upgrade to a bigger telescope. I like my little ETX and will keep it because it is a good portable size but it is limited in its capabilities.

As for the new scope, I'm thinking of doing something like what Striker's done and get a Celestron 11" OTA and putting it on an EQ6 mount with Skyscan. This looks to be a very cost effective setup for astrophotography. I am also considering a Meade LX 200 10". Is there anything else I should consider?

Any suggestions, thoughts or comments are most welcome. :astron:

[ballaratdragons]

Jonathan,

You do realise that about half of us are going to say 'GET A DOB' don't you?

[Jonathan]

I could see that coming from a mile away Ken. ;)

And don't worry I aint getting a Dob. :D

[ballaratdragons]

LOL

I would like to get a scope I can use for Deep Space Astrophotography too but my Dobbie will have to do me for years.

Good luck with the search!

[RAJAH235]

Could've had Tony's 10' LX200 2 weeks ago. Wait awhile, you just might get lucky & end up with a 'new' C11. :P :D L.
6.

[ballaratdragons]

Keep posting Laurie, you will get to 500 soon!

I noticed your countdown in each post Haha! That's funny.

Johnathan, it will be interesting to see what comes out under the name Celestron soon, Synta can manufacture cheaper than the yanks.

[atalas]

Hi Jonathan

Go for the C11 on EQ6 Skyscan ,sounds like a bundle of dynamite !

Louie:evil2:

[iceman]

For sure, would make both a fantastic planetary and DSO astrophotography scope.

For serious AP, you might want a heavier mount.. but if striker has done his research and reckons it'll be ok (with the astromechaniccahalahjshal mods), then it may well be.

[mch62]

Tony's not the only person with this set up (11"EQ6)as I think West Sky has a similar set up but a different controller to Tony's Astromeccanica controller.
The EQ6 will handle the 12" SCT as standard but with the AM more powerful and accurate motor set up it will be just cruising with a C11 and the 80ED he has piggy backed.

For the price of the separate components it becomes a very cost effective powerful Astro Imaging platform with out a lot of hassles .

If your up to the challenge , a light weight short tube 10"F5-6 or12" F4.5-5 Newtonian would also be feasible and a little cheaper than the C11 OTA.

This would have to be custom made to keep weights down and over all lengths down as well.
Some thing to consider .
The pic is a 10"f6 on the EQ6 just to show you what can be done.

[ving]

you can but my 8" for $1000 ;)

[Jonathan]

I think the EQ6 will be fine with the weight of a C11. If not, there are various upgrades out there that improve strength and accuracy that I could look at later on.

I don't think there will be any cheap SCT's as a result of the Synta and Celestron merger any time soon - Not worth hanging out for.

Mark - I'm not up for the challenge of building a custom Newt just yet. One day I'd like to build one though.

Ving - Thanks, but no thanks. :rofl:

Thanks for the comments so far. I think the C11 & EQ6 are the go. I'm just waiting on some prices then I'll make my final decision and order.:)

[mick pinner]

there may be a 12" meade up for sale very soon, brand new service kit going in tomorrow.

[Striker]

I like your choice......Jonathon.

Best price 11"OTA with XLT Coatings and accessories I could get in on this Earth was from Andrews for $3000...even cheaper then I you can get it from Overseas....I then got the EQ6 from Bintel....Price may have changed for the EQ6 now at Bintel...so just check.

EQ6 $1350

[Jonathan]

Thanks Mick, I'll keep it in mind but I am definatley leaning towards getting a C11.

That's an excellent price for the OTA Striker. The best I've seen for the EQ6 & SkyScan is $2365. I'll email Bintel and see what they can do it for.

[JohnH]

Hello Johnathan,

I am on the same quest (but moving from an ETX90). To help make my selection I have tried to rank my selection criteria as follows:

1. Portability (as I do not have a dedicated observatory)
2. Mount Tracking Accuracy / Clearance for Canaon 20D
3. Cost
4. Appature >= 8" but accuracy before size.

For me the system must be easily moveable by a single person, this implies a compact SCT is best.

The most accurate tracking for the money seems to be a fork based set up with an ability to autoguide - the same precision in a GE mount costs more $$$ but I am open to suggestions.

Cost I want a setup approx $3000 total.

Options I am looking into are Meade LX90 and LXD75, Celstron C8 S-GT combined with a ToUCam and 80mm refractor for guiding. Any other suggestions out there?

[ballaratdragons]

JohnH,

Andrews has some excellent prices on C8's with GoTo. Just a thought.

Celestron Advanced Series Computerised Go-To Schmidt-Cassagrain Telescopes
Model Price $(AUD)

C8-SGT 8" (200mm x 2000mm) Go-To Schmidt-Cassegrain with Starbright XLT UHT coatings $2999.00

C9.25-SGT 9.25" (235mm x 2350mm) Go-To Schmidt-Cassegrain with Starbright XLT UHT coatings $3999.00

C11-SGT 11" (279mm x 2790mm) Go-To Schmidt-Cassegrain with Starbright XLT UHT coatings $4799.00


John H, I just went back into Andrews site and found these too!
Celestron Advanced Series Computerised Go-To Reflecting Telescopes
Model Price $(AUD)
C8-NGT 8" (200mm x 1000mm) Newtonian Go-To Reflector $1999.00
C10-NGT 10" (250mm x 1250mm) Newtonian Go-To Reflector $2499.00

[Jonathan]

Hi John,

There's a few LX 90 owners here that will be able to help you out with info about them. I haven't heard much about the LXD 75 or the Celestron GE mounts.

[mch62]

Definatly use Andrews for the OTA and between Andrews and Bintel for the EQ6 .
Don't look at the official Celestron importer and dealers for prices or you might croak:D :D :D :eyepop: Sorry had throw that one in.:P

[mch62]

The Cg-5 mount appears to be better stability wise to the LXD75 mounts from reports but both are smaller than an EQ6 .
There about a EQ5 size.
Celestron put the C11 on the CG-5 mount but advise they have limited imaging capability and user reports confirm this as being great for web cam but not for long exposure ccd.
The 9.25"on the CG-5 mount would be the sweet spot for this mount scope combo.
For the C11 no smaller than a HEQ5 or EQ6 mount would be advisable.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi Jonathan,:)

If you want a scope to last you the rest of your life and you can upgrade it as much as you want:P

Have a look at this http://www.globaldialog.com/~obsessiontscp/18page.html

Not cheap, but i have looked through one and it is unreal so to speak:D

As i said buy this one and you don't ever need another one. keep the ETX as your grab and go scope.

My thoughts.:)

What ever you buy enjoy it.:astron:

[Striker]

Those Andrews prices are cheaper now....only by a few hundred....I was quoted $4475 for the C11 with CG-5 Mount.....

I took a picture of my unit so far...I dont know why the C11 turned out so light in grey when it's virtualy the same color as the Orion ED...? oh well here it is...

[gbeal]

Get a decent mount, like the EQ6 (or similar), and be prepared to muck about with the OTA, until you find one that suits your needs. The mount, if it is good enough, will last you while you fine tune the requirements of the tube.
I have done this with the EM200 mount, and currently use a Mewlon 180 (darn nice scope), but will go bigger as soon as I can find someone to take the Mewlon, hint hint.
Depends on a whole bunch of things. The C11 OTA will be nice, but has a decent price tag, and is becoming near the edge of portability.
Gary

[Jonathan]

Thanks for the suggestion Dave.... a bit too big maybe. If I bought one I'd have nothing to upgrade to in the future.:P

I get the hint Gary, can't help you there. Try converting one of these Dob owners. Thanks for the advice.:)

Impressive setup Striker, looking good.

[slice of heaven]

Ahh thats what the NewTonyan scope looks like.

I agree Jonathon Very impressive.

[ballaratdragons]

I could be easy to convert! If someone will pay for the GoTo Shmitt-Cass for me.

[Dave47tuc]

Good Luck with your choice Jonathan:D

If i can ever afford one this will be my new scope. Got my keno numbers in:P

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=8381&m=

One Day:whistle:

[atalas]

Dave your such a tease !


Louie:wink2:

[mick pinner]

is the standard visual back on the scope 1.25 or 2"?

[Striker]

Thanks Dave...another for the shopping cart.....lol

[Dave47tuc]

4" I think Mick.

Yes Tony buy one, then sell it to me when your done with it:P

[Jonathan]

After recieving a very good quote from Andrews Communications I've ordered a new telescope. I've gone with a Celestron 11" SCT carbon fibre OTA on an EQ6 mount with skyscan. I should have it some time next month so I apologise in advance for the weather in Adelaide.
Thankyou to those who gave valuable advice. :)

[iceman]

Well done Jonathan! Sounds like you and striker can have races with them :D

I'm sure you'll be blown away by the views.. 11" compared to your 125.. nice work!