Taking the plunge into Mono imaging

[Startrek]

After 3 years using a Canon 600D and the next 3 years using a ZWO 2600MC OSC in 6” , 8” and 10” Newts , I’ve decided to take the final step and image with a Mono camera, namely the 2600MM.
My Sydney location with Bortle 7/8 skies more like Bortle 8 with neighbours lights blasting my yard has finally prompted me to find a solution to improve my imaging as the OSC definitely has its limitations under less than ideal conditions.
Obviously my South Coast NSW Obs is located under Bortle 3 skies and therefore OSC and Mono both excel ( in their own way ) with broadband and narrowband.
I will still be using the 2600MC OSC from time to time but it’s time to take the plunge.
I’ll be buying Antlia LRGB filters and Antlia 3nm narrowband filters but I’m undecided between 36mm and 2”
Astronomy tools calculated my minimum filter size to be 32mm and that is based on the filter being 27.5mm from the camera sensor ( 17.5mm sensor to base of 2600MM plate + 10mm to filter ) ZWO filter wheels are 20mm thick
If I choose 36mm filters and filter wheel , that only gives me a 4mm tolerance ? Is that enough to avoid Vignetting etc…
If I choose 2” filters and filter wheel , this future proofs any set up now and in the future
There is a physical size, cost and weight advantage with the 36mm

Any personal experience and advice with the 2600MM and filters would be greatly appreciated

Cheers
Martin

[Dennis]

Hi Martin

If your OTA can support a full frame sensor rather than just the APS-C size sensor, you may find that in a year or two, you hunger for the 35mm full frame sensor which would mean purchasing new 2” filters, making the 36mm ones redundant.

So, how likely are you to upgrade to a full frame camera?

I have a Tak Mewlon 210 which copes with the QHY268M (APS-C) and CFW3 36mm unmounted filters, but the coma at the edges will not tolerate a full frame sensor.

However, if my OTA was suited to a full frame sensor, I would probably have felt the urge to upgrade by now, which would have made my investment in the 36mm filters somewhat limiting.

Generally, finances, etc. permitting, I have found it better to reach a little bit higher to allow for space to grow into the equipment to meet future needs as they unfold.

Good luck.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[xelasnave]

Hi Martin
I now have two monos and wheels filters etc and there was a reason I went 2 inch originally but I cant remember...but bigger is always best..cars boats and most of all for astro stuff.
Just go for the 2 inch ...
I cant wait to see your results.
Alex

[ChrisV]

Good luck Martin. I will follow you in spirit at least!!

[Startrek]

Thanks Dennis , Alex and Chris ,
My rigs are not set up for full frame and I’m not interested going any wider , so happy to keep imaging APS-C
I’ll take Alex’s advice and go the 2”
I use 2” Dualband in a filter drawer with my 2600MC so I suppose keep it all standardised

Now to procure everything ( if it’s in stock )

Cheers
Martin

[lazjen]

Definitely go the 2". I've got the 2600MM and I'm using 36mm filters. It's just on the edge of ok and if it wasn't for the fact I already had the filters at the time, I'd go 2".

In fact I may end up doing that anyway sometime.

[Startrek]

Good advice Chris

Thanks
Martin

[charmec]

Hi and I have both the 2600Mc and 2600MM, like you i got the MC first but 18 months ago I when with the 2600mm and never looked back. I when straight of with the 2" filter wheel and started with Optelong filter set. a year later i moved on to Antlia full set and 3nm narrowband. The Antlia are much better filters IMO and I was happy I when with 2" filters as there is no edge problems what so ever and yes i know you say you wont go full frame but i will be next year so at least no need for new filters and you could change your mind later on lol.
either way you will love the camera, I still do.

[Startrek]

Thanks Manuel for sharing your experiences
Can’t wait to get started
My coma corrector is 3 weeks away so hopefully I’ll be set up during September
The 2600MM , filter wheel and filters are in stock

Cheers
Martin