future imaging setup?

[monoxide]

hi guys,
ive been playing with the dobs for a while now and thought it might be time i point a camera skyward.
im not looking for professional results but id like to get some half decent images.
one of the setups i had in mind was a DSI II pro + LXD75 with Autostar
this combination would enable me to use the drizzle feature of the dsi which sounds pretty good.
any opinions on this setup?

[Ric]

Hi Monoxide, the LXD75 looks like a quite capable scope. I'm not sure which model your thinking of, SCT or Newtonian but once you get the alignment sorted I think with the DSI II Pro you will be getting more than half decent images.
I use the drizzle feature a lot and I am quite impressed with the results I'm getting although I know I can do better once I get my wedge and go equatorial.

Cheers

[monoxide]

thanks Ric,
i was thinking of the newt but that was actually going to be my next question, what would the benifits/downfalls be going with the SCT.

its going to be a pretty big jump for me going from dobs to an eq mount, but im looking forward to the challenge.

[Ric]

I have always owned SCT's and have been very happy with both of them. One downfall of sorts is to watch your camera at the back of the scope that it doesn't hit the base when tracking. A wedge all but solves this problem.

Both styles of scopes are very capable and I am sure their are others who will be able to add to this thread as well.

Cheers

[monoxide]

im leaning towards the 6" standard newt version.
reviews on the mount seem pretty decent and it should be pretty solid with the 6" newt, should also allow me to (in the distant future) piggyback an ed80 etc without worrying about overloading the mount?

[Ric]

Hi TJ, I was having a read on the Meade website and it looks like a very capable scope indeed.
I am looking towards and ED80 myself at some point down the track as well. It gives you the nice choice of imaging styles as well.

Cheers

[monoxide]

thats exactly what i was thinking with the ed80.

after doing a bit more homework im sure that the lxd75 will be more than good enough for what i want to achieve,
i guess i should organise getting one here to play with :)

[gbeal]

Can't go wrong with the newt (either newt), but the real test will be the mount. You can either buy the biggest and best straight away, or do it in steps (like I did). Either way the mount will be the weakest (or strongest) link, just depends on how much money you throw at it.
Good luck,
Gary

[monoxide]

after a bit more thought i realised for the price of the dsi pro II i can get a 350d.
im guessing i could expect a lot better results with the 350d?

[pvelez]

Hey Monoxide

I have a LXD75 - 8 inch Schmidt Newt and use a 350D. Its a great combination. Sadly, I think an ED 80 overloads the mount but a 6 inch might be ok. It is a pain to align but once your set, it does the business.

Pete

[monoxide]

thanks for the reply pete,
i may have to chase up some figures as to how much the 6" ota + ed80 actually weighs.
im so eagerly looking forward to drift alignment.. :whistle:

atleast ive got the camera sorted out, i saw this:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150139290927
and couldnt help myself, a nice new 400d + lens for less than a dsi pro II :D

[Ric]

The camera sounds like a good buy, well done. :thumbsup:

Ah yes, drift alignment, welcome to the dark arts :evil:

Cheers