andys
26-10-2007, 08:07 PM
So I'm thinking about spending some money on some astronomy kit and need some advice.
Currently have a motor driven eq3 with a 6 inch newtonian and a 350D. I'm pretty happy with the newt, the mount is ok. I've done some prime focus imaging with reasonable results. I still have had no success with drift aligning, though I'm ok at getting a reasonable direction based on estimating the position of the tripod. I'm hoping to crack it over the next few months now the nights are warmer. Also I'm pretty useless at finding stuff that isn't blindingly obvious.
Do I
1) spend money on a goto mount (HEQ5pro or EQ6pro or something else) - theoretically this should help me reduce setup times and be able to find stuff quickyl, but from what I understand, it doesn't solve my alignment challenges.
1a) upgrade my EQ3 to goto with the new kit - not wholly convinced this is worth doing
- or -
2) spend money on a CCD, eyepieces, etc and whatever else so that I can start doing some planetary and deep space imaging.
Ultimately, in a few years I'd quite like to have a full computerised setup.
Your wisdom appreciated.
Currently have a motor driven eq3 with a 6 inch newtonian and a 350D. I'm pretty happy with the newt, the mount is ok. I've done some prime focus imaging with reasonable results. I still have had no success with drift aligning, though I'm ok at getting a reasonable direction based on estimating the position of the tripod. I'm hoping to crack it over the next few months now the nights are warmer. Also I'm pretty useless at finding stuff that isn't blindingly obvious.
Do I
1) spend money on a goto mount (HEQ5pro or EQ6pro or something else) - theoretically this should help me reduce setup times and be able to find stuff quickyl, but from what I understand, it doesn't solve my alignment challenges.
1a) upgrade my EQ3 to goto with the new kit - not wholly convinced this is worth doing
- or -
2) spend money on a CCD, eyepieces, etc and whatever else so that I can start doing some planetary and deep space imaging.
Ultimately, in a few years I'd quite like to have a full computerised setup.
Your wisdom appreciated.