Davekyn
28-08-2008, 04:21 PM
How does this approach sound? Getting the Right Gear!
I’ve highlighted what it is that I need to know or what I’m un-clear about. I hope this makes reading it a little easier.
I know I’ve been saying I want to find a cheap way into imaging, but the more I research the more I know this is not to be. I’m no longer rushing out to buy something I think I can justify, but instead have decided to save for the “right gear” that will at least make the whole process of imaging more enjoyable to learn & give great results.
Factors I am now thinking about:
I need to pose the following questions to get an idea of what Telescope combo I will end up with, in order to select the right mount with weight considerations/gearing /stability & over all suitability.
My First Scope-Wide Field DSO
As a total, beginner my First telescope will be a small refractor with a short FL that will get me started with some wide field photography where upon I can use it as a guide scope on my second telescope purchase further down the track…This I believe has already been answered for me…Thank you!
My Second Scope-Planetary/Lunar/close up DSO
I have to admit I have been getting confused where the lines are drawn between apps & Fls with people recommending what sized scope for Planetary or DSO imaging…I also believe the type of imaging method may also influence scope selection & the type of Astrophotography one wishes to pursue. For this reason I have already purchased a book on Amazon “Digital Astrophotography-A guide to capturing the cosmos” by Stefan Seip. It seems to be a recent book on the subject (Dec 2007) and reviews look good on it.
Having already a good idea of what scope I wish to use for wide field images…I don’t wish to end up with an “All Rounder” Telescope for my second, but rather one that is MORE suited for Planetary/Lunar & close up DSOs. I realize I can follow this up and I will be, but just off hand a little info as to what type of scope would be a good selection for this would be handy. I know many people stick to using a refractor for various reasons and what not…I know that a longer FL is required and imaging with such scopes requires a lot of skill. High Resolution sounds like a good point to think about as well…in fact what kind of attributes does a scope need to achieve Hi-Rez shots?...Ok, I’m getting a bit carried away here…Let me sum up what my issues with a second scope…Will a DSLR be inadequate for such results?
-Want is SOLEY for Planetary/Lunar& Close up DSO-galaxies
-Not sure about Refractor Vs Large Reflector or the other kinds…I do know though, my saving limit on that selection will be around 2 Grand at most, and it won’t be anytime real soon.
-More than likely will be using a high end DSLR…LOL I mean a cheap one for around $1300.00au
One scope I am thinking about?
I can tell you that at this point…without having the in-depth knowledge you guys have…that the Skywatcher ED120/120 seems to have the fl over the other 120mm available refractors within the $2000.00au mark with others just seeming to be an all-rounder (Orion) (fl) rather than Planetary specific.
Camera:
I’ll just get the best DSLR I can afford, and I’ll be getting it before my second scope…therefore I guess that will be something that will also dictate my second scope. Its seems some cameras are better at doing different things than others and that knowing this will also help those who wish to specialize in their hobby.
Mounts:
At this stage…the two I rate as achievable to save for in my book are the:
Atlas EQ-G Mount with Dual-Axis Controller
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=mounts_and_tripods/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=24337 (http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=mounts_and_tripods/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=24337)
Skywatcher EQ6PRO SynScan
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=75&class1=3&class2=308 (http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=75&class1=3&class2=308)
I’m not quite sure which the better is, but think the Atlas looks better…not much of a reason to pick it over the other. I think If I do go with something like two refractors on one another with a DSLR, I might be right…would it still be ok to image at high mag like that?
ANYWAYS…If you managed to read my post…Thanks. I realize what an effort it can be to read long winded posts, especially when people are either confused or simply overwhelmed with what they are trying to achieve. I guess I am still at a point of looking at the entirety of what is required, what I want to do, & what’s important, as well as think about the order in which to build upon what seems to be an exciting hobby.
The Basics
1st Mount / 2nd Wide Field Scope / 3rd DSLR / 4th Planetary/Lunar/Galaxy Scope
Set-up---Scopes piggybacked on single mount sharing DSLR camera, each alternatively sharing the job of guide scope. Hi Rez would be good, but not a necessity.
Feed Back greatly appreciated.
Dave:screwy:
I’ve highlighted what it is that I need to know or what I’m un-clear about. I hope this makes reading it a little easier.
I know I’ve been saying I want to find a cheap way into imaging, but the more I research the more I know this is not to be. I’m no longer rushing out to buy something I think I can justify, but instead have decided to save for the “right gear” that will at least make the whole process of imaging more enjoyable to learn & give great results.
Factors I am now thinking about:
I need to pose the following questions to get an idea of what Telescope combo I will end up with, in order to select the right mount with weight considerations/gearing /stability & over all suitability.
My First Scope-Wide Field DSO
As a total, beginner my First telescope will be a small refractor with a short FL that will get me started with some wide field photography where upon I can use it as a guide scope on my second telescope purchase further down the track…This I believe has already been answered for me…Thank you!
My Second Scope-Planetary/Lunar/close up DSO
I have to admit I have been getting confused where the lines are drawn between apps & Fls with people recommending what sized scope for Planetary or DSO imaging…I also believe the type of imaging method may also influence scope selection & the type of Astrophotography one wishes to pursue. For this reason I have already purchased a book on Amazon “Digital Astrophotography-A guide to capturing the cosmos” by Stefan Seip. It seems to be a recent book on the subject (Dec 2007) and reviews look good on it.
Having already a good idea of what scope I wish to use for wide field images…I don’t wish to end up with an “All Rounder” Telescope for my second, but rather one that is MORE suited for Planetary/Lunar & close up DSOs. I realize I can follow this up and I will be, but just off hand a little info as to what type of scope would be a good selection for this would be handy. I know many people stick to using a refractor for various reasons and what not…I know that a longer FL is required and imaging with such scopes requires a lot of skill. High Resolution sounds like a good point to think about as well…in fact what kind of attributes does a scope need to achieve Hi-Rez shots?...Ok, I’m getting a bit carried away here…Let me sum up what my issues with a second scope…Will a DSLR be inadequate for such results?
-Want is SOLEY for Planetary/Lunar& Close up DSO-galaxies
-Not sure about Refractor Vs Large Reflector or the other kinds…I do know though, my saving limit on that selection will be around 2 Grand at most, and it won’t be anytime real soon.
-More than likely will be using a high end DSLR…LOL I mean a cheap one for around $1300.00au
One scope I am thinking about?
I can tell you that at this point…without having the in-depth knowledge you guys have…that the Skywatcher ED120/120 seems to have the fl over the other 120mm available refractors within the $2000.00au mark with others just seeming to be an all-rounder (Orion) (fl) rather than Planetary specific.
Camera:
I’ll just get the best DSLR I can afford, and I’ll be getting it before my second scope…therefore I guess that will be something that will also dictate my second scope. Its seems some cameras are better at doing different things than others and that knowing this will also help those who wish to specialize in their hobby.
Mounts:
At this stage…the two I rate as achievable to save for in my book are the:
Atlas EQ-G Mount with Dual-Axis Controller
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=mounts_and_tripods/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=24337 (http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=mounts_and_tripods/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=24337)
Skywatcher EQ6PRO SynScan
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=75&class1=3&class2=308 (http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=75&class1=3&class2=308)
I’m not quite sure which the better is, but think the Atlas looks better…not much of a reason to pick it over the other. I think If I do go with something like two refractors on one another with a DSLR, I might be right…would it still be ok to image at high mag like that?
ANYWAYS…If you managed to read my post…Thanks. I realize what an effort it can be to read long winded posts, especially when people are either confused or simply overwhelmed with what they are trying to achieve. I guess I am still at a point of looking at the entirety of what is required, what I want to do, & what’s important, as well as think about the order in which to build upon what seems to be an exciting hobby.
The Basics
1st Mount / 2nd Wide Field Scope / 3rd DSLR / 4th Planetary/Lunar/Galaxy Scope
Set-up---Scopes piggybacked on single mount sharing DSLR camera, each alternatively sharing the job of guide scope. Hi Rez would be good, but not a necessity.
Feed Back greatly appreciated.
Dave:screwy: