LPR filters, field flatteners, guidescope

[DJDD]

Hi all!

well, just forked out some cash for an EQ6Pro and ED80. :)

now, I have three questions-

1. Field flatteners:
I believe a lot of the forum members use a WO 0.8X field flattener. is that the case? Are there any other options?
From optcorp:
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=9180&kw=WO-FLAT&st=3

(I think this is what people have but it is discontinued:
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=6962&kw=Focal%20reducer&st=2 )


2. LPS filters
So, I have seen that there are a few that are used by most people, an Astronomik CLS, UHC, UHC-E, UHC-S(?) and the IDAS LPS filter.
Now, i have seen great photos from members using different filters, which makes the decision hard.

I live in suburban melbourne, near Southland Shopping Centre, so the sky is quite bright. Perhaps that will have an impact on which to choose.

So, i welcome comment on what would be the "best" option for the LPR filter for an ED80.


3. Guidescope
Is the Orion Short Tube 80 still the go?
Will that mount directly onto the ED80?
Do I just use soemthing like teh "Guan Sheng special dovetail mount adaptor - FF561" from Andrews?

thanks in advance for any replies.

cheers,
DJDD

[DJDD]

well, Ted from hutech has emailed to tell me that they will not have of the IDAS 2" LPS filters in until mid-december, so i guess that rules out the IDAS. Pity, because for some reason i had my heart set on that (excepting any advice given by forum members).


So, now I have to consider the Astronomik filters mentioned above.
Any thoughts on the best for light-polluted skies + ED80 as mentioned

That also leaves the purchase of the field flattener/reducer and the guidescope.

cheers,
DJDD

[Max Vondel]

1-I use a WO 0.8 flatner with my WO M90. But only because it is designed for that telescope. Other flatners maybe OK but trial and error could be expensive. Try without and see if you need one.
2-LPR filters come in many flavours as you mentioned. It begs the question what kind of imaging you are doing? If visual you won't see much with only 80mm and an UHC. UHC is only for larger diameters visually. If CCD then is it mono or colour?
3-The orion st 80mm is good for all sorts of guiding.
As you have an EQ6Pro you can easily carry the weight. I think that Losmandy and WO offer a side saddle mounting option that might just be the ticket...............ENJOY YOUR IMAGING...........
:)

[DJDD]

Thanks for the reply.

1. I double checked a few posts and the WO seems the one of choice and not too expensive. As you say, try without first as I think I could get one reasonably quickly.

2. Imaging will be with a DSLR (Nikon D80 initially, maybe a canon 450D or 40D/50D later). Maybe the CLS then? This choice is where experience within the forum is welcome.

I will also use the telescope for visual stuff.

3. ah yes, side-by-side or on top. I like the look of mounting the guidescope to the side rather than on top. it seems neater somehow. Thanks for the tip on the options.

cheers,
DJDD

[DJDD]

well, so far I have been *very* lucky.

(a) picked up the EQ6Pro and ED80Pro from a Western Australian company at the "old", pre-weak dollar price. :thumbsup:

I think i got the second last EQ6Pro in the country at that price.:D

I believe the store still has one left?


(b) Orion Short Tube 80 guidescope package from a melbourne store. I think I picked up the last one at the old price. :thumbsup:


So that leaves:
(i) the focal reducer/flattener (not sure if required)
(b) the Light Pollution Suppression filter.
does anyoen have any thoughts on the Astronomik UHC-E versus the CLS? :shrug:


cheers,
DJDD