Thoughts on my Proposed Scope

[Newbie79]

Hi,

Would love people's thoughts on my proposed setup. I currently have a 10" Skywatcher dob. I would like to Mount it on a GO-TO mount and am thinking about a EQ6 PRO. I would like to start getting into Astrophotography. Will this setup enable me to do this?

I have been lead to believe some modifications need to be made to the DOB tube to allow photographs to be taken? Is this correct?

Should I be getting a mount for the dob tube or should i look at getting a complete setup specifically for imaging?

Your thoughts?

Regards Matt

[Gama]

I would look at a second hand complete setup. That way some other poor shmuk went thru the teething problems and finally got it all going right.
All you do is align and go. Well, not go, but "Next"....

Theo

[AstroJunk]

Have a chat to Peter: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=45924

He has taken that path and is getting great results. It's a great way to go if you want some grunt, but it will ultimately cost you in upgrades and accessories - but show me an astrophotographer of any merit that hasn't sold their first born to feed the habit...

[Alchemy]

the 10 inch will go on a eq6 pro, you will need a guidescope as well which will push it to the limit, you may need to cut the tube.... but an MPCC does help with the focal plane.

my advice is hook up with someone local, go look at their gear and get them to explain the ins and outs. its a very involved process, better to learn from someone elses mistakes.

BTW where do you live so maybee someone can offer you that advice

[gregbradley]

If you are starting imaging you are better off with a small 80mm or so refractor and a DSLR. They are cheap, quite good qulaity and you'll get good and easier results straight away.

There are many examples of good images using an Orion ED80 or renamed brand refractor and a DSLR. A modified 350D is fairly "cheap" and is hard ot beat bang for your buck.

Shorter focal length is easier than local focal length.

Lighter telescopes are easier to image with than heavier scopes.

You ideally want your scope overmounted not taxed to the max. You will spend a lot of time trying to get round stars otherwise and it will be frustrating, expensive and unsatisfying results.

There are plenty of people who are using the EQ6. I don't know much about it. There are several models of the EQ6 or version I think and several possible upgrades I believe.

Usual advice is that put the bulk of your money into the mount as a mount that does not track properly will be a source of annoyance and no results. There are some mounts I have had that were fairly expensive that did not do the job. So buyer beware.

Greg.

[Newbie79]

Thanks to everyone for your reply. There certainly is a lot to consider. Will let you know how I go.

Thanks

Matt