C8 SGT v my 10" Dob on a EQ6

[Newbie79]

Hi all,

I am wanting to move in to astro photography and have been considering mounting my 10' skywathcer DOB on a EQ6.

It has been suggested to me the keep the dob as it is and get a separate setup for imaging, that way I can still use the DOB for viewing when the imaging setup is being used.

I have been looking at the Celestron C8 SGT. I am wondering how these two setups ( C8 SGT v Dob on EQ6) compare. Which of the two would be better for viewing and which would be better for imaging. Ultimatley i am trying to decide which way to go. Buy a EQ6 and mount the dob or buy the C8 SGT (They are currently on sale at York Optical for $2400)

Is the C8 SGT capable of taking a camera and guide scope etc, or is the mount to light.

Is anyone currently using an SGT for imaging?

I have already got so much advice about mounting teh dob on the EQ6, i really appreciate everyones time :)

What do people think

Thanks Matt

[sheeny]

G'Day Matt,

The C8 SGT will be limited for imaging. The mount is too light for a C8 and a guidescope. It is, however, fine for lunar and planetary imaging (unguided) and would probably be OK for DSOs if you use an off axis guider (and a focal reducer would probably help too;)). You could probably manage some widefields with a camera piggy backed on the scope provided you don't use too long a lens and your camera is not too heavy.:P (say a 350D).

The 10" newt on the EQ6 will probably give you greater scope for improvement and development especially if you want to get into DSOs. You can always put the newt back on the Dob mount if you don't remove the alt bearings:thumbsup:.

Al.

[scottdmann]

Interesting discussion,

I have a brief question regarding 10" reflectors and mount suitability.

How does a Celestron C10-NGT 10" reflector on a GC-5 mount vs. a Skywatcher on a EQ6 PRO mount regarding stability and load capacity?

Do people find the stock combinations adequate or is more investigation warranted?

Thanks,
Scott.