Good sub $1,000 CCD for DSO's etc

[Osirisra]

G'day all, being basically a noob in astrophotography other than a bit of dabbling with web cam I'm looking for advice on different CCD's good for DSO's for around a grand budget. No Eq mount at the moment but one on the list of things to add to endless pit off astro purchases:P

[A23649]

Check classifieds because they have decent ones around your price range but... that EQ mount is critical to take good photos otherwise your limited to 3 minutes for any DSO objects because of field rotation. I personally would get that EQ mount first then the CCD camera later.

cheers,
nathan

[Ric]

Hi Ken

In my opinion you could check out the Meade DSI II with filters. At the moment they are very reasonably priced as an entry level CCD camera for DSO's.

I have been using mine for quite a few years and probably I am using it to only around 70% of its capacity.

I'll probably be using it for quite a few years to come yet before I upgrade to something new.

Cheers

[mithrandir]

Atik has a few under the $1K mark. All cooled CCDs. Try Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm) or Astroguy (http://www.theastroguy.com.au/).

The 16ic is USB1. I'm not sure about the 16ic-s. The others are USB2.

You might even get a runout deal on the 16ic. I use one as a guider.

Andrew

[multiweb]

I think there's a QHY8 going with all the bells and whistles in the IIS classified. Might want to grab a bargain quick if it's not gone already.

[allan gould]

Go a qhy8 or modded canon 20D as such. Both are very good to use and get you used to imaging. You will not loose that much on re-sale when you then want to get something with more bells and whistles. Make sure you get a good mount ie EQ6.

[Osirisra]

Thanks for all the healp guys, I have an EQ6 on the shopping list but I want to get the CCD first to have a play around on some basic DSO's and some planetary stuff before I get serious with the EQ with a guide rig etc.

I have looked at the QHY8 and the Meade DSI's but they don't seem to be making the Meade DSI III pro anymore.Havent looked at the Atik gear yet but they sure look nice.

The other issue is to go with a cheap Colour one to have a dable and then use it as a guider later or go with the mono which had better 'grabbing' power but with the added cost of the filter wheel etc.

[Osirisra]

Hmm 500 bucks for a DSI II colour at Bintel is looking inviting. The Atik Titan looks nice too,... Decisions, decisions

[EddieDog]

Hi, don't know if you have got one yet (I'm looking too) but B&H in NY have the Meade DSI II for $299 plus shipping. Great org to deal with. They close for passover for a couple of weeks this Sunday
Eddie

[Osirisra]

I ended up getting the Dsi II from Star Optics for $389:D