Thoughts on imaging scope.

[Hagar]

I am in the market for a new imaging scope to capture some Galaxies and other bits up close and personal. I may even have a stab at some Planetary imaging as well.

My initial thoughs are a 10" Meade LX200 ACF OTA.

Your thoughts please.

[Mighty_oz]

That's sounds good for a start but why stop there ?
Go for the new GSO RC 16" coming out soon :)

[allan gould]

Doug
I use a 15 yr old Meade 10" SCT for galaxies and have found it to be very good and I'm quite happy with it. But if I were to replace it it would be with a 12" Meade ACF with moonlight and stepper focuser. I say this as I think the price is about optimal for what you get.

[Hagar]

Thanks Marcus, In a word, or two, Too Heavy.

[Hagar]

Thanks Allan, again weight will probably be the issue for the mount at this focal length. Are stars still bloated with the ACF? Hard to find images taken with one.

[Mighty_oz]

Yeah too heavy for mine as well, you still using the G11 ? If so maybe a C11 ( good for planets ) or a RC 10 ( may not be so good for the planets ) or just a 10" reflector like what Rolf uses ? Otherwise if money's not so big a problem rent Mike's now not so used as much, very good Starfire :) Ducks out of Mike's reach.

[lepton3]

I wouldn't write off a C11 for planets. There have been some super impressive Mars and Saturn images produced by Asimov with a C11 and DBK618 camera...

-Ivan

[Hagar]

Thanks everyone, I did it. Placed an order for a 10" Meade ACF OTA and some extras and an image source 618 colour camera.
Now just a wait and then some clouds.

[Mighty_oz]

And then some :) Be good to see what u get when u have it all going.

[allan gould]

Good on you Doug. I hope it's all that you wanted and it will be a great scope. Clear skies to you

[Poita]

Damn, you could have bought mine :D

It is a great scope, you won't be disappointed, really sharp stars, right across the field, great light grasp, holds its collimation I do love it.

Only reason mine is being sold is I have a C9.25HD and I enjoy the hyperstar, and can't afford to keep both!
If it wasn't for the hyperstar, I would keep the Meade and sell the C9.25.
Enjoy the new toy!

[strongmanmike]

Nice call Doug, good staple performer :thumbsup:

Mike

[Hagar]

Thanks everyone. Got a call from Bintel, it's all on it's way to Aus as we speek.
I really suffer appature fever now that I only have the FSQ so this should be a new thing for me to work through. I just hope the ACF lives up to expectations and promises.
Finding images taken with this scope is to say the least quite difficult so I am hoping it doesn't say something for it's imaging ability.
Time will tell. If it doesn't work out it won't be my first stuff up anyway and probably no my worst.

Thanks again.

[gregbradley]

AP 67 reducer works well with it.

Its an AP product but they are reasonably cheap at around $200 or less 2nd hand and not sure what they are new but not over the top.

Greg.

[allan gould]

New about $225 at the moment as I just purchased one to use with my QHY10 and QSI583 cameras and the GSO 10" RC. Gives flat stars right to the edges with minimal vignetting if any.

[Hagar]

Thanks Guy's. Something I may look at in the future. Initially 2.5M focal length should be very interesting in fact where do you buy them? Direct from AP? 1650mm Focal length may be nice.

[allan gould]

You can go direct but I got mine through ATScope.

[Paul Haese]

Ah welcome to the frustration of planetary. That ought to drive you right over the edge. :P

Buy dew control too. Large correctors love dew.

Looks forward to your results.