Quote:
Originally Posted by agivney
Thank you for your feedback, so many things to think about!
A few thoughts:
At this stage I will probably purchase my gear in one batch from the U.S, at the site, http://www.highpointscientific.com. I would like to buy it from A.U, but the price difference is just too much. Also, from what I can tell, there is a 2 month waiting list even if I buy from A.U for some of this equipment, in other words, they appear to be doing what I am doing! Ground shipment is free.
I am starting to see that my Nikon DSLR may not be a good option mainly due to high noise, high operating temperature, information clipping and its shear size, it simply will be more finicky than a dedicated scope camera, so I may also buy a one of those. At this stage I am looking at the Atik 490Ex Mono, with a manual filter wheel etc which apparently works well with the Hyperstar.
I did not think of the f 2.0 focus difficulty, but I think I can overcome this with patience.The f2.0 also has some major advantages, such as much less exposure time. I think my biggest issue initially will be tracking.
I do like the idea of using the scope at high magnification for visual work.
I will look into the focuser, but will that be necessary if I get the Atik 490?
Regarding the mount size, I think I will certainly go for that, knowing from my own long exposure photography experience, the mount is a deal breaker and I do not wish to be buying a bigger one anytime soon. The mount can apparently handle the 14" model. The size is fine, I am not a small person by any means (6.3.5") and the weight is manageable for myself. I own a Caddy Van and can transport it in that.
At this stage I am looking at around 8k for the setup from the U.S. By nature, I like the technical side of things and computer processing, I realise it will take some time to get the hang of this setup. I know from past experience, if I get something easier and less powerful, I will within a year get this rig anyway.
Thanks again. |
I've looked up the CGEM DX and its payload is only 22kgs. If you're loading up an 11" SCT I'm really not sure how good it will be at anything other than planetary or really short exposures - the general rule is for astrophotography you should only load up around half the mount's weight capacity. As for a 14" SCT it may hold it (20kgs) but i would question it's useability for anything other than visual. You should probably consider an EQ8 or similar instead.
I'm sure you are aware but just to be clear the point retrograde was raising with the DSLR (or any other large CCD) and the hyperstar setup is that the bigger the camera the more it blocks the in coming light as its located in 'front' of the telescope and not the back. A filter wheel is out of the question teleskop shop in germany has a filter 'draw' system that may work for you.
definitely be careful of importing it is likely to be costing a lot more than it appears.
good luck,
Rusty