[Robert_T]

Hi All, I'd really value your comments, opinions, 2cents worth on this. If you've followed DP's thread, this is in much the same theme... basically I'm wondering where the next step - next 6-12months - should be in incrementally improving my planetary imaging scope setup.

I have a big observatory equatorial mounting (with huge 16inch drive wheels etc) collecting dust under the house so I was thinking perhaps of bolting this to the slab outside (covering it with a tarp) and using it to go the Newtonian path. I also have an old 12.5inch mirror that I figured to F6.7 (yep, it be big), but which needs recoating at the least and practically also a regrind/refigure to something more manageable in size (say between F5 and 5.6).

To get the mirror refigured etc to a good standard I'm looking at ~$1250au then mirror mounting bits, tube, etc etc to get it all setup. Hmmm unlikely to walk away under $2000 and probably more. Makes me wonder about getting a GSO dob 12inch at F5 (?) for half that and simply using teh OTA from that on my eq mount with all the bits I need included and money to spare for cooling mods electric focussor etc.

My questions surround thoughts on the relative optical quality of the custom version versus GSO optics in the 12in range, for planetary imaging, given diff in focal ratio of say 5.6 with the former and 5 with the latter. General thoughts on potential of a 12inch newt setup compared with the C9.25 also welcome - Asi I wonder why you don't use your 12.5inch parks scope for imaging more?

cheers guys,