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What to upgrade next?
Hi all
I think I already know the sensible answer, but it's not the answer I want - so throwing it to more experienced astrophotographers to knock some sense into me and make sure I don't do something stupid.
I'm currently using an ED80 with 0./85 flattener, shooting with a crop-sensor Nikon DSLR, all riding on an unguided NEQ6 mount. I have two full-frame Nikons I can use, as well as two Barlows (2x and 5x). I also have the Nikon 70-200mm zoom.
With all these at my disposal I can get a bunch of different focal lengths. I've attached some photos ranging from the full-frame through the flattener to the crop-sensor through both Barlows.
I'm keen to get more magnification and am looking at a simple steel 10" f/4 Newt as the next upgrade.
My question: is it just plain stupidity to buy such a thing without first getting a guiding system? I've had some success with 90-second unguided subs at around 760mm with a small OTA; how will that translate to a much heavier 1000mm OTA? Will the increase in magnification make for a significant increase in difficulty, or will the much larger aperture and shorter subs mean I'm still likely to get some decent results?
OR:
Am I far better off cooling my jets, putting an icepack on my focal length fever, and obtaining & learning to use a guiding system before leaping into 1000mm + territory?
Like I say, I'm pretty sure I already know the answer. I just see all these amazingly detailed galaxies & nebulae you guys post and I start drooling. Limited budget means I need to be smart and not go backwards with any purchases; I'll inevitably need a guiding system so it makes vastly more sense to get it. I know. BUT I WANT MOAR MAGNIFICATION.
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