Quote:
Originally Posted by bmitchell82
hey fellas,
although i do have access to the uni's astro gear, im planning my way into having my own gear. I know that mono CCD's are the best way to go in regards to sensitivity, though for a start i would love to go take a photo of DSO's with a Class 1 one shot to learn the craft first before taking on a whole new demon.
Now what would you guys suggest in the way of a good quality colour CCD/DSLR in the range of 1000-1200. I am saving atm for the either the EQ5 or EQ6 goto mounts with something like a WO or Tak 80 90mm ish. This will be only for this setup, as my long term goals is to put a big 12" + SCT or Newt onto a Vixen/Losmandy mount (a fair few years from now).
For the whole system im looking to spend around $5000 but would like to draw on peoples experience Pro's and Con's and experience before i move ahead.
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A lot of guys here are using QHY8's. That is a one shot colour 6.3mp Sony\
Chipped Chinese made camera I believe.
There are plenty of good images around. They are priced around AUD$1500 I believe but not 100% sure.
Tak makes the 90mm Sky 90 but no 80mm scope.
There are many scopes these days in the 80 to 102mm aperture range which seems to be highly competitive.
Skywatcher, Astrotech, Orion, Stellarvue, Williams Optics do battle for that sector of the market.
They kind of separate out into Williams Optics and Stellarvue being the upper middle band of scope makers. Orion and Astrotech in the next band down and Skywatcher and other Orion scopes the next band - I think that is a close assessment although others may disagree. Its a rough workout.
2nd hand Tak gear is a possibility although more expensive.
An FS102 these days goes for about US$1200, a Sky 90 perhaps US$1000, an FS60C for about US$700. These are the next level up from the above brands.
To get above those Tak models you'd have to look at the current Tak triplet range or TMB/APM or AP (not really available except 2nd hand at massive prices). TEC's smallest is 140mm though.
For what you mention you'd be better off with a 102mm Orion or 100mm ED Orion or Astrotech. I have an Astrotech 66mmED I use as a guide scope and it was "cheap" at US$225. It is impressively well made and whilst a few minor probs (focuser has a bit of slip etc) it is amazing value for money so if Astrotech 102mm model is anything similar it would be hot. Orion EON is from the same Pern Long Taiwanese manufacturer so it would seem. So is William Optics. Stellarvue is a bit more expensive but I think they include a high quality diagonal and case and rings something to consider when buying as the add-ons really can add to the cost. A new Tak for example comes with virtually nothing except the scope - you need rings, finder scope to acutally use it!
Greg.