Quote:
Originally Posted by spearo
...given that it's the only one with a built in self guiding chip (i think its the only one?)
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I believe SBIG hold a patent over the dual chip design so if I'm right that's why there's no competitors offering it and why there won't be for some time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gbeal
... I have used the SBIG gear, and it is nice, heavy as heck, but nice....
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Interesting. Perhaps you're right, I haven't compared actual weights accurately. But comparing how heavy my ST7 feels to how heavy my Canon 350D feels, the 350D feels heaver. Compare the ST7 to a QHY-5 (guider) and the Q-guider is a whole magnitude lighter (but it's not cooled and of course is no comparison for the ST7!).
If I were you I'd be comparing what Starlight Xpress, SBIG, QHY, Apogee and Finger Lakes offer. I think Meade's and Orion's are cooled now too aren't they?.. just the lower end of the market.
I expect to stick to SBIG when I upgrade because the internal guide chip seems to make life so much easier than having an external guide scope (but has obvious drawbacks such as the problem with filters going in front). If you're doing RGB imaging then a single shot colour SBIG with guide chip would be nice
