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Hi Bird, I think you've certainly covered off the major areas or issues that are important in realising the best planetary images. I'd particularly like to see the 1st issue of Optics and Collimation expanded upon, delving into the relative importance of optical quality, optical configuration and design (eg. newtonians versus cassegrains, focal ratio, obstructions, flocking etc) and the use and quality of accessories such as barlows (is the advantage of powermates as important with web-cam imaging etc) and extension tubes to best effect (eg. in relation to pixel size of the camera).
Is there a best rig or rigs for planetary imaging? Are there for example significant/substantial advantages in a longer focal length newtonian (F6-7) over the more common F5s by virtue of enhanced contrast from smaller obstruction and larger image scale, or is this really a small thing compared with the quality of the optics, especially where the image scale can be provided by a large amplification barlow/power-mate. On the subject of power-mates are they really much better in planetary imaging than standard barlows when its really only the very centre of the lens is used (the edge being an area of weakness for barlows). This one makes sense to me, but then I've never imaged with a powermate to compare.
The issue of filters for different situations and used in different combinations is also very interesting. Beyond RGB I have seen some very striking images taken through near infra-red and some of the best colour images when near infraread is substituted for red in RGB combos. I read also that some imagers in areas with typically poor seeing routinely image in only red and green and combine.
Anyway, great thread, and look forward to reading more of peoples thoughts - and hopefully adding to them - as they develop.
cheers,
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