Hi all,
I'm really starting to get into imaging at the moment after about 1.5 years of not even taking any of my telescopes outside. My current scopes are an 8" dob and a Tal200K. I have recently taken up prime focus imaging using my unmodded Canon 400D with the 8" Newt on an EQ6. Firstly, it was just some unguided shots (out to about 90secs). Now I'm learning the ropes to guide using an old 60mm tasco refractor and an unmodded toucam.
While sometimes frustrating, it has been a fulfilling experience, producing some pleasing results, at least the unguided pics as I've just started guiding. However, the whole 8" Newt setup is quite bulky and I was thinking of perhaps getting a dedicated refractor for imaging. The Tal200K is a fantastic scope and you only have to look at Bert's work on here to see what is possible with the scope. However, the accessories required to make it into an imaging scope are just not purchases I want to make. Therefore, I was thinking of perhaps selling the Tal and using the funds to purchase a refractor.
In regards to a refractor, I'm thinking along the lines of between 80-100mm, probably an apo (doublet), unless I can be convinced to get an achro. My budget will be around the $1000 mark, but it all depends on what I can get for my Tal. I'm a complete novice when in comes to refractors (my cheap tasco doesn't count
), so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Daniel