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Refractor setup
Hello all,
Had my Dob for a while now and i find the visual viewing great, but my urge to get into astrophotography has grown to the point that i get disappointed in the lack of things the Dob can do.
So i was looking at outlaying some cash to get a decent refractor and EQ mount.
Thought i would ask for some suggestions.
My budget is a bit variable, with absolute tops being $5k.
From my reading i've gleaned that i will require (obviously) the scope, a decent EQ mount, guiding scope /w camera, possibly dew control and a camera. To get me started.
So far my list looks like this:
Scope: Orion ED80T - $1049
Mount: Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro $1799
Guidescope: Orion Autoguider package (at bintel) $599
Camera: ?
Dew control: Kendrick DigiFire controller + 2 heaters $267
Now the questions.
Stuck on what to look for in a camera. Go Canon 1100d DSLR modded (cheapest option, or is it)? or look for a color oneshot CCD (ex: Atik 314E) or consider a B&W CCD + color wheel setup?
If i do decide to go with the DSLR; if i am only going to be using it for astro work (wont be buying a lens) will i need to replace the IR filter with a baader, or can i simply leave it blank? I have read that you will need an IR/UV filter if you do leave it blank, but i'm not sure on how correct that is, or if it is only for terrestial photography.
B&W CCD + filter wheel is probably out of the question, given how expensive filter wheels are.
I was trying to stick clear of the low resolution camera's that are available, like the Orion $600~ CCD's at Bintel as the seem too small and may lack detail.
Given this is my first foray into deep space astrophotography i was thinking that this may be a bit too much to outlay as a beginner.
Should i be looking at an ED80 doublet scope instead (Such as the Skywatcher ED80 - $899) or something else? Most seem to recommend spending the extra and getting the NEQ6 over the HEQ5, as a beginner should i go with the cheaper?
If you have any other general suggestions as well as to my choices or what you would recommend, please do tell.
Cheers.
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