Quote:
Originally Posted by Studsy
Thanks for all your help everyone! This thread has sure given me some things to think about.
I'm thinking i'll start off with the mount i have and just purchase a guiding setup + DSLR and see how i go from there. So if anyone has any cheap DSLR's/autoguiding setups, let me know!
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Hi Studsy,
it would suprise me if you find an autoguider port (ST4 - looks like ethernet port) on the CG-5.
But if it is a version that has GOTO build in and a serial connected handcontroller you may be able to send commands to the mount via EQDir and Ascom. Otherwise you will need first and foremost a new mount. Even if you drift align for two hours and are spot on the SCP the PEriodic error of your mount will ruin even 30sec exposures at your SCT's native 2m focal lenght.
However, with DSLR and a lens up to 50mm (like Canons nifty fifty for about 150 bugs) you can take very good deepsky images with several minutes exposure on your (pol alligned) mount. The shorter the lens, the more forgiving forgiving is pol alignment and PE. Widefield imaging is very rewarding! You need darker skies though as the intake of light pollution increases drastically with short fl', gradients become an issue as well. But its a lot easier to take your cg-5 (i use a cg-4) and a Dslr for a 1.5h ride then it would be to wait until you can afford buying all the other gear. And visually your C8 shoul be quite pleasing.
Give it a go! You wouldnt believe how many DSO stuff becomes apparent in a 5x5 min exposure of Orion at 50mm.
Clear Skies!