Quote:
Originally Posted by phobos
Hi all
Your thoughts would be appreciated on the following scopes:
1. Bintel branded 10" f4 imaging newt link here.
2. Skywatcher Black Diamond 254 x 1200P link here
Intended use is for both imaging and visual on an eq6.
My questions are:
Which is the better brand?
Is the Bintel imaging scope any good for visual?
Apart from the shorter focal length what are the main differences between an "imaging" newt and a std newt?
Is the Skywatcher scope any good for imaging?
cheers
John |
The bintel scope is an f4 where as the Skywatcher is an f5.
The bintel will be better than the f5 skywatcher for imaging - but only slightly.
I have heard that the Bintel f4 (or an f4 imaging newt) is rather difficult to collimate as well.
As far as i am aware, the Bintel is a rebranded GSO and Skywatcher a rebranded Synta. This may have changed as the Skywatcher looks oh-so similar to the GSO.
The skywatcher will be slightly heavier and longer (1000mm vs 1250mm), although from what i can see the weight will be negligible (both are stated as 15kg).
As far as brands go, well.. i don't have any personal opinions between the two as i have not tested both. I have a 10" Bintel Dob and it is great, but i only use it for visual viewing.
I know of a few who use the Skywatcher for imaging and churn out some great photo's, so i don't doubt that both scopes are great for imaging.
Differences between the two scopes that i could find:
- Bintel has a 3" focuser, skywatcher has a standard 2"
- Bintel has 1000mm focal length, skywatcher has 1200mm.
- Bintel is an f4, skywatcher is an f5
- Bintel uses BK-7 glass, Skywatcher uses Pyrex glass*.
- Cost
Truthfully, if i was in your position, i would go with whatever is cheapest unless any of the above is less appealing.
PS: Shouldn't be a problem, but make sure your mount can handle the scope. The EQ6 should be fine to handle either or, but also remember to add on camera, guide scope (if any) etc.
*
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=17102