|
Imaging with Meade 12" ACF?
I have a new toy to play with - a Meade 12" ACF OTA with a FeatherTouch FTF2015BCR.
I originally thought I'd try planetary imaging with this scope, but also would like to try imaging galaxies. I'm well aware of the difficulties of guiding at such focal lengths, but I do have a mount capable of this, and intend to use either on or off axis guiding to avoid flexture issues. I'm very interested in the ONAG.
The big question I have concerns the use of a focal reducer...such as the Optec Lepus .62 reducer.
Firstly, is the Optec solution the best for this scope? I understand that the ACF is coma corrected, but not flat field corrected, and the Optec will not address field flatness. Is this something I should worry about, or is the field flat enough? I have not seen any product claiming to address field flatness and FR for the Meade ACF.
Another option seems to be the AstroPhysics AP .75 FR (27TVPH). I can see two advantages and one disadvantage to this solution. The available back focus is greater (118 mm vs 100 for the Lepus), and at .75 I think I would see less field curvature than at .62. The disadvantage is imaging at 7.5 rather than 6.2.
Edit: Just realized that with the FeatherTouch focuser I have I don't think there is a solution to mount the AP.75. Should I also consider changing focusers?
Advice and comments much appreciated!
Peter
|