Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexN
This question is one that I think has to be asked... How much money are you willing to spend??
Its all good and well to say keep the 12" and mount it on a good solid GEM, but do you really want to spend $4k - $6k on a gem to start imaging?
A heq5 pro, ed80, guide scope, guide cam and 350D for imaging would set you back about $2500~$3000 (roughly) and you'd be well on your way. to use the 12" for deep sky imaging, you're aiming towards spending AT LEAST $3800 for a Losmandy G11 without Gemini, you'll want some kind of push-to, so add $1k for an argo navis, rings for the 12" come in at HUGE prices, then a guide scope, guide cam and imaging cam.. you're looking at big money...
In the long run, buying a big mount is great, but if you're just getting started, theres really no need to be spending MASSIVE MASSIVE amounts of money... Although that comment coming from me sounds a bit silly...
Oh well.. food for thought I suppose...
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The tuberings can be home made if you have the tools.
I couldn't be bothered mucking about making my own tube-rings-clamps so I commissioned Orion Optical to make me a set to suit my new tube - which is PVC storm water pipe construction. Not all that expensive at all to get.
You actually don't need GOTO , but you do need a good solid GEM with good dual axis drives , PEC is handy too , as is a autoguider port, but , you can image OK with either PEC or an autoguider - it's how us oldies did it , by using a guiding eyepiece and manually correcting as required.