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Old 15-04-2012, 09:57 AM
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Meru (Michael)
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vic
Posts: 560
Questions for all you 8300 owners

Hey guys,

So last few months I've really gotten into Astrophotography, and wish to progress from my (unmodified) DSLR to a decent CCD + EFW. I've narrowed it down to a 8300 Chip, and it's now between the Atik 383L+ & SBIG ST-8300M I intend to use it with my 8" f/5 Newt & 80ED. I had a few general questions about the 8300 Chip so hope I don't ask too many questions Any help would be greatly appreciated:

1. I really dont want to ask this but - Atik, or SBIG? I've heard about the quality and build on the SBIG, and obviously Atik is popular for a reason, but my main concern is through-life support. I suspect they both have excellent customer support? Im willing to be swayed either way

2. Will 1.25" filters cause vignetting? I've heard mixed results. I understand to mount the EFW as close to the chip, and in the case of the Atik CCD+EFW2 there is very little vignetting. But the Atik EFW2 costs about $200 more than the SX wheel so if anyone has a 8300/SX combo i'd like hear your experience I dont want to spend the extra on 2" if its avoidable, and I dont like the idea of 36mm unmounted as having 1.25" threads appeal to me.

3. In terms of budget, I can only stretch it for a decent LRGB or HOS filter set, not both (For the time being ). I plan on doing mainly DSOs like galaxies & nebulas. I suspect starting of with LRGB gives me a little more flexibility in terms of imaging different things? (Not many pictures of galaxies with HOS now is there )

4. I'm not entirely sure how this mounting business works with the filter wheels. Is it possible to attach the EFW directly to the t-thread on my focuser? with no need for my 1.25" adapter? My 8" newt has some issues with backfocus, I have very little travel to play with (Focal plane is just above the focuser).

Lastly, thank you so much for taking the time to read this In return I will leave you with some pretty pictures from my (very) amateur setup
Attached Thumbnails
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Click for full-size image (Eta Carina 80ED - Edited.jpg)
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