Short Tube 80mm f/5 Refractors

[thunderchildobs]

I am looking at getting a short tube 80mm f/5 refractor (orion / skywatcher)to use with my Canon 300D.

Has anyone got any comments about using short tube refractors with cameras?

Can a wedge mounted 10inch LX200 cope with the weight of the scope and camera ?

Thanks
Brendan

[Kal (Andrew)]

You will probably want to use a violet reduction filter to improve the imaging performance, apart from that I don't see anything wrong with using it for imaging.

With regards to the weight, the scope is pretty light and I'm sure a 10" LX200 would be able to cope with it + mounting plate + rings + counterweight. I've seen people stick more than an 80mm shortube on the back of their LX200 before!

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hi Brendon, go for the ED80 and WO 0.8 FR. Yes it is a bit more expensive than an f/5 achro but at f/6 the combination is pretty good.

Will the 10" carry it? Yep, I was using exactly that setup last June with np at all. Just got to get the balance right.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Yes, the ED80 would be the go. I look at my ST80, then I look at my 300D, cant see that working, the ST80 draw tube diameter is a lot smaller than the 300D adaptor.

[iceman (Mike)]

I agree, get the ED80. I use a 80mm f/5 refractor side-by-side mounted for guiding (with a DMK21AU04).

[vinnie]

Here's another vote for the ED80, well worth the extra bucks.

Do shop around a lot if you go this way, there is a big difference in price between retailers on this one.

Vinnie