Which telescope?

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum but not new to astronomy I have been interested in it since about the age of 10 and learnt most of the constellations that you could see from the UK. Anyway, I am no living in Canberra, Australia and trying to learn the constellations you can see hear.....seems funny to see Orion on his head

I could really do with some advice on which telescope to get with view to maybe delving into Astrophotography as I have a Nikon DLSR. Searching the web i have found the following telescopes and would like honest and objective opinions: -

Meade LX80 6" f10 SCT with a Ex3 - Deluxe Mount - $1,199 from Bintel
Bintel f4 8" Reflector Skywatcher EQ5 mount - $999 from Bintel
Bintel f5 8" Reflector Skywatcher EQ5 mount - $999 from Bintel

My top budget would be $1,300 and I do realise that I would need to purchase a T-ring and T-ring adaptor for the astrophotography.

I was also considering buying a Orion EQ3 Dual axis drive and would like your thoughts on whether this would be a good investment.

My experience with telescopes is limited as I could only afford a 4" refractor when younger and i no longer have that.

The reports i seem to be coming across for the Meade LX80 do not seem promising, though

Has anyone bought telescopes from Andrews Communications? If so, what was their service like? The service from Bintel seems to have good reports but they are more expensive than Andrews Communications

Apologies for such a lengthy post!

Mis

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Craig, the three scopes you mention are all good scopes .
Have you used an EQ mount before ? , if so if it was me it would be the 200mm f5 , a great all round scope especially with a drive attached.
Like you said the Meade is a bit of an unknown , probably a great scope and easier to set up and find objects .
I have dealt with both Andrews and Bintel and both are very good with their return policies so you don't have to worry there.

Good luck with your choice and please let us know what you choose .

Brian.

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Originally Posted by brian nordstrom

Craig, the three scopes you mention are all good scopes .
Have you used an EQ mount before ?

Good luck with your choice and please let us know what you choose .

Brian.

Hi Brian - Thanks for the quick response and NO I haven't used an EQ mount before.

I keep arguing with myself as well over whether to just get http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx

But that would then limit me if I decided to go for Astrophotgraphy

I did forget to mention that I would probably go to Mount Stromlo to do some of my observing and so ease of portability would have to be a consideration.

Does anyone know how easy a the above Dobsonian is to port?

Mis

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Hi Craig and welcome,

As far as a telescope goes i would recommend the f5 newt, you can get away visually without a coma corrector and some cropping on photos will take care of the rest, the f4 you will need one definitely.

However, I will suggest you stretch the budget and get a HEQ5 rather than the EQ5. it is a much sturdier mount and if you want to image you really need the HEQ5. visually the EQ5 will be ok. Maybe look for a second hand model?

Cheers,

Russell

[MattT]

Hi Craig,
I use an EQ3 with dual axis drives with a 4" ED f9 refractor on it. Wouldn't put bigger than the 4" on it though, it is very portable. Of the scopes you mentioned the 8" f5 on the EQ5 is the best, add dual drives and you should be happy. There is an EQ5 in the telescopes and mounts adds now for a steal of a price.
Andrews v Bintel much of a muchness had great service from both.
Matt

[pluto (Hugh)]

I agree with Russell, if you think you'll end up doing astrophotography get the HEQ5. I started with an EQ5 and whilst I learned a lot and got some nice images I was always fighting the mount. I've had an EQ6 for a while now (similar mechanics to HEQ5) and I wish I'd got it sooner.

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Thanks for all the quick replies.

Basically what you are all saying is if I can afford to get this

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx

I should be okay for good general viewing of the Planets, Moon, Nebula and it should be good for Astrophotography?

Just need to check out Andrews Comunications now for the same scope and tripod and then see if I can get the T-ring and adaptor

Did you find that you could get a deal with either placed on the T-Ting and adaptor?

Mis

EDIT: - Just checked Andrews and they have this one which is better or are they basically the same?

BD 200 x 1000P with HEQ5PRO (white)heavy duty "Go-To" mount and V3.0 "Go-To" hand controller

***New low price***

$1699 AUD
Black Diamond model!
In stock!

[raymo]

Many Newts are not suitable for AP, as they will not come to prime focus.
The Black Diamond Newts do, but if you decide to go with the Bintel
offering, make sure that it does come to prime focus.
raymo

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Hi Craig,

Yep thats what I was suggesting.

I wouldn't rule out a second hand option if the budget is tight - well its something to consider anyhow - be sure to have a look in the classified section. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9
For example in queensland there is a HEQ5 and refractor package for $1000 (although it is a hike), in NSW there is a EQ6 for $1000.

Raymo raises a good point re: reaching focus with an eyepiece AND dslr. worth checking with the sellers.

Cheers,

Rusty

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Originally Posted by raymo

Many Newts are not suitable for AP, as they will not come to prime focus.
The Black Diamond Newts do, but if you decide to go with the Bintel
offering, make sure that it does come to prime focus.
raymo

Well as they are both the same price I will probably go with the Black Diamond Newtonian. Can you or anyone confirm that the mount with the Black Diamond is suitable for the scope, please?

[raymo]

The HEQ5 mount is eminently suitable for an 8" Newt, especially for
the black diamond, as they are from the same manufacturer. If you go with that one, still check that it comes to prime focus, just in case there has been any change in construction.
raymo

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Okay just been reading a few posts on the forum and saw the article about Dobsonians being okay for Astrophotography - what about this one?

Genuine Skywatcher
COMPUTERISED
Black Diamond Flex-tube

10" "Go-To" Dobsonian

$1699 AUD
In stock!

Features Crayford 2"/1.25" focuser

Any advice more than welcome

Mis

[Marios (Marios)]

Hi Mate

The Go to Dob is purely for visual maybe some moon photography at most.
You have been given good advise, if you want to do photography get the EQ mount.

Originally Posted by Misplaced

Okay just been reading a few posts on the forum and saw the article about Dobsonians being okay for Astrophotography - what about this one?

Genuine Skywatcher
COMPUTERISED
Black Diamond Flex-tube

10" "Go-To" Dobsonian

$1699 AUD
In stock!

Features Crayford 2"/1.25" focuser

Any advice more than welcome

Mis

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Yes if it is astrophotography you are keen on get the EQ mount

One thing no one seems to have mentioned is that for long exposure astro imaging.. Especially at the 1000 mm focal length you are considering.. You will need to auto guide to get any decent exposure

This means guide scope guide camera possibly the GPUSB box a laptop to control everything and some software.. Guiding And camera control software

This will be additional costs that you must consider if you want to do much more than planetary or widefield with your camera piggybacked onto your telescope

Does your Nikon take video? That would be useful for planetary work

Can I suggest that before you pull the trigger you visit your local astronomy club and see how imagers are set up and the complete set of bits and pieces you need.. If you have not already done so
You will come to a much more informed decision .. And certainly worth the wait
I know once you have made the decision to buy a telescope the urge to act immediately is overwhelming but do more than desk research
If at all possible

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Originally Posted by seeker372011

One thing no one seems to have mentioned is that for long exposure astro imaging.. Especially at the 1000 mm focal length you are considering.. You will need to auto guide to get any decent exposure

This means guide scope guide camera possibly the GPUSB box a laptop to control everything and some software.. Guiding And camera control software

Does your Nikon take video? That would be useful for planetary work

Thanks for the reply.

I have no idea what a GPUSB box is?? Can you explain, please? The mount I am considering has a 'G0 to' function which on the face of it to me would mean that when the scope is aligned properly it will go to an object when requested - have i understood this part correctly? Would it not be able to track that object as well?

My Nikon is able to take video - can you please expand on why this would be useful for taking images of the planets? Or point me in the direction of an 'idiots guide' to astrophotography?

thanks

Mis

[Marios (Marios)]

Not all go to are equal you have to factor in the mount AZ vs EQ.
The both will go to an object and track it, however only the EQ will turn
Your scope with earths rotation this will keep the image being photographed
In one place without star swirls. AZ type will not compensate hence only used for visual or very shot video or photography. Usually under a minute or so before star trails become appaeent.

Originally Posted by Misplaced

Thanks for the reply.

I have no idea what a GPUSB box is?? Can you explain, please? The mount I am considering has a 'G0 to' function which on the face of it to me would mean that when the scope is aligned properly it will go to an object when requested - have i understood this part correctly? Would it not be able to track that object as well?

My Nikon is able to take video - can you please expand on why this would be useful for taking images of the planets? Or point me in the direction of an 'idiots guide' to astrophotography?

thanks

Mis

[Den (Dennis)]

Hi Craig ,

Sent PM

Originally Posted by Misplaced

Hi Brian - Thanks for the quick response and NO I haven't used an EQ mount before.

I keep arguing with myself as well over whether to just get http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx

But that would then limit me if I decided to go for Astrophotgraphy

I did forget to mention that I would probably go to Mount Stromlo to do some of my observing and so ease of portability would have to be a consideration.

Does anyone know how easy a the above Dobsonian is to port?

Mis

[pluto (Hugh)]

Originally Posted by Misplaced

Thanks for the reply.

I have no idea what a GPUSB box is?? Can you explain, please? The mount I am considering has a 'G0 to' function which on the face of it to me would mean that when the scope is aligned properly it will go to an object when requested - have i understood this part correctly? Would it not be able to track that object as well?

My Nikon is able to take video - can you please expand on why this would be useful for taking images of the planets? Or point me in the direction of an 'idiots guide' to astrophotography?

thanks

Mis

A GPUSB box is a device that lets you connect your mount to a computer. It's not the only way to do it and, while it's the nicest way to control your mount, it's not actually necessary. You can use a HEQ5 Pro GoTo mount fine without connecting it to a computer at all.

If you want to take exposures longer than about 90 seconds you'll need an autoguiding setup. In a basic form this consists of a small telescope attached to your main scope with a small camera. You connect the camera and your mount to a computer and use some guiding software, like PHD, to track a star and issue corrections to your mount if the star starts to move.

If it was me I would get your head around getting your gear setup, collimating, drift aligning, and taking 1 minute exposures before worrying about autoguiding and running the mount from a computer.
You can get some great images with a DSLR with exposures around a minute, just check out some of the great stuff in the astrophotography section here on IIS.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Hi Craig,

With a HEQ5 and the f5 newt, you will be able to get exposures around 30 secs. Longer if you have really good polar alignment and may reach 1 minute.

A DSLR usually doesn't allow computer control of the shutter for longer than 30seconds unless you have a GPUSB http://www.store.shoestringastronomy...roducts_gp.htm

But to go longer than that one minute exposure you will need to have an autoguider - which is another camera locked onto a star that detects if its moving off target and 'corrects' the mount. there are a number of ways to achieve this the most common way would be a package like this http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotog...oductview.aspx (camera mounted to small telescope mounted on your telescope).

You can get these down the track - they aren't essential right now. As you are able to get going on photography with exposures under 30 seconds. here are my photos from a goto dob with around 20 second exposures https://www.flickr.com/photos/80336656@N07/

Planetary 'photos' are done mostly by taking a video of the planet for a couple of minutes and using software to remove blurry frames and stack into a single image.

Cheers

Rusty

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Originally Posted by pluto

A GPUSB box is a device that lets you connect your mount to a computer. It's not the only way to do it and, while it's the nicest way to control your mount, it's not actually necessary. You can use a HEQ5 Pro GoTo mount fine without connecting it to a computer at all.

If it was me I would get your head around getting your gear setup, collimating, drift aligning, and taking 1 minute exposures before worrying about autoguiding and running the mount from a computer.
You can get some great images with a DSLR with exposures around a minute, just check out some of the great stuff in the astrophotography section here on IIS.

That seems a sensible way to go to me

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

Hi Craig,

With a HEQ5 and the f5 newt, you will be able to get exposures around 30 secs. Longer if you have really good polar alignment and may reach 1 minute.

A DSLR usually doesn't allow computer control of the shutter for longer than 30seconds unless you have a GPUSB http://www.store.shoestringastronomy...roducts_gp.htm

You can get these down the track - they aren't essential right now. As you are able to get going on photography with exposures under 30 seconds. here are my photos from a goto dob with around 20 second exposures https://www.flickr.com/photos/80336656@N07/

Planetary 'photos' are done mostly by taking a video of the planet for a couple of minutes and using software to remove blurry frames and stack into a single image.

Cheers

Rusty

Again great advice - and my DSLR takes video so maybe able to get some good images once I have become aquainted with my scope and camera better