Using Ritchey-Chrétien for Visual and Imaging Planets/Moon

04Stefan07 (Stefan) · #1 04-01-2016, 01:24 PM

For all those RC owners out there I bought an RC OTA quite some time ago and have not had much time to take it out to use it.

I own the GSO 6" RC f9 Astrograph OTA. Bought it primary for the price as has a large aperture at a good price.

I will definitely imaging but wanted to ask if it's an acceptable OTA to do some visual as well. There are those nights where you just want to observe the night sky. Been reading around and people do say it is fine for visual but the contrast of the objects won't be as bright as other OTA types.

I plan to image deep sky objects with it as well but also would like to image the Moon and Planets. Is it suitable for this type of work as well?

Currently I am unsure about the OTA and keep thinking I may have bought the wrong type for what I want to use it for! I am hoping someone can bury my doubts about it.

Camelopardalis (Dunk) · #2 04-01-2016, 03:54 PM

Stefan, give it a go and report back...what have you got to lose?

Of course, for planetary/lunar you need nights of good seeing, they are the great equaliser

glend (Glen) · #3 04-01-2016, 05:33 PM

I have a RC08 and have looked through it visually, as well as imaging through it of course. It is not a great visual scope but can be used if needed, however you need to alter the rear tube extension configuration to use it visually (and will need a diagonal for comfort). Keep in mind that it is designed as an astrograph. There are better choices for planetary/lunar observation.

KenGee (Kenith Gee) · #4 04-01-2016, 06:19 PM

Hi,
An RC is fine for visual use, while the design was created to provide a wide photographic evenly illuminated field (read big secondary) it works well with an eyepiece.
I would recommend a dew shield and try lower power eyepieces.
While a refractor will always view greater contrast then a straight compound telescope a light shield will narrow the gap.

All telescope designs have their good a bad points...just give us more to collect

As the other posters have said give it a go, in the end the best telescope is the one you use.

Ken