Upgrade: Scope or CCD first?

[vic4loc (Victor)]

Hi all,

Just got approval from the wife for some spending, I have about $4500 budget . I'm interested in deep space & wide field photography. Currently I have a LX90 8" ACF, taking photos with a non modded Canon 550D, guiding with the orion SSAG & orion OAG.

I'm hoping if I could please get some advise & opinion on whether to upgrade to a scope first or a CCD camera first. Two options I'm looking at are:

1. upgrade to the QSI 583wsg, continue using the LX90 in mean time, OR;

2. upgrade to the Tak FSQ85, continue using the 550D for photography


Thanks,
Victor.

[mill (Martin)]

I would upgrade to the CCD first and go the steep learning curve and then later upgrade the scope if you want to call going from 8" to 85mm a upgrade.
Isn't the lx90 fitted on a fork mount?
If so then it is a no brainer and go for the ccd because for the Tak you need a EQ mount.

[DavidTrap (David)]

I started with an LX-90 and now have the QSI583wsg, but moved to a refractor and equatorial mount first using a DSLR.

I'd recommend upgrading your mount and going for a refractor first. It's been said many times that the most important part of an astrophotography rig is your mount. I'm afraid the LX-90 just isn't up to it. The QSI also wouldn't swing through the forks, so you wouldn't be able to image anything closer to the pole than ~-70 DEC.

DT

[vic4loc (Victor)]

Thanks for the replies, sorry I forgot to mention earlier, I have purchased a HEQ5 and de-forked my LX90 already.

Victor

[DavidTrap (David)]

I'd still go with the Refractor. I've sent you a PM about using the LX-90.

DT

[Poita (Peter)]

I'd go to a larger diameter refractor and ignore the TAK allure, you then have enough money left over for a decent CCD as well.
Otherwise buy one of the 2nd hand G11s for sale and pop your LX90 on that, get a reducer to bring the length down and you are good to go.
You will then be looking at a new focuser before long though I'd bet.

[vic4loc (Victor)]

How does the WO FLT98 or FLT110 compare to the Tak FSQ85/106, are they a class apart and we are comparing apple & orange here?

Victor.

[WingnutR32 (Sam)]

I personally haven't seen or used a TAK in my life, but I love my FLT98.

[Alchemy (Clive)]

Originally Posted by vic4loc

How does the WO FLT98 or FLT110 compare to the Tak FSQ85/106, are they a class apart and we are comparing apple & orange here?

Victor.

Personally I have a flt 132, very happy with it, however..... I don't think I've ever seen a TAK106 owner want to go to a William scope, it's usually the other way. You will also see a much larger premium for that little bit extra quality.

[originaltrilogy (Petr)]

For wide photos maybe better to have good scope but great mount and great camera. Not super great scope and average mount and camera.

[vic4loc (Victor)]

Do you need a field flattener for the WO FLT98 or FLT110? say suppose if I decide to go for the QSI583 which has the 8300 chip.

Victor.

[WingnutR32 (Sam)]

I am using a QHY9-M on the FLT98 and yes, I am required to use a field flattener.

Currently using a WO P-Flat4 field flattener. (although yet to have the sky and time to produce a result)