Maxim DL worth the money?

[whzzz28 (Nathan)]

Its pretty damn expensive at $500 - right up there with Photoshop!
Ive been playing around with the trial and am not too impressed thus far (only using simulators though). It just doesn't scream "I'm worth $500!".
I currently use Nebulosity for image capturing and PHD for guiding. Processing is done in PI so i'm not too interested in processing abilities.

Nebulosity has worked for me thus far, but i am only using a DSLR (CCD in a month or so), so is there any reason to look at Maxim DL?
Any features that set it apart from other software or good abilities that you like?

Money is a bit tight - tight enough to question $500 for some astronomy software, but if the benefits are great, ill grab it.

Cheers.

[DavidTrap (David)]

I agree Maxim is expensive, but it does offer more than just image capture.

It does plate-solving, which makes lining up an object on subsequent nights very easy. It needs to talk to your mount to achieve this, but once you're got it working, it's brilliant. A licence for PinPoint light is included with Maxim.

It also integrates with software like PoleAlignMax and Focusmax (both shareware). PoleAlignMax lets me polar align within 5-10mins - makes setting up for a nights imaging less daunting. FocusMax (automated focusing) means more money on a system like robofocus, but it's something that might be useful down the track.

Personally, I haven't used software like Nebulosity, so I'm not familiar with it's features.

DT

[RickS (Rick)]

I only use Maxim for image capture (PI is my favoured processing software too) but for me it's worth the money. It deals with multiple gear configurations, guides well, supports AO, automates capture nicely (including dealing with filter offsets) and the plate solving capability is incredibly useful. It's not perfect, but it does everything I need so far.

Cheers,
Rick.

[DavidTrap (David)]

Whoops - forgot guiding. Being integrated with image capture means you can dither, which is recommended to reduce SNR.

Not sure if you can dither with Nebulosity/PHD as a combo - something rings a bell that you can.

DT

[Octane (Humayun)]

You can dither with PHD and Nebulosity.

But, yeah Maxim DL is fantastic. I think it's worth it simply for PinPoint LE. I can't imagine doing mosaics without it.

H

[petershah (Peter Shah)]

Maxim is great, the plate solving is superb, and it integrates very nicely with automation software. It has loads more to offer, they seem to have thought of everything........its well worth the money IMO

[whzzz28 (Nathan)]

Thanks guys, seems to be a lot in favor of the software.

Ill grab a copy before my next session.

Cheers.

[g__day (Matthew)]

I ponder it's very worth it once your level of sophistication requires it - not before. I see it as capability that you will eventually grow into, only you can answer when will that time be - is it now?