Are there any decent mounts under $1K for astrophotography

Poita (Peter) · #1 14-07-2011, 07:36 AM

Thanks to the many wise heads here, I'm gaining a proper understanding of what is needed to embark on imaging of the night sky, and all of your advice has saved me from making some costly mistakes buying equipment that I would grow out of almost immediately.

It appears that the mount is really the crucial piece of kit, and the one to get right from day one to save on frustration and buyer's remorse later!

I am surprised that so many mounts appear to be a bit too dodgy for photographic work, consensus seems to be that the LXD75, CG5, EQ3 are not up to imaging past small lenses on a piggybacked camera, and definitely no good for prime focus or eyepiece projection.

So my question is, what *is* good enough for some deep sky and moon and planetary photography? Is there anything decent under a grand, or is the EQ6 at about $1500 really the 'bottom end' for doing this kind of imaging?

Thanks so much for everyone's advice and patience with my learning!

-Peter

bert (Brett) · #2 14-07-2011, 07:39 AM

Heq5 perhaps... not the same as an eq5.

Second hand eq6?

Depending on what you are going to load up on it, and at what focal length. I'm very happy with my eq6 for anything under around 1500mm of focal length.

Brett

smitty (Sean) · #3 14-07-2011, 08:44 AM

Not that I have any experience, but I guess a solid mount (pier) would overcome most of the issues.

It does restrict the portability aspect though...

Sean

Poita (Peter) · #4 14-07-2011, 09:08 AM

I have a heavy steel pier that came with my C8 back in the late 80s, I never used it as I lived in Sydney at the time and the light pollution meant I really only used the scope when I travelled and I left the pier in the shed.

How does the pier help (sorry for being such a noob), I thought the problems were in the tracking gears/mount capacity rather than in the tripod legs/stability?
Or am I way off the mark?

I guess I could permanently setup the pier in my backyard, the skies are much darker here in the country.

Or I could sell the wedge, the fork, and the pier to fund an EQ6 if those items are actually worth anything these days.

Poita (Peter) · #5 14-07-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert

Heq5 perhaps... not the same as an eq5.

Second hand eq6?

Depending on what you are going to load up on it, and at what focal length. I'm very happy with my eq6 for anything under around 1500mm of focal length.

Brett

If *anyone* has a second hand EQ6 then I'm their new best friend

It seems that those things are keepers, I haven't seen one go for less than they sell for new from Andrews... but I keep looking every day!

bojan · #6 14-07-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poita

How does the pier help (sorry for being such a noob), I thought the problems were in the tracking gears/mount capacity rather than in the tripod legs/stability?
Or am I way off the mark?

You don't have to align the mount every time before using it of course - because it's permanent.

Logieberra (Logan) · #7 14-07-2011, 12:03 PM

I found the NEQ6 Pro to be tremendous value for money.

And the thing just flat out works!

Perhaps Santa can help you into one of them? The 5yr manufacturer warranty is a big plus...

Poita (Peter) · #8 14-07-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bojan

You don't have to align the mount every time before using it of course - because it's permanent.

(Facepalm) Of course!
I really am a doofus.

I was wondering though wether being on a pier would help any of the other issues with the LXD75.

I know I *want* an EQ6, but not sure if I'd be better off learning for a year whilst I'm saving up, and then selling it all and buying the EQ6 when I can afford it, or just waiting...

acropolite (Phil) · #9 14-07-2011, 08:38 PM

The outflow of dollars doesn't stop at the mount.

There are lots of other bits you'll need to go with any mount, telescope or good quality lenses, guidescope, guide camera, adapters, dew heaters, dew controller, you'll find that the extras cost quite a bit. If you can find a good EQ6 or HEQ5 second hand that would be a good starting point and within your budget, you'll still need to find some extra dollars for the afformentioned necessities, particularly the guide camera and dew straps & controller. You can budget almost another $1000 for the extras you'll need on top of the mount cost.

RobF (Rob) · #10 14-07-2011, 09:37 PM

What sort of imaging and guidescope were you planning to run with Peter? (focal length and weight estimates)

Poita (Peter) · #11 14-07-2011, 10:33 PM

Acropolite, I realise it is expensive, and that the mount is just the start point, but even on my limited budget it seems better to wait and get a good mount to begin with, the forums are full of people endlessly frustrated with photography until they finally ended up with a good mount and so many of their frustrations seemed to disappear at that point.

Rob, to begin with I'll be using my DSLR and my toucam to learn the ropes, along with the C8 I already have. I have been offered a DSI 2 for $190, so my pick that up, still reading to find out if it is much of a step-up from the toucam.

I was thinking of one of the mini guiders to begin with once I move to playing with autoguiding, or one of the basic all-in-one kits that come with the guidescope.

I'm hoping to pick up an 80mm ED at some point, just wait patiently for a second-hand bargain to come along.

As for dew guards, heaters, cooling, adapters etc. I'm an old electronics and DIY hand, so will be attempting some of it from a DIY perspective until I can afford it, I also have access to a CNC shop after hours that I do some programming for (they build RODE microphones) so I may attempt some manufacturing when I have the need

I've made up my mind to wait for the EQ6 and in the meantime try DSLR photography from a tripod and with the C8 on the Equatorial wedge for some really basic tracking and experiment with it all to get a feel for it.

You never know, a 2nd hand EQ6 may come up in the meantime, and they seem to hold their value if it doesn't work out and I need to sell it.

Thanks to everyone for putting up with all my questions!

Gem (Grant) · #12 15-07-2011, 07:47 AM

CG5 is dodgy since 90% of the time it is overloaded. It is an ok mount that can have lots of features if you download the latest stuff - but it s a very lightweight mount. Not really suitable to you C8 when imaging.

Tripod legs DO count for something. The CGEM and the CGEM DX have the same mount head, but the difference is in the tripod. the DX is much thicker and heavier - hence it takes an extra 5kg. I am using this as an example since both the CGEM and CGEM are well outside your budget.

Take your time in buying. The mount is the most important decision to make when you want to image. I took my time and I am very happy with my mount. I know one EQ6 owner who looks quite envious at my mount...

Keep your eyes open and second hand HEQ5 and EQ6 will appear from time to time.

Poita (Peter) · #13 15-07-2011, 09:55 AM

At $2200 the CGEM is a little outside my price range, yes

The HEQ5 Pro is a good $400 less than the EQ6, is it worth considering?

steve000 (Steve) · #14 15-07-2011, 12:52 PM

Hey Mate,

I would look at the weight of your scope. if you have a C8 id be thinking it would be close to 6kg in weight. I believe that is right on the upper edge of the Eq3 mount. You might based purely on weight need to get an eq5 or eq6. remeber you need to include accessories in the final weight, a DSLR will add 1-2kg.

I know what its like to be tight on cash but you might just need to save up and get either one. I have an EQ6 and its quite nice, heavy as all hell but nice, its an uber popular mount and so many fantastic images have been taken on it. There are quite a few members on IIS who have an eq5 as well. from what I read they are much the same except the eq5 has less capacity, around 12-15kg i believe. I think the H version has the 2" legs same as the EQ6... i think.

Also remember no matter what mount you go, motorized then you need batteries about another $100 cost if you DIY, as well as a charger $20-50 depending what you make and how well you can DIY. 3x 7ah in a wooden box and charger cost me under $100 total.

Also then consider transporting it. It kills my back so I invested in a $30 super cheap auto trolley and some wood and made a transporting frame for it.

other things to consider, does you scope have rings and a dovetail, will you need that as well? what about shipping or can you pickup.

I don't want to turn you off the idea of the mount, the cost of the mount is not just the cost of the mount, its everything as well. Save up and do it right.
You don't want to get you new shiney mount and stare at it for a few months while you make a battery box or source rings.

good luck, i hope you can nab one second hand, you are right they are keepers.

Poita (Peter) · #15 15-07-2011, 12:59 PM

Batteries I have, and I'm lucky enough to have dark skies at my back door.

The C8 doesn't have any mounting gear though, so I'll need to find all of that as well.

I have decided to wait until I can afford an EQ6 and hope that one comes up second hand to save some dollars.

steve000 (Steve) · #16 15-07-2011, 02:46 PM

Nice. the EQ6 is a very nice platform. its very stable and tough.. it handles when balanced correctly a 1.5m long 12" dia 20kg newt. its a good mount, you wont be disappointed.

Gem (Grant) · #17 15-07-2011, 03:34 PM

There is a second hand eq5 going in the classifieds section... under 16" Meade. $400 or 500 for memory. Might be a good start for now.

Poita (Peter) · #18 15-07-2011, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the tip, but I think that one is the old eq5 and not suitable for photography, though I could be wrong. From what I've read even the heq5pro is only just good enough. I'll hold out for a 6 to turn up.

Davros (Lauren) · #19 15-07-2011, 05:59 PM

Everyone looks down on the Heq5 but i love mine. Many people have started out in astrophotography with a Heq5 and had many happy years of taking images. I would not hesitate buying a Heq5 unless you were going to be loading the bejesus out of it.

RobF (Rob) · #20 15-07-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davros

Everyone looks down on the Heq5 but i love mine. Many people have started out in astrophotography with a Heq5 and had many happy years of taking images. I would not hesitate buying a Heq5 unless you were going to be loading the bejesus out of it.

+1

But you don't really want to go over 10kg load for astrophotography. I couldn't justify an EQ6 rig for my first "serious" astro purchase. Now I'm addicted and half-way down the event horizon for the imaging black hole things are different. I now know what I'd like to buy, but still can't justify/afford it