What is the best findersope for a Celestron C10-NGT

[Ghost_Returns (Richard)]

Hi All,



Am a newbie, and this is my first post, so please be gentle

I have a question which I hope you awesome ppls can answer for me?
Hopefully I can ask it correctly.

I currently own a Celestron C10-NGT complete kit theses are it specs http://yorkoptical.com.au/ProductMen...ee3%2cUnitCost, I will be using it with my unmodded Eos 40d.

Basically my question is, the current finderscope is okay, however I wish to upgrade and put something else in it's place and I was looking at the Orion ShortTube 80 refractor kit, with StarShoot AutoGuider, & 1.25" Extension tube (for focus) it's specs as follows http://www.telescope.com/control/pro...oduct_id=24770

What sort of issues would I get in using it for Astrophotography, bearing in mind that the Celestron is F4.5 reflecter & the Orion is F5 refractor.
I heard/read somewhare that the two scopes would be fighting against each other in speed/focussing? Not to sure . . .

[Ghost_Returns (Richard)]

Anyone???

Thoughts . . . ideas . . .

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Hi Richard

not sure what your asking, if you mean whats the best "guidescope" as opposed to a finderscope then let me prattle on!

The focal length of the guidescope against the imaging scope is inconsequential. In truth, its better to have a short focal length guide scope, for a couple of reason, its got a wider field, and ever so slightly brighter image, and more importantly guiding with it will be less critical. Guiding with something like an F11 scope would be a different kettle of fish.

I use an F4 80mm ST80 for guding, and either an F7.5 Orion ED80, or an F5 200mm Scope, i have even tried it with my 200mm F11 SCT, although it was far less forgiving on any guiding, or polar alignment flaws.

with the NGT being F4.5, you might well need something for the coma, i use a Baader MPCC between the camera adapter and T-ring, and this makes the images much flatter across the field, although some people have had issues with the MPCC, purely as it changes the point of focus etc.

i also use the Orion Star Shoot Autoguider, and its a great piece of kit.

anything else? then ask away ...

oh .. welcome to IIS !!

[Moon (James)]

Richard
Welcome to IceInSpace.

How is the light pollution up in Tennant Creek these days?

I think the scopes & guider you mentioned are fine. The QHY5 is another popular model guider.

In terms of issues, the main ones will be the amount of equipment you will need and the stability of your mount.
You might consider using your existing scope as a guide scope (!!) and the new scope for imaging.
Have a look at the scopes over at andrews to give you an idea what is around. Also keep an eye on the second hand ones here too.

keep asking questions...

James

[Ghost_Returns (Richard)]

James & Duncan, my thanks to your replies and further insights into my question, it is apprciated.

So which autoguider to choose from the QHY5 or the Orion Star Shoot Autoguider?

So really Duncan doing what I am considering to do, the only thing I would need to look out for would be coma ???

Oh yes by the way thankyou for the it is appreciated.

As for the light pollution , no problems there

[Moon (James)]

They are both good guide cameras. Duncan has the Orion, I have the QHY5 - and I haven't has a problem with mine either. I would go on price. The Orion Star Shoot Autoguide is $459 at Bintel
The QHY5 is cheaper $380 at myastroshop.

Also note Orion won't ship products to Australia - you have to go through a local distributor usually. I see the attraction of the kit from telescope.com, but if you call one of the Australian retailers, they are all very helpful and they can help you put all the pieces together. I think it's best to do this over the phone (not email) to to make sure you get all the stuff you need and don't buy things that don't fit or won't work with your existing gear.

Just found this link too.

[Ghost_Returns (Richard)]

Whoa James,

Where do you have that video camera hidden, or are you psyhic

I have been dealing with Steve from AstroShop, and the Bintel guys, and reading your response to post I thought wow you must be looking over my shoulder

Anyhow, thanks for those links and tips, it is appreciated.