CCD size vs Cost

[nightster]

I have been in upgrade mode for a solid month now buying the ancillary bits for the transition to mono ccd imaging from dslr.  In my possession are a couple NB filters(Ha, Oiii) a new FW with room for 7.  Backfocus spacers for the Atik 4xx series and my flattener.  LRGB  backordered and awaiting shipment.   The last piece is of course the sensor itself.  I know that I will probably want to add a motor focus later this year which I mention solely as a piece of background info.  My decision now is which Atik mono the 414 or the 460.  If budget wasn't an issue than 460 all the way.  I also know either one is a quality CCD.  In the FOV generators the size different doesn't seem huge, but when you calculate the area of each and compare the 414 it is 1/3 the size of the 460.   I think I know the answer to this but with a short FL scope like mine (80/480 triple and my F4 6"newt)  is the 414 and its small sensor a wise entrance into Mono imaging.  OR should I bite the bullet and spend the extra $1000 for the 460?  They priced these really well as it is not an easy decision. If I do get the 460 I will probably have to wait till next year for the motor focus.   I know this is a subjective question but many of you have had to make this same decision.

Is the size worth the cost for a beginner? 

[andrew s]

Jeff, what size filters did you get? This may have an impact with regard to vignetting. Personally I would want a motor focuser as each filter may need a tweak and this could then be programmed into the software.

Regards Andrew

[ollypenrice]

I'd go for the 460. If you want to delay it then one of the older incarnations of the 285 Atiks would get you going from the used market. You will get no vignetting whatever on a 460 with 1.25 filters and I very much doubt that you'll need to refocus between filters with the 80/40 and Baader filters. As you've calculated, you'd get far more area of image and at a resolution better suited to the focal length. I've never owned a 460 but have imaged with two, and have owned the original 16HR. They're all good but go for the 460!!

lly

[nightster]

My Atik dealer told me the 1.25" filters work well with either the 414 or the 460. That what I got.

[nightster]

Ok, spend the money and have zero remorse.

[andrew s]

I thought it worth doing the sums. But did them wrong! I most again if the is an issue but as above I suspect not.

Sorry.

Regards Andrew

[nightster]

From the drawings looks like 14.5mm from the wheel mounting surface to the filter.

[andrew s]

From the drawings looks like 14.5mm from the wheel mounting surface to the filter.

That will be fine. andrew

[MattJenko]

I have the 414, but would say go for the 460 if you can. I am not unhappy with mine, far from it, but the 460 was never in the running with me. If there was the slightest sniff of it in my decision making, I would have gone for it. I had a budget though and stuck with it.

[nightster]

Ya, I had the money to purchase the 414 for over a month but I am being patient and I should have enough for the 460 by next week.  The way I am upgrading helped this immensely.  I narrowed the field to the 414 and the 460.  Because of this the 1.25 filters work with either, plus the backfocus is the same (~.5 mm) so I was able to purchase everything else before the CCD.  I have the SX FW, LRGB plus all three NB filters paid for.  So now I just need the camera.