GeorgeP

Hello, 

I've been looking at the SV305 Pro for doing some planetary imaging using a 5 inch Dob and a 4 inch Mak.

There isn't a whole lot in the way of reviews for this camera on the Internet, what I do see appears to be very positive for the £135ish price point. Does anyone here have any opinions on the camera? 

Thank you. 

6 minutes ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

Depends what you want.  The AZ Pronto with 90/660 would make a handy starter outfit.  On the other hand, the 90/900 is a classic achromat design that should work well for its size on planets and double stars, but I wouldn't have the AZ3 even as a gift. 

I think the AZ Pronto and the 90/660 is a good little combo from what I have read. I don't do any astrophotography, I just want to look at stuff floating a long way away so think this will work. It is pretty cheap, good as a grab and go and doesn't need any faffing about like my reflector might. I think I will get my moneys worth.

15 minutes ago, allworlds said:

Just going by the pictures on FLO's website, if you buy an AZ-Pronto by itself it looks like you get the extension pillar and a better tripod?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/sky-watcher-az-pronto-alt-azimuth-mount-tripod.html

vs

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-pronto/sky-watcher-evostar-90-660-az-pronto.html

Looks like that is the case, good spot! I have never used a tripod so I don't really know if one looks better than the other, the extension does look a nice thing to have however. 

Hmm, need to weigh up if having a starter refractor for £60 is worth having. I do like the idea of taking that on trips and having my reflector for at home.

Thank you, @vlaiv Wonderful explanation. I did see the AZ Pronto would do a full rotation and wouldn't need resetting, that is a nice feature.

I think it is the better option, I may look into getting the AZ Pronto by itself and a better refractor but £60 for the refractor seems a fair price given the Pronto is £175 on FLO.

On 30/11/2022 at 11:28, fwm891 said:

Hi @GeorgeP

I lived in Woodley for 30+ years and enjoyed the astronomy for my back garden or out to Dinton Pastures or Silcot for slightly darker skies. Reading has an active Astro soc as does Maidenhead I'm sure you would be welcome either.

Enjoy the sky

Francis

On 30/11/2022 at 13:26, Philip R said:

Hi @GeorgeP and welcome to SGL  ...and from Lower Earley 

Nice to see some local people on here! Thank you for the recommendations, Francis. I'll have to check those areas out. I have been thinking of getting over to Bucklebury Common, only 20 min drive for me and apparently Bortle 4 as opposed to my Bortle 6 near the centre of Reading! Either of you been there before?

Hello,

I'm looking for a beginner, entry level AZ mount and these two caught my attention on FLO. I'm drawn more towards the AZ Pronto as I won't need to buy tube rings for my Heritage 130P as the head has a dovetail attachment. I will not be doing any photography, just simple viewing.

The scope is a little inconsequential for me. I don't own a refractor so an entry level one would be nice to have, especially the shorter one for grab and go. Does the focal length only really effect the chromatic aberration and FOV?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-pronto/sky-watcher-evostar-90-660-az-pronto.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/evostar/skywatcher-evostar-90-az3.html

Does anyone have any opinions on the two? I'm leaning towards the AZ Pronto at the moment. 

Thank you all for the warm welcome, it's much appreciated! 

Hello everyone, 

Very new to astronomy after years of watching YouTube videos all about it, glad to finally be involved myself! My equipment isn't anything crazy, SkyWatcher Heritage 130P, couple BST StarGuider EPs and a barlow, but that keeps me happy for now. 

Cheers!