recceranger

Hi Carol, I would like to get back into AP when I return to UK next week and have been looking at DSLRs to use for WF. But I would also like to grab a dedicated imaging camera for planets/lunar. However, there seems to be a bewildering array out there, so I was hoping for some guidence. My budget cant go much above 1K for both as I would also like to purchase an SCT from a seperate fund. Rick

Thanks Nigella, the SCT is purely for planetary. I intend to use the DSLR on its own for widefield or with the ED80. 👍

Had a bit of a pause on astrophotography and now getting back in the game. I currently have a SW ED80 and am interested in both a DSLR for widefield and dedicated planetary camera. Any advice much appreciated. Oh! and I will be getting an SCT 8 - 9.25" or SW 180 MAK! 😀

Thanks John

Wow, We got emotional during this thread! Thank goodness we’re back on point. Before I run out and purchase an ED150 - are the optics the same quality as the ED80 - 120 range of DS Pro?

I reckon it’s no more than x 30 per inch of aperture. I never take my MAK 150 above x200 on Jupiter or Saturn and on lunar you don’t need to

Thanks guys, I will keep an eye out ?☘️???

Hi there, living in Crickhowell at the moment and would love to come to one of your events. I built an observatory for some local kids when I lived in the West Midlands so if you need a hand on anything at all I’m a volunteer!???☘️

Well, It's dusk!???

My ED80! ???

Jules, I have the SW ED80 DS Pro. I also live in the Brecon Beacons NP and enjoy Dark Sky Observing when the weather allows. The ED80 is fantastic under these conditions and the views I have had of many DSOs had knocked my socks off! I also use a SW MAK 150 and on targets such as Globular or Planets it is an absolute joy. My experience has led me to believe that a decent OTA on a good mount (with a quality EP) under dark skies wins. Aperture is always nice and I'm thinking of getting a GOTO Dob, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with my smaller aperture OTAs. If you get a chance take the 120 to a dark site and I think you will see it's true performance. Good luck

No! Don't do it Dave! I had a 180 and ignored everyone's advice about leaving collimation well alone. End result I messed it up and never quite got it right. I have the 150 now and it's outstanding when properly cooled, which was probably what was wrong with the 180!

Nice one Dave How does the HEQ5 handle the big 180? Rick

Go MAK! I have the 150 and it's superb. Great on DSO such as Globulars and if you use a 40 - 50mm WA EP it give excellent views on the likes of M42. On lunar and planetary observations and AP you will be more than happy

MAK 150 Pro on HEQ5☘???

She's a beauty ??☘

That's the exact setup I have and it's fantastic!?

How was it for collimation? I heard these achromatic refractors may require it from time to time

Believe me - SkyWatcher instructions are nothing to write home about either

ED80 Customised!

My super duper fantastic SW ED80 Pro with Baader 2" Crayford. The clearest and sharpest views bar none. FRAC's ROCK!!!!!!!