JayStar

In terms of FOV - I seem to live on the astronomytools calculator With the ASI1600 and Esprit 150 it seems fine for me - as long as I have some options of a smaller scope with a wider FOV also. But then the cost starts ramping up. Dave - camera is an ASI1600 Pro - so not full frame. Would like the scope to be able to use a full frame camera in the future. I guess there are lots of options - I could go with a combo of the smaller Esprit 120 and a full frame camera as an option for similar cost overall. The 120 is advertised at being handle full frame...sounds like your 100 can also? There is already some fab advice in this thread and I am actually already pulling myself back from the Esprit 150. I am no expert and have had a terrible time trying to get anything working with the CPC925, even with the reducer. Floppy mirror, hard to guide, 2350FL etc... Maybe going to a 1050mm FL Frac is not the best step for someone of my skill. The 120 is less than half the price and is 850mm FL. I could actually get that and another camera (full frame) which would give me more options on FOV. I guess the 120 will need longer exposures than the 150, but I am hoping my new mount when it arrives will be up to it. I will be keeping my 9.25 SCT for planets.

The Esprit 120 might end up being the best option as it has to fit in the Obsy - that is something I still need to get clear on .. whether a 150 can slew unimpeded by walls, dome ceiling. 8*8 seems quite tight given the scope dimensions, but hard to estimate.

I will check out the TEC. A new 140 is not that much more than a Esprit 150. (but would be above budget... I am trying to stick to budget but often fail miserably ) Good point on FOV. I was thinking that I would get a smaller doublet to do a dual job of guiding and also wider field. For example a SW ED Pro 72 at 450mm FL. I also don't mind mosaics - in fact quite enjoy the process I am learning in Voyager for automation. Thanks for the tip on checking the full frame... will do that (and not with the manufacturer).

Reaching out to the board to get some recommendations on an APO refractor. I have recently purchased a decent mount that can handle around 50kg of weight. I was going to de-fork my CPC925 and use the OTA, but I am keen to do more DSO imaging at shorter focal lengths. The CPC925 can do a good job on planets but for DSO it's really hard work! The plan is to keep the 925 for planets and get a good APO. Current situation: - Live in a Bortle 5 area - Have a Skyshed Pod in the back yard - limited views North West and restricted views below about 15 degrees AZ - Pod is 8ft * 8ft internally, fixed pier centrally - pier and scope will be permanently placed - but I will occasionally swap the OTS between the 925 and APO. Don't want to mount both at the same time even if I could. - Voyager and TheSkyX Pro software (automation of dome not possible with Pod - but intend to automate everything else so availability of focus motors / rotators etc for any scope will be important) - Want to use a fairly small FL guide scope I have been looking at the Esprit 150 as an option. What I am not sure about is whether it might be too much in terms of space inside an 8*8 POD and also whether I really need 150mm aperture given I will be using the 925 for planetary (or an I wrong there? i.e. would the 150 be good for planetary too?). Would an Esprit 120 be just as good, or maybe another 120 or 150 from a different manufacturer. I am not sure whether the SkyWatcher scopes are just good for the money or just plain good regardless of the cheaper price. Would I, for example, be better with a 120 Williams Optics scope as opposed to the 150 SkyWacther in terms of quality of optics and build? How about other brands? My budget is c£4.500 for the scope only

The Senso (and the Celestron motor focus) look interesting - I am not sure about back focus issues using a moonlight. I have one and no problems fitted to my CPC925. The bigger issue for me is the space it takes up leaves little room for other equipment in the optical chain because of fork clearance I see you went ahead and the Senso... i am going to change from the moonlight (it's brilliant but I need the fork clearance) and quite interested in the Senso... How is it working for you and also does it fit directly to your scope without the need for something like the Feathertouch also?

Old thread I know, but just wanted to ask whether you ended up with the install on concrete or decking? I am thinking of replacing my SkyShed Pod. That has been sitting on decking for well over 3 years with not a single problem. No rot, not leaks, nothing. For me I have to use the decking for the Pulsar (or NexDome) - hoping it's not an issue.

I use the NEODYMIUM filer by Baadar (to filter out light pollution) which is screwed into the nose piece of my t-ring connected to my Canon DSLR. I am planning to move to a cooled CCD mono camera and use LRGB filters. Is it OK to also use the NEODYMIUM filter along with the LRGB, or would I need to remove it?