Enceladus Dan

Hello, 

I’m new to both Astronomy and Photography so this is going to be a steep learning curve for me, I’ve been reading lots of articles and forum posts which have changed my mindset considerably over the past 3-4 months I’ve been trying to find my ideal first (hopefully last me 3-4 years before I seek better) telescope set up. 

It started with looking at an celestron EQ114 for £167 which I soon left behind and found the SW 130 which came in 3 variants, 130, the shorter 130p with a parabolic mirror or the motorised 130m. I settled on the 130p on a EQ2 mount at £195 with intensions of mainly visual but maybe some photography. 

After some reading I discovered back focus and the problems with prime focus so started looking for ways round it. Focuser mods or what I planned on was getting a mirrorless camera and get a slim t-ring to reduce the back focus. After using only my phone (HTC U11) to take 16 second exposures at iso 100 I was amazed at how many stars it picked up and then the bug had bitten. Since I have purchased a canon EOS M3 camera with a 18-55 kit lens to practice with while I seek out my first telescope. 

Seeking the best way to use a camera on the 130p I learned that the 150p has. Duel fit focuser with direct camera attachment by removing the eye piece extension which appears to be at least 20mm removed. I read of people using DSLR cameras perfectly on the 150p but also others saying it does not and AP requires the PDS version. 

I’m certain I want the SW 150 but I’m torn between models. The 150 P claims to be direct DSLR so my M3 having 26mm less back-focus should be fine, the 150 PDS comes with less accessories but has a duel-speed focuser.  I also have debating thoughts on the mount. The EQ 3-2 that comes with both has been reported on several posts as not adequate for AP but people say they have managed fine with it. 

My heart says go all out and get the 150 PDS OTA and a separate EQ5 Deluxe knowing it meets my needs. My Brain is saying hold back as £495 is a big leap and I would need to get the Barlow and another eye piece on top. Below are my thoughts on what options I have. 

Option 1 

As above buying the 150 PDS OTA, EQ5 Deluxe, 2x Barlow and BST 8mm coming to £570 

Option 2 

Buying the 150 PDS EQ3-2 kit, 2x Barlow and BST 8mm coming to £475 

Option 3

Buying the 150 P EQ3-2 kit coming to £320 

The 150P seems to offer a better kit price as PDS OTA versions are £40 more than the P but as a kit the PDS is £80 more, so I’m saving £40 on the mount in theory. This means I can get going and if the EQ3-2 is no good I can sell it later to put towards buying the EQ5 deluxe. Obviously this route would mean waiting to get a tracking motor until I’m either certain on the mount or upgrade. 

If anyone can 100% say the 150p with the direct DSLR attachment is able to get prime focus I think this is my way to go. Also the duel-fit focuser vs the duel Speed focuser I could mod later if needed as I’m confused where both state a speed ratio of 1:10. 

Many thanks for any advice, especially those with the 150P that use it for AP. 

Thank you for the reply, I’ve almost convinced myself to go that bit further and get the 150p with a 2” focuser that has a direct camera attachment. 
 

ive read some people having success with it and others saying it needs a further 1cm inward travel. I hope the ones that had issues still had the older version without the removable extension for Eyepieces. But if I do have problems I will come back to the idea of making the slim eos-m adaptor. 
 

I took the first step of buying the M3 camera with 18-55 kit lens, witch I’m very happy with. Although I have no tripod or mount I have been practicing with taking 13second exposures when the sky is clear. I can’t wait to get the 150p and try them together. 

Hello, sorry to bring up an old thread but I wondered how you had got on? I’m new to here and just starting out. I’ve been reading up and I’m committed to starting out in both visual and Astro photography. I’ve settled on the Sky watcher explorer 130p as my first telescope. I’m planning to use the canon m3 as my camera as I too figured it would solve the focus issue with reflectors and I couldn’t find an adaptor that didn’t add the back focus which would defeat the object of having the 18mm the mirror less provides. 
 

I had come up with 2 possible solutions, an eos-m to m39 adaptor with a m39 to m42 stepping ring. Or getting both the eos-m to m39 and to m42 and try to put the threaded ring from the m42 into the m39 adaptor. 
 

any help would be appreciated. 
Danny