ChrisHallett

Very much a noob question…

I understand how the size of an eyepiece dictates the magnification of a scope but how does a camera  work in terms of magnification? Is the magnification altered within the software that you use?

1 hour ago, Nik271 said:

If you mean planetary imaging then yes, the Skymax is very good for that. I did some planetary imaging with it two years ago and was very happy with the results. Recently I tend to use it more as a solar scope. For comparison here are two moon images from a night of good seeing with an attached  DSLR.  

 

I have used it to image some bright DSOs as well, the Orion nebula and M13. It's not ideal for DSO because of the slow focal ratio, but if you stick to shorter exposures can do some good work on the brighter  and smaller DSO, e.g. some planetary nebulae and globular clusters. Give it a try, it will not disappoint!

Fantastic shot! Yes It’ll be for planetary and lunar photography. Do you have any experience with dedicated cmos cameras like the ZWO I mentioned, I have the budget but do you think they’ll be a good choice? 

I have a Skymax 127 and was considering purchasing a ZWO ASI 224MC or the 385MC. I know the Skymax isn’t the ideal scope for imaging but are decent images possible with this setup?

Thanks for your replies. Yeah thought as much and a bit relieved  not to have to return it😆. Shame, it wouldn’t have taken alot to fix this at the design stage. No problem though.

Hi there,

I’ve just taken recent of a SkyWatcher EQ5 mount and have noticed the green setting circle on the polariscope has play in it when its locked. Is this to be expected?

As shown in the video the circle can pivot down on the back edge when locked and when unlocked the whole ring can move flush to the date ring.

Haha thats brilliant, I don’t really think I need to worry to much about the materials then😆

Honestly thankyou all for your really detailed and extensive replies, can’t tell you how much they’ve helped. I’ve made notes and am making a small list of upgrades based on all your recommendations. It’s also nice to know the scope is generally well regarded.

Kind regards 

Chris

Hi there,

So I’m looking at retail dew shields and thinking they’re expensive for what they are and probably quite easy to make, so that’s what I’m gonna do.

Seen a few great videos on the subject but people use different materials for the tube, is there an optimum, specific type to use or would a thin ‘yoga’ matt type foam be acceptable and as effective as anything else?

thanks in advance👍 

2 hours ago, Steve Clay said:

No1 a dew shield. This is a must have.

No2 a 32mm plossil. Wide view (ish)

No3 The hyperflex 7.5-21.3 is a very good reasonably priced zoom.

Steve 

Thanks Steve. 
One question that springs to mind is why wouldn’t everyone just buy a zoom and not bother with lots of different eye pieces, Alan said earlier there is an inherent lack of sharpness and maybe contrast but is it that noticeable?

Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply everyone , much appreciated.

Thats fantastic, thanks Stu.

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it. I agree with what you’re saying but I actually bought the scope below my budget with upgrades in mind so I could get the best possible experience from this price range, anything to make it better, if possible,  is what I’m after.

Its like the push bike I ride, I bought a nice mid range steel machine because the frame was lovely but it had nasty wheels so the manufacturer could keep it in budget, I immediately upgraded them for a big gain.

So I’ve just purchased a Skymax 127 and am looking at upgrading the eye pieces, it comes with a 10mm and a 25mm and I assume they are functional but could be alot better. I have the budget to buy maybe 3 replacements around £50 each.

Also would you recommend upgrading the diagonal and red dot finder or would the benefits be minimal and maybe adding a 2 x Barlow? (Budget allows)

tbh I’m learning the ropes and need a bit of advice on sensible upgrades.

thanks in advance👍
 

(Using an EQ5 mount)

EDIT: just read the thread below this regarding BST eye pieces and some good info there, just need some thats specific for this scope.