HEQ5 Mount on a Dob

[Pete D]

I have a 8" dob and am thinking of putting it on a HEQ5 pro for astrophotography with eventually getting a smaller 80mm Ed refractor and was wondering if this is the right way to go about it and if the dob is compatible with the mount for astrophotography. Any comments appreciated, thanks.

[spaceboy]

You will need OTA rings and a dovetail to mount the 8" dob OTA to the HEQ5 but yes it will be compatible for short exposure imaging. The EQ6 being the preferred choice for longer exposure.

[Bizibilder]

You will need a couple of tube rings and a dovetail plate as well. If you tell your supplier the diameter of the tube he should be able to supply the correct rings. The dovetail should be at least 300mm long for an 8" scope. It will work well - a "Dob" is only a normal Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian mount, hence the term "Dob".

Spaceboy zooms ahead of me!!!!!

[Pete D]

When you say short exposure times how long do you think.

[spaceboy]

Better asking in the imaging section regards that. All I know is that the 200P sits comfortably on a HEQ5 but when you start getting into longer exposures you need to add guide scope etc and this can start to test the mounts capabilities.

[Whippy]

IMO, an 8" f6 tube is too bulky & heavy for a HEQ5 in regard to DSO imaging. Also, at 1200mm the focal length of the scope would make imaging a bit tricky as the longer the focal length, the more accurate your tracking/guiding has to be. I'd wait until you can get the ED80 and save yourself a world of potential pain.

Tony..

[Pete D]

Would a HEQ5 be ok for a ED80 telescope

[dmahon]

Absolutely fine. Good with an ED120 too.