Skywatcher 150P/ Eq3-2

[bigbox]

Hi, i'm on the verge of buying the above mentioned scope & i am wondering if it's suitable for AP?

[DOBBY]

Hi Bigbox...the 'scope is deffo up to the job as many on here can attest to

for AP...you need to start with a sturdy tripod/pier & a mount that will take the weight of the 'scope & extras

[stargazerlily]

Hi,

I'm not an expert in AP by any means ... I can only talk from my limited experience.

I have a 150PL on a EQ3/2. To get the best out of the mount, you'll need to buy a motor to track the scope in RA at the very least (a dual axis motor would be better value for money ... I have one but have only fitted the RA motor). With the motor, you'll be able to keep track of the target (moon, planets ... stars) and take longer exposures. Are you planning to use a web cam or DSLR?

A 150P is a very capable scope.

I'm sure other people here will chip in with advice.

Pete

[bigbox]

Reading the desciption in the local rag it does say it has motor drive but not if its fitted on RA or DEC...

[palebluedot]

It will probably have either RA or RA and Dec. Very unlikely to have Dec only.

[bigbox]

Oh well better luck next time as they say. The guy had sold it when i rang him, cheap too. it did have both drives fitted plus loads of other extra's...

Thanks guys for the info !!

[bigbox]

Whoop Whoop, I got my new play thing at last, A Skywatcher 150P/ Eq3-2 plus a web cam...

Chuffed to bits i is....

[RikM]

Really good combo for visual and with a bit of effort you can get some nice images. If you have a look at my Deep Sky album, most of the images were taken with a 150P on a driven EQ3-2.

Make sure you take your time with polar alignment and focus. The gusting wind really hurts but f/5 is nice and fast. I got 90sec subs most of the time. Stack up 30 or more of those and you can get some great results.

[Nova]

You wont be dissapointed. All of the images I have on my flikr page are taken on my 150p/eq3-2. Did you get drive motors? you will find yourself wanting them if your going to start imaging although it is possible to get reasonable results on the planets without. You may also find yourself wanting an auto focusser. Im itching to try mine which I got last week but the weather wont let me

[bigbox]

Really good combo for visual and with a bit of effort you can get some nice images. If you have a look at my Deep Sky album, most of the images were taken with a 150P on a driven EQ3-2.

Make sure you take your time with polar alignment and focus. The gusting wind really hurts but f/5 is nice and fast. I got 90sec subs most of the time. Stack up 30 or more of those and you can get some great results.

OMG you have some really great pictures in your collection. Cant believe its possible to take such stunning shots, i gob smacked........

[bigbox]

You wont be dissapointed. All of the images I have on my flikr page are taken on my 150p/eq3-2. Did you get drive motors? you will find yourself wanting them if your going to start imaging although it is possible to get reasonable results on the planets without. You may also find yourself wanting an auto focusser. Im itching to try mine which I got last week but the weather wont let me

Hi Nova, yes it came with an R.A. motor but i think come the new year i will be looking into getting 1 for DEC. Also need to get a colminator & some/a higher powerd EP i think.....

I have take some pic's using my st102 & D3100 but not all turned out well, mostly they looked slightly out of focus but i think that could be more to do with where i live (just outside Nottingham city centre) so lots of LP :-(

[K3ny0n]

Hi, sorry I can't answer your question Bigbox as I've got a question similar lol. Im purchasing a SW Explorer 200p EQ5 and I will probs be looking to hook it up with a motor in the future when the funds are ok. Would this drive be ok for that mount and telescope?

Dual-Axis Motor Drive for EQ5 - (with Multi-Speed Handset) by OVL

Rob

[brantuk]

@K3ny0n - yep that's the right dual axis set for the eq5

@bigbox - here's the dual axis set for the eq3-2: First Light Optics - Dual-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ3-2

Incidentally bigbox if you fancy meeting up for observing sessions with local astronomers -drop an intro in the East Mids Stargazers (EMS) section - the guys will say hi and give you further info - just click the link in my signature

[K3ny0n]

Thanks brantuk