QHY5L-II

[Radders]

Hi all, I'm looking at getting a specialist imaging camera in the next few months and seen these at the International Astronomy Show.

It's the colour one that interests me. Has anybody got one and if so, what are their thoughts?

Radders

[tich]

I brought one last year as a tester & after a few hiccups getting it to work I found it to be ok, However I'm not sure if it's me or the software it uses but when imaging Jupiter it easily out performed the Philips SPC I have but when imaging Saturn I found the Philips to be better than the QHY

I guess I'll know more when Mars comes up & I can do another comparison.

These are a few of images I have done with it.

This is about the best Saturn I managed to achieve with it though;

This is one of the SPC images I did last year,

All were taken using a 200P & 3x Barlow accept the larger image of Jupiter which I used a 4X powermate although that is the one & only decent image I've managed to get with it.

[Radders]

Hi tich, they are great images. I thought about getting an spc although there doesn't seem to be many around at the moment, but decided that to just go and get a specialist one. I like the ZWO Optical ones but they seem to be expensive.

Radders

[SeedyF]

Radders - I have just ordered the ZWO ASI120MC after a lot of research, reviewing images and reviews and wondering how much better it will be over my phillps SPC900. I have paid £220 for that camera and could find the QHY for £169 (although I didn't try hard to source it cheaper). It was the images I found on here and other forums that persuaded me to go for the ZWO and pay the extra £50. I just wasn't convinced that the QHY would give me enough improvement over my philips webcam. It also came with a couple of handy features like the all sky lens and 2" barrel fit.

When it arrives from ZWO, and there is something worth pointing it at, and the sky is clear I can let you know how I think it stacks up.

[riklaunim]

Hi all, I'm looking at getting a specialist imaging camera in the next few months and seen these at the International Astronomy Show.

It's the colour one that interests me. Has anybody got one and if so, what are their thoughts?

That depends what you want to photograph with it. Color CMOS isn't that much "top notch". As other mentioned the ASI120MC is the most proven/used from cheap color cameras.

[Radders]

Seedyf - to be honest I didn't think the ASI120MC was as cheap as that. I do like the look of the QHY5L-II though and haven't seen them cheaper than the £169.

Riklaunim - it will be just for planetary imaging.

Radders

[SeedyF]

Radders - if you order direct from the supplier in China its much cheaper than UK/EU suppliers, even when you add the $30 delivery charge. And it's the latest version which includes the auto guide port - not that we care about that for planetary imaging.

And delivery looks to be pretty fast through FedEx. I ordered it about 8pm on Tuesday 6/8 and its due to be delivered today. It's currently at Stansted airport according to the tracking, being sniffed by a black retriever I imagine

[Radders]

Nice one! Look forward to seeing your results. If it's any good I may have to reconsider my options..