Finally got my shortlist of Telescopes down to 4 - now which one ?

[BlueMystery57]

Thanks all Im glad for your input I started this topic and its giving me a lot of food for thought

I must confess when I watched the video on FLO on setting up a Celestron it seemed good and of course they are a lot more compact. On the FLO site they had some photos taken with it as well and they seemed like the sort I wanted. My prime concern was whether the diameter of the lens was enough but the photos seemed to suggest yes

Most of the time when photographing the stars Im not using longer than about 20 second exposures, and I have a variety of lenses for my cameras from wide angle up to 300 so I wouldnt have to use the scope for that, Im glad that was suggested. Not looked at any Maks, so must have a look at them and see what they also are about.

[BlueMystery57]

The Astrotrac wedge I have currently fitted on a Manfrotto 190EXPRO tripod can have a payload of 15 kgs.

What are the implications for this bearing in mind most of the scopes being talked about have tripods already

[Alien 13]

HI it might be worth posting a thread in the mount section regarding the astrotrac load capacity and recomended scopes i know some people who do use it with a scope but its allways better to get 1st hand experiance.

Alan

[lensman57]

Hi again, its one of those scenarios where I want to get decent planet shots as they are nearer than far off worlds, then in time to have the challenge of more deep space places. Meantimes I know I can get some decent "galaxy" type photos quite easily with either camera I have using the Astrotrac system. Not heard of that calculator before will go looking for that

cheers Andrew

Hi Andrew,

What I say is just my own opinions so take it as such. Planetary imaging is rather limited in the choice of subjects. The most popular ones are  the Moon, jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

The Moon and Jupiter are almost always accessible and so is Saturn but to do them justice , the Moon not included and IMHO it is the most beautiful of all of them and the most under rated, you really need a scope with a large  aperture, fast optics and long FL to draw the details in. But at the end of day you are still stuck with a choice of 4. Jupiter will soon dissaprear in the early summer and so does  Saturn,  Mars is not an imagable planet untill the end of 2014~2015 because it is so far and small unless you have an 16~18" SCT so sooner or later you are going to turn your scope to DSOs as these are a lot more plentiful and varried. I thought that you need to be aware oall these before you make a decision

Regards,

A.G

[BlueMystery57]

A.G - I value all opinions as a total newbie I want to learn.

You have given me some invaluable advice... and now even more food for thought

Looking at reviews of the Celestron 5se and 6se, I saw photos of the type I want to eventually attain so I wonder if I should bring them into the equation albeit slightly more expensive, they do seem to meet the remit of easy assembly and not so bulky as well

cheers

Andrew

[ronin]

Have not read the majority of posts but as imaging has come into the latter ones then:

If you intend to image planets then a driven Alt/Az mount like the 5SE, 6SE will do them, as well as the moon but the mount is not applicable to long exposures required for DSO's. In reality that means imaging Jupiter, Saturn, Moon and a very small Mars and the sun if you stick a solar filter on it.

If DSO imaging will be the end expectation then you need a driven equitorial mount and a fairly solid one, the scope does not need to be large but does need to be fairly good.

So in case the idea is buy a 5SE and go imaging Orion it may not work. Also never been convinced it is easy to stick a DSLR on a 5SE or similar construction.

Are there any clubs near you to go visit?

[BlueMystery57]

Ronin hi, as I can use my Astrotrac system for long exposures I have been revamping my original brief.

The more I read about the 6se the more it seems suited - portable and relatively easy to set up (important to me because of back), long focal length I think it was 1500mm and I saw photos on the FLO site that were taken by it and they encompassed most of my requirements. Long exposures I can use my astrotrac for, but at the moment there are lots of other things to view and learn with a scope in its own right.

I think its important to learn to walk rather than run, thats why I have appraised and reviewed things more since starting the thread. I also thanks to the excellent book did a little more research into CCD cameras, so that could be a future upgrade for myself.

What I think I need to confirm are any gremlins / problems I am likely to encounter with a 6SE which dont get mentioned in manufacturers reviews - for example which accessories are important - here Im guessing on things like a powerbox (is that what they are called), moon / sun filters and so on.

Would appreciate further guidance from anybody who can contribute.

cheers Andrew

[brantuk]

Hi Andrew - your requirements and criteria are all conflicting at the moment. Your stated budget isn't really adequate for an imaging rig, and an imaging rig  needs to be beefy and heavy, but you require a light manageable weight due to back problems. Dso imaging requires low focal ratio scopes, whereas planetary imaging requires high focal ratios (a dual purpose scope doesn't really exist). And most planetary scopes (which seems to be your main preference) are big, bulky, heavy, Mak's and Sct's or very expensive, long fl refractors. Dso scopes tend to be large aperture, bulky, light gatherers with heavy mirrors. And an alt/az mount won't satisfy all your requirements - it has to be equatorial.

So it's a little difficult picking the ideal combination to suit you without a compromise in your spec somewhere. First thing I would suggest is to state a maximum budget - £500 will only just get you a mount to do what you're after - unless you are prepared to look at the "used" market - even then it would be tight and won't include a scope. Also an idea of what ballpark weight you can comfortably lift would be a good steer. Your currrent spec needs something around 20kg's with the lightest part being around 7-10kgs (circa 20lbs). Hth

[nicks90]

scratches head - you already have a dso imaging rig, your canon with tele lens and astrotrac! Alot of the imaging peeps on here are using 70mm scopes at F5 or less, which is probably simillar to your 300mm canon lens. So for at least the foreseeable future of dabbling in AP and learning processing etc, stick with that and then get your 6se for visual observing and planetary imaging.

if indeed the DSO bug bites hard later on, you will already have some experience of the dark art and you can sell up your 6se and buy a small fast stupidly expensive refractor to concentrate on dso work properly.

[BlueMystery57]

Hi Brantuk

Thanks for the input. With regard the lifting I can lift individual components up to about 15kgs, its more the design / shape would be the issue. Budget can go up to about £800 without any issue at all for the right item.

The reason I looked at the Celestrons was the "slot and drop" approach as shown in the video on the FLO site I could manage, whereas if I am having to balance something longer or bulkier I might have problems. Also on the FLO site it showed images of the type this scope can attain which are inline with what my own aims were.

As I think I mentioned since starting the thread I have appraised matters, and want to walk now before I run. So with regard the imaging yes I would like to attach my DSLR camera to a scope for planetary / basic nebulae photographs where long exposures are not needed. I can use my Astrotrac system with camera if I desire longer DSO images. I want to be able to look through the scope not just take photos, that way I can hopefully encourage my wife to participate as well - that would ensure the hot drinks

I think for starters there is a lot of planetary stuff I can get enjoyment out of, and in due course now that I know about them I would look to invest in  a decent CCD camera.

Since starting the thread and talking with others I have had so many names thrown at me - possibilities currently are Celestron 6SE,  the 150PDS has been thrown into the pot a few times to consider, and another which has surfaced is a Meade ETX90 although some have misgivings as to whether the  latter is suitable for a novice.

As I say though I keep welcoming advice and suggestions as I want to learn and the best way is by asking people who have been there and done it.

cheers

Andrew

[BlueMystery57]

scratches head - you already have a dso imaging rig, your canon with tele lens and astrotrac! Alot of the imaging peeps on here are using 70mm scopes at F5 or less, which is probably simillar to your 300mm canon lens. So for at least the foreseeable future of dabbling in AP and learning processing etc, stick with that and then get your 6se for visual observing and planetary imaging.

if indeed the DSO bug bites hard later on, you will already have some experience of the dark art and you can sell up your 6se and buy a small fast stupidly expensive refractor to concentrate on dso work properly.

very good points Nick and inline of where I have reappraised things this morning / overnight from my original posting.

[lensman57]

very good points Nick and inline of where I have reappraised things this morning / overnight from my original posting.

Hi Andrew,

I had not realised that you had an AstroTrac with a 300mm lens, this is infact a very good wide field set up. The choice of an SCT for plnetary is also good, more the 8 SE rather than the 6. The 6 is more portable and compact but those extra 2" will make a difference. Only point to consider is wether either a 6 or 8 SE could later be used on an EQ mount as either with a 0.63X reducer ( F6.3 ) or a HyperStar set up ( F2~F3) possibilty of DSO imaging becomes more attractive.

Regards,

A.G

[brantuk]

Thanks Andrew - that's very helpful. Ok I would recommend either the CG5GT Goto or the EQ5 Synscan. The better of the two imho is the CG5GT with it's uprated bearings, beefier 2" tripod legs, and more comprehensive software. It's been a standard workhorse mount for many years and FLO are doing them for just under £500 brand new (if available) - or you can get them in very good working order second hand for around £350 (depending on age/condition/extras etc). It's only drawback is the motor fairings that echo the motors a bit when slewing, which can be slightly noisier than most mounts. But it's an almost silent hum when tracking. It'll handle planetary imaging no problem and, if guided, will give you 10 min subs with ease for dso imaging.

The Skywatcher EQ5 Synscan is a respectable mount with similar functionality - just not quite as good a spec and a little lighter weight wise. All up the CG5GT is 40.7lbs - the tripod being the heaviest bit at 16.5lbs - and will give you enough flexibility to do everything you want (planets/dso's) depending on which scope(s) you put on it - or you can just attach a camera.

Scopes to consider within your budget would include a SW 127 Mak, or SW 150PL newtonian (for planetary imaging). For dso imaging I'd be looking at a SW150P or a short tube wide field doublet refractor if you can get one cheap enough. Any of the ED80's, or a WO Meg72, or ZS66, or similar would fit the bill here (some of these are no longer produced so would have to be "used" models). The SW ST80 is a great scope when you get round to guiding.

Just a note though - you will need a webcam for imaging planets - results with a dslr, though possible, will be very limited and more trouble than it's worth. Hope that all helps.

[BlueMystery57]

Phew thanks - thats given me a few things to look at.

A CCD camera is on the future to buy list for sure.

Somewhere I thought I read during my research, that video mode from a DSLR can also be used, if so is that better than single images until a CCD is bought ?

cheers

Andrew

[BlueMystery57]

Brantuk - just an afterthought so would the Skywatcher Explorer 150P-DS EQ-5 PRO GOTO  at about £750 represent a good value purchase as a complete kit as opposed to buying individually ?

[brantuk]

It's nice to have dual speed focusers for "snap to" focusing when observing, or for imaging (especially if you motorise the focuser). But the EQ5 Pro Goto isn't the mount I would choose - mostly because even a good second hand CG5GT is better imho - much more solid and accurate. As a package for a complete beginner who wishes to observe, but with vague imaging aspirations however, it's a good deal.

But for someone who's been imaging a while with an Astrotrac and wishes to progress their photography, I would normally recommend an HEQ5 Synscan Pro. The nearest you'll get to that with your budget is the CG5GT in my experience. The mount is the most important part of an imaging rig and it's best to get the best possible within budget - you'll save in the long run.

Bear in mind there will also be a few accessories to purchase on top of the scope and mount.

[m37]

A few accessories???!!! Tell that to my wife

So much good advice here I will just add that whatever you choose will be a compromise, believe me. Just get something you will definitely use (weight/simplicity wise) and get it from a reputable astro specialist retailer. Beyond that, whatever you get you will be able to do something with it!!!

Seriously though, you're doing loads of research which is excellent. And displaying much patience which is the most important thing for any branch of astronomy!

good luck

Chris

[brantuk]

"Seriously though, you're doing loads of research which is excellent. And displaying much patience which is the most important thing for any branch of astronomy!"

Spot on Chris - took me three months of research to buy my first scope (only a 150P EQ3-2) - and I still wasn't 100% sure. But it's by far the best approach for anyone new to astronomy - Andrew's deffo going the right way about it.

[CSM]

I am a Celestron 6SE user and if you look on my web site you may get some idea of what it can or cannot do.  Planetary imaging with the Alt-Az mount works well.  I have since added a wedge and that works even better - but I was lucky in being able to get one of the 'original' ones second-hand and the only new ones seem to be very expensive.  For DSO's I have added a focal reducer and bought the Orion Starshoot G3 CCD camera.  Not yet had the chance to use that much but it looks as if it will work well with this scope.

As far as learning the night sky is concerned I personally have found that it does take time - quite a long time!  If I had waited to learn before doing any astronomy, visual or imaging, I would never have got anywhere. The GoTo is a great help is finding objects that I previously failed to find manually.

One of the reasons for getting this scope was back problems.  And then there was the problem of the eyepiece ending up in an impossible position with my Skywatcher 130mm reflector.  Trying to rotate a frozen tube was no fun - nearly slide out of my hands completely.