Advice please - planetary scope

[Viv]

Hi all,

I'm getting back into astro work, after a little break.  Feels like such a newb question - but I just don't know...........

I've now got an old EQ3-2 (black) mount with 130PDS, which I love using & starting to get basic images.

However I have a planet weakness, would a Skymax 127 give me better & larger views (especially for imaging) ???

Alternative is to wait until late in the year & save for a bigger mount & C8.................

Thanks

[wookie1965]

From what i have read on here any imaging rig starts with a mount have you read Every photon counts that's the best book read for anyone getting into imaging.

[StarryEyed]

a 127 mak is a fine telescope for planets. yes a c8 is a better idea. see if you can pixk up a second hand mak and keep saving.

[russ]

A Skymax 127 would make planetary imaging easier than the 130P simply because you have a nice long focal length to start. Will only need a 2x or 3x barlow to get good image scale with the Skymax. Where as the 130 you will need a 5x or perhaps daisy chain barlows together. You'll see some good planetary images on the forum taken with the 127. And the EQ3 holds it fine for planetary imaging, used that setup myself back in 2004.

Obviously a C8 on a HEQ5 will be a whole different ball game and well worth saving for. The 127 will be fine with Jupiter, plenty of light coming in. Back with Saturn, things get trickier as the gain has to be cranked to the max due to the small light grasp of the 127 and the relatively low light coming from Saturn. A C8 will gulp so much more light and make life that much easier.

[Laurie61]

Another option to those mentioned above would be a 6" f8 newt, it could be used on your eq 3-2 mount for visual and planetary imaging with a basic motor drive fitted.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-150pl-ota.html

[Viv]

Cheers all.

Russ - thank you, makes lots of sense........maybe look at a second 127 & upgrade in a year or so

[russ]

Another option to those mentioned above would be a 6" f8 newt, it could be used on your eq 3-2 mount for visual and planetary imaging with a basic motor drive fitted.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-150pl-ota.html

Lovely scope the 150PL...had one of those too in the past

[russ]

Cheers all.

Russ - thank you, makes lots of sense........maybe look at a second 127 & upgrade in a year or so

I don't know if you noticed but there is a Skymax 127 on the UK Astro Buy'n'sell for a good price. Its a new Black Diamond model as well. £145 delivered:

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=78244

Also take a look at this thread, scroll down a bit until you reach post by JamesF

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/207010-show-me-your-cheap-images/

[Viv]

I don't know if you noticed but there is a Skymax 127 on the UK Astro Buy'n'sell for a good price. Its a new Black Diamond model as well. £145 delivered:

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=78244

Also take a look at this thread, scroll down a bit until you reach post by JamesF

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/207010-show-me-your-cheap-images/

it's the advert that made me think about it.......was just going to have my 130 for now, just too tempting

Thank you lots

Amazing images - can't wait to try now.