Skywatcher 200 PDS F5 or Skywatcher Evostar 80ED DS Pro

[sailor_74]

Hi

I'm looking at buying my first astro imaging setup and am considering both of the above mounted on an EQ6 Goto mount. I wondered if anyone can recommend one over the other. Easy of use aside, obviously the 200 is a bit of a beast, can i expect to achieve significantly better images with one over the other?

Im predominantly interested in deep sky imaging.

Thanks for reading and all input is greatly appreciated.

[oldpink]

Welcome to SGL

the 200 has a much narrower FOV than the 80ED
I have a 200p and I plan to buy an 80ED or Equinox specifically for imaging the larger DSO's

also not as prone to wind as the 200 which acts like a sail even in moderate winds cutting down exposure times
 

[sailor_74]

thanks. 80ED then i think!

[oldpink]

don't get me wrong the 200P is a good scope for DSO as well
its just when I try large objects like Andromeda they fill the sensor I'm just looking to get a larger FOV to get some background around the larger DSO's

[red dwalf]

Two different beasts but wider field off view with the ed80 and no colimation issues either, also easier to handle and on a mount

[Uranium235]

Also it depends on what camera you are using, if its a DLSR you need the faster telescope (f5) - but if youre using a CCD then the 80ED goes from being a good scope, to a great scope.

You might also find the FOV offered by the 8" to be a little restrictive, depending on what you want to do (some DSO objects are surprisingly large!).

[sailor_74]

will be initially using a DSLR but will upgrade to a CCD  before christmas. Just pushed the button on a SkyWatcher EQ6 PRO SynScan GOTO mount which should arrive wednesday. Will take a trip to my local shop and have a look at the ED80's.

 

[Christopher Davenport]

+1 to start with a ED80 and a FR/FF.