new to planetary imaging, need help

[futurenets]

Recently inherited skywatcher EQ5 200/1000 (no motor) and very interested in planetary imaging. Have laptop Win10 but need help with equipment choice and setting up.

also looked at zwo-asi-120mc-versus-philips-spc900nc but have insufficient knowledge.

can anyone help?

[spaceboy]

Welcome to SGL.

You ideally need at least an RA motor to get anything worth shouting about. The Phillips SPC is a simple, cheap and ideal first step in to webcam imaging. The asi-120mc is a step up and will offer better results. Both require you to track the object and once a number of frames have been captured you then stack and process them in various freeware software programs like Registax, GIMP etc. You will soon find though processing is key to achieving any good results.

[futurenets]

ok thanks. looks like I need a motor to start off? I think I have an EQ5 equitorial mount. "At least an RA motor" what are my options?

[Alien 13]

You will need this as a minimum https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/single-axis-dc-motor-drive-for-eq5.html or better still the dual axis https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/enhanced-dual-axis-dc-motor-drives-for-eq-5.html that gives options for autoguiding in the future.

Alan 

[jimbo747]

If you're interested in planetary imaging, may I also offer an alternative suggestion?

Celestron SLT mounts often sell for under £100 on eBay, these have go to and tracking and perfect for planetary imaging, and for visual use. If you want to get into astrophotography proper you'll be told you'll need a better mount  than the eq5 anyway.

[Owmuchonomy]

I will take a different approach to this thread and ask what planets you propose to image. Over the next few years the major contenders for imaging are poorly placed in UK skies. You could concentrate on Lunar imaging in which case a mono camera is fine or upgrade your mount and tackle DSO imaging. I would hate for you to invest and then struggle to find a decent target.

[futurenets]

ok thanks for the great answers. I inherited my telescope several years ago and I attended an Open Evening at a local observatory recently which fired me up. All I know is that I had no idea about any of this and it's incredible. Unfortunately my wife doesn't share the same passion so I'm better off buying the good stuff from the start otherwise the second time I try this I'll get an ear bending. So before I get started I need to fit a dual axis motor? I have a Sky Watcher 200/1000 on an EQ5 mount.

 

[happy-kat]

Before spending that one time cash in token have a good look at what it is you want to be imaging and the sort of images you hope to produce so you can set expectations and then work on what you need to do to get there and ask questions.

[carastro]

Oh my goodness, that photo looks scarey, it's a big scope for a little EQ5, plus there is no counterweight, I see an accident coming up.

 

Carole