Jump to content

Narrowband

Evolution 8 for video imaging?


Recommended Posts

I'm very new to the hobby, having played around with a Meade ETX125 about 20 years ago, and getting out of the hobby because I had to sell the unit.  I'm hoping for a little guidance on a first kit to purchase.  My budget is about $2.5K. My goals are:

1) I'd like something that my kids and I can enjoy, easy setup, not too heavy/bulky, etc - mainly for planets, moon, and bright DSOs for visual viewing.

2) I am also interested in video right away though, and I know virtually nothing about it.  I'd like to begin long-exposure imaging in a year or so, once I have a more firm grasp of the hobby. 

The two choices I narrowed down to are either the Evolution 8, or a small APO refractor, such as the Explore Scientific 80ED or 102ED with a solid GEM.  What I'm unclear on is whether I risk having a large piece of furniture that won't get used much, if the 8 inch SCT can't do much more for me than the refractor, given the light pollution in my area and the fact that I'm probably going to be using it for relatively bright targets.  For those with some astronomy "mileage,"  am I wrong in assuming that a solid 4 inch refractor could be used for of my overall needs, than the 8 inch SCT, if I have the right mount, especially if i want to get into DSO imaging later on?  I know the Evo series is not suited to imaging DSOs.  I live in a moderately polluted area in northern Michgan (US), not horrible, but definitely not like being 4 hours from nowhere.  

Thanks for any input.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The 8" SCT will give you awesome views of not only Planets and the moon, but also DSO... video through it is also more than possible... As far as stating that EVO is not suited for DSO is only true to the fact that it's a alt-az mount, that that scope on a GEM or a polar mounted alt-az mount are great for astrophotography.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response.  I'm leaning toward the Evo 8, mainly because of the ease of setup and weight advantages over a solid GEM or Advanced VX mount.  I was thinking I could start with say, the Advanced VX 8, and then switch the OTA for a small APO refractor when I want to start imaging, but the added complexity/weight/setup time of the EQ mounts seems to make the Evo an attractive option, even if it's going to cost me more in the long run. I have so much to learn about this amazing hobby! Thank you for your advice.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
On 12/9/2017 at 02:29, pacificdiver said:

I'm very new to the hobby, having played around with a Meade ETX125 about 20 years ago, and getting out of the hobby because I had to sell the unit.  I'm hoping for a little guidance on a first kit to purchase.  My budget is about $2.5K. My goals are:

1) I'd like something that my kids and I can enjoy, easy setup, not too heavy/bulky, etc - mainly for planets, moon, and bright DSOs for visual viewing.

2) I am also interested in video right away though, and I know virtually nothing about it.  I'd like to begin long-exposure imaging in a year or so, once I have a more firm grasp of the hobby. 

The two choices I narrowed down to are either the Evolution 8, or a small APO refractor, such as the Explore Scientific 80ED or 102ED with a solid GEM.  What I'm unclear on is whether I risk having a large piece of furniture that won't get used much, if the 8 inch SCT can't do much more for me than the refractor, given the light pollution in my area and the fact that I'm probably going to be using it for relatively bright targets.  For those with some astronomy "mileage,"  am I wrong in assuming that a solid 4 inch refractor could be used for of my overall needs, than the 8 inch SCT, if I have the right mount, especially if i want to get into DSO imaging later on?  I know the Evo series is not suited to imaging DSOs.  I live in a moderately polluted area in northern Michgan (US), not horrible, but definitely not like being 4 hours from nowhere.  

Thanks for any input.  

I have the evo 9.25 and use the Celestron 6.3 FR with it, the Atik Infinity OSC will do a great job for Video astronomy (EAA) on the ALT/AZ , some nice images of DSO's can be had, but remember, it is Video not Photography you want to do, the learning curve for Astro Photography is far steeper and  diverse than Video Astronomy imaging.  

eric

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.