ASI178 MC USB 3.0 - COOLED OR NOT?

[markclaire50]

Please can I have opinions on imaging the planets with the asi178. The price difference between normal and cooled versions is significant. So, would the cooled version give significant differences in image quality? 

Of course, if you also happen to know if one thrashes the other in DSO imaging, that might influence any decision. 

Thank you 

Mark

[Tim]

Cooled cameras are nearly always worth the extra £££ in my opinion, for what that is worth

[Gina]

Exposures for planetary imaging are so short that cooling is unnecessary.  For DSO imaging cooling is essential.  It costs about £300 extra.

[FaDG]

I think that you could look at the question from a differenti Point of view: are you looking ONLY at planetary stuff or not? 

IF you plan to use it for DSO too, then by all means go for cooling. Else, if it's for planetary only, couldn't you just get an ASI120 and save quite some money? Planets are small and the 120 is fine for those. 

Then, in my mind, uncoolded 178 makes sense only on the moon. 

Fabio