Hello from the Pacific Northwest!

[cavelltodd]

Apologies in advance. This is going to be quite a long winded post...

I got into astronomy over a decade ago. My first scope was an Orion Space Probe. I eventually traded up to a 12" Lightbridge when those were new. I loved that telescope and had it for many years but sold it a few years ago. The Lightbridge was super unwieldy for casual observing, my real hope was to eventually get into astrophotography. As you already know, those telescopes weren't built for that. 

Fast forward to now. I bought a new telescope and plan to slowly add to it and upgrade to finally get the astrophotography setup I've always wanted.

I went with the Orion Starblast 6i. Mainly because of the price. I can eventually move it over to a good mount when my budget permits, but the scope itself seems like a winner. I know I won't get the views that I had throught my 12" dob, but I'm honestly okay with that. I already have an idea of what I'll see through this kind of scope.

With the scope I bought a nice array of eyepieces 3.5mm up to 32mm. I wanted to try a 40mm but I think the exit pupil would be too large. I also purchased a televue 2x Barlow, a laser collimator, and a 9x50 finder scope to replace the red dot finder. I really don't like red dot finders. 

My first question is focuser upgrades. I want to upgrade the stock focuser of the starblast 6 with a GSO 2" dual speed. I'm pretty sure I have the ability to figure out how to cut the hole bigger and all that. I'm just wondering if there are any types of technical specifications that I'm overlooking that would make the need for a larger focuser unnecessary on a smaller scope like the starblast 6? I've seen people do it before, but I'm not sure if it's ultimately worth it. Keep in mind I'm trying to slowly work towards an astrophotography setup. 

My main question is about how my upgrade roadmap should work. Once I find an acceptable used DSLR at a reasonable price I'll be making that purchase. After i acquire the camera should I buy the mount next? The mount I'm hoping to get will be the orion Sirius or Atlas EQ-g. After I purchase the mount I'll look into getting all the other fun gadgets that go along with this like an autoguider, motorized focused, etc. 

Ultimately I really want to see how far I can push the starblast optics before I upgrade to a nice refractor or something like that. 

The goal is DSOs. With my initial setup I'm going to play around with the cellphone mount I have and see what I can do with planetary imaging using a cellphone and registax. Just to learn the basic techniques/software side of things. Then I'll try short exposures of DSOs and put them into deep sky stacker just to learn that software as well. I'm well aware that my images aren't going to be good, but this whole process is going to be about learning how to take pictures and put them into this type of software. I also just want to see where my limits are with what I'll have, so I can appreciate the benefits of the upgrades I will eventually purchase. After everything is said and done my last purchase will probably be a really nice image like the ZWO ASI1600MM PRO. I think a good DSLR should be able to keep me busy for a few years. 

If you made it this far I really appreciate you taking the time to read this!

 

[banjaxed]

Hi and welcome to SGL. I am not into AP but I am sure someone will be along shortly to answer your questions.

[Icesheet]

Hi @cavelltodd and welcome to SGL!

I have no experience with reflectors for astrophotography but there are numerous people on here that have great success with them. Search for SkyWatcher 130 and 150PDS in particular as there are extensive threads on these two. I know Synta manufacture for SkyWatcher and Orion so there is a good chance they are fundamentally the same scope. Just double check you can get prime focus with a DSLR on yours. You will also likely need a coma corrector to get the most of your imaging circle, especially with a DSLR which typically have bigger sensors than dedicated astro cameras.

Again I’m not familiar with the mounts you mention but they appear to be the same as SkyWatcher’s HEQ5 and EQ6 models. These are regularly recommended to people starting out in astrophotography so you’re on the right path there. The Atlas is probably the better bet in the long run if the extra $ isn’t an issue. If you are serious about getting into astrophotography I would consider getting the mount even before the DSLR. 

If/ when you do get a DSLR try and get one with some lenses included. This really would be the best way to start taking images of DSO’s. The shorter focal lengths will be a lot more forgiving and a lot less frustrating when starting out, speaking from experience!

It’s a steep learning curve, even more so with a reflector I would imagine but stick at it. There’s plenty of resources and support on here when you need it and good luck 😊

 

 

 

[cavelltodd]

Thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate it! I just realized this may have been better suited for the beginner section of the forums. Didn't notice that until now. If there's a mod that could move this, I'd be grateful. If not, I don't mind it staying here either.