A little help in kit decision

[bomberbaz]

Been thinking of upgrading my eeva gear.

It is apparent to me that the current set up isn't hitting the mark. Trying to use a spotter frac with the ZWO 224MC isn't working at all. 

First I can't get to focus without a barlow and then the barlow reduces the already small fov to levels where resolution and resolving anything but the moon starts to get awkward.  I am often caught preaching that one shouldn't cut corners on visual and one size doesn't fit all and yet here I am trying to do exactly that.

So I was thinking of getting a camera with a larger chip + better resolution and also a dedicated refractor (unless there is a better idea) to use with it. 

Problem is budget. Initially I was thinking around 500 quid but soon realised that wasn't quite enough.

However after doing research and reading various forum/reviews I came to this solution.

Skywatcher 72ED/ F5.8 - ZWO ASI 178 USB3 Camera  - Maybe a Antares 0.7 focal reducer. (Not sure about this as need to confirm it will achieve focus with this in place) Price about £600.

UPDATE to the above: Having done a little extra research I am not convinced I require a new camera so I am having second thoughts about the upgrade, however I think the OTA is something that definitely needs upgrading.

So looking for any feedback on whether the above setup is a realistic one that will provide decent results for eeva.

TIA

Steve

Edited July 27, 2020 by bomberbaz