Newb to Astrophotography. Need assistance in selecting eq.

[Elp]

With astroberry or stellarmate loaded onto it yes. I found the asiair much less headache inducing but you are tied to the zwo ecosystem, and this is coming from someone who can fault find and fix computers. If you're happy to use a pc by all means do that, most software for AP control is free.

[ONIKKINEN]

12 minutes ago, TrojanMan said:

I have plenty of experience with Raspberry Pi's and it looks like you can make a controller out of one with the INDI packages. Would/Could this perform the same functions as the ASIAIR?

Absolutely, another great option. Maybe even better since you dont have to deal with windows and you already know what youre doing.

The main point is that Asiair is brand locked and all the other options like an RPI or mini-pc are not.

[rnobleeddy]

I've used astroberry for a couple of years. You get the usual, occasional issues that are common with linux + open source software, but it's generally very good. Not as easy to use as ASAIR, but cheaper.

[TrojanMan]

Updated eq list:

EQ6-R Pro
$2,025.00
From <https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/eq6-r-pro> 

Explore Scientific 102mm FCD100 f/7 ED APO Triplet Refractor
$2000
From <https://optcorp.com/collections/refractor-telescopes/products/explore-scientific-102mm-fcd100-refractor> 

ZWO ASI533MC Pro USB3.0 Cooled Color Astronomy Camera
$800

Explore Scientific Field Flattener f/5 to f/7
$150
From <https://optcorp.com/collections/explore-scientific/products/explore-scientific-field-flattener-f-5-to-f-7> 

IDAS Nebula Booster Filter - 48mm
$200
From <https://optcorp.com/products/idas-nebula-booster-filter-48mm> 

ZWO 1.25" IR Cut-Off Filter
From <https://optcorp.com/products/zwo-1-25-ir-cut-filter> 

ZWO ASI120MM Mini Monochrome CMOS Camera
$150
From <https://optcorp.com/products/zwo-asi120mm-mini> 

Stellarvue F50 50mm Guidescope w/Straight-Through Helical Focuser
$150
From <https://optcorp.com/products/stellarvue-f50-50mm-guidescope-w-straight-through-helical-focuser> 

Astrozap AstroStrap Dew Heater for 1.25" Eyepieces & 50mm Finders
$45
From <https://optcorp.com/collections/dew-heaters/products/astrozap-astrostrap-dew-heater-for-1-25-eyepieces-50mm-finders> 

Stellarmate Cable - USB to EQDIR HEQ5/EQ5/EQ8/EQ3/EQ6-R Pro/Atlas II
From <https://optcorp.com/collections/stellarmate/products/stellarmate-usb-to-eqdir-heq5-eq5-eq8-eq3-cable> 

Raspberry Pi3 with AstroBerry - already own
Cables TBD

 

The only thing I might change on this unless otherwise directed by the pro's is to go cheaper on the scope but it appears the size and quality of the Explore Scientific is a great value.

BTW is this a European only site? Any Americans out there? Don't get me wrong I enjoy the chat and appreciate the help but dont want to stick my nose in a place it does not belong

Thanks!

[TrojanMan]

Perhaps a silly question but I could use the same mount to do planetary observations and just throw a different scope on it right? I am guessing there are different requirements for cameras and filters. I am going to stick with DSO at first but would like to get a mount that can do both DSO and planetary.

Thanks!

[DaveS]

DSO imaging puts the most stringent requirements on a mount, so any mount that will be good for DSO will be brilliant for planetary.

[Elp]

You'll also be able to planetary to a degree with that scope. I've managed it with a z61 though the targets were tiny.

 

[nfotis]

3 hours ago, TrojanMan said:

Perhaps a silly question but I could use the same mount to do planetary observations and just throw a different scope on it right? I am guessing there are different requirements for cameras and filters. I am going to stick with DSO at first but would like to get a mount that can do both DSO and planetary.

Thanks!

As others say, a mount able to do DSO long exposures will easily do planetary imaging. Heck, I am using an unguided HEQ5 mount with my Skymax 180 for visual and planetary imaging...

By the way, you may want to buy used? I own a cheapo ED doublet 102/7 from SVBONY, which is quite nice (of course, a triplet is even nicer).

 

N.F.

 

[jpoulette]

Maybe you've already seen it, but I really like Lee's thread on the build up and technical information on his set-up.

That (and seeing C/2022 E3 (ZTF) the other night) inspired me to finally break down and build up a similar system.

The only thing that's up in the air at this point is the mount. I'll be doing as much research as I can before I purchase anything, but the EQ6R-Pro is the front runner so far.

Good Luck ! 😀

Jim

Edited January 19, 2023 by jpoulette

[TrojanMan]

Last question....at the moment. I have the scope narrowed down between two.

Explore Scientific 102mm FCD100 f/7 ED APO Triplet Refractor $2000

VS

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope $1080

 

I understand the differences between the two but my question is specifically about the Explore Scientific. Are they a good brand? The Sky-Watcher triplet of 100mm is another $1000 over the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm. This disparity throws up a red flag that the quality of the Explore Scientific may not be as good as Sky-Watcher. Is the extra $1000 worth it between the doublet 80mm Sky-Watcher and the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm?

Thanks!

[Elp]

If you can afford the aperture, this will provide a great benefit to speed and detail capture. The evostar range is venerable and many people get great results with them, SWs top of the line is the Esprit range I believe. ES is not too common in the EU other than their eyepieces, though if availability was better I'm sure more people will use them. Trevor Jones of Astrobackyard on YT has been using their scopes for a while.

Do you have options for William Optics? My Z61 is awesome, if I were to upgrade I'd certainly look at their larger zenithstars, GT or FLT line.

Askar are fairly new to market and have been getting good reviews also.

If you do decide on the evostar, make sure it's the DS pro version.

Edited January 19, 2023 by Elp

[900SL]

On 19/01/2023 at 17:26, TrojanMan said:

Last question....at the moment. I have the scope narrowed down between two.

Explore Scientific 102mm FCD100 f/7 ED APO Triplet Refractor $2000

VS

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope $1080

 

I understand the differences between the two but my question is specifically about the Explore Scientific. Are they a good brand? The Sky-Watcher triplet of 100mm is another $1000 over the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm. This disparity throws up a red flag that the quality of the Explore Scientific may not be as good as Sky-Watcher. Is the extra $1000 worth it between the doublet 80mm Sky-Watcher and the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm?

Thanks!

 

On 19/01/2023 at 17:26, TrojanMan said:

Last question....at the moment. I have the scope narrowed down between two.

Explore Scientific 102mm FCD100 f/7 ED APO Triplet Refractor $2000

VS

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope $1080

 

I understand the differences between the two but my question is specifically about the Explore Scientific. Are they a good brand? The Sky-Watcher triplet of 100mm is another $1000 over the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm. This disparity throws up a red flag that the quality of the Explore Scientific may not be as good as Sky-Watcher. Is the extra $1000 worth it between the doublet 80mm Sky-Watcher and the Explore Scientific triplet 102mm?

Thanks!

I'd go Explore Scientific. It's a clone scope, there's a few on the market and they are good. If imaging a triplet is generally better. 

 

You will need the matching reducer flattener

[jpoulette]

I agree on that Explore Scientific. I like the combination of the HOYA FCD100 glass and the triplet design.

This may help on the flattener side. Good luck ! 😎

[DSviewer]

Great setup would the APOs have better color correction than a doublet or can this be addressed post imaging .

[jfrijhoff]

You mentioned earlier you preferred DSLR at first, and it's a great way to start with a (astro-modified) DSLR and still get good images. They're also available second-hand. You also don't necessarily have to start thinking of having to use ASIAIR or Raspberry or mini-PC right away. And when you're ready to go down that route, you can still go for either of those options, and the DSLR can still be useable later on, or resell it.

[DSviewer]

Go to astrobackyard good source of info as starting point and also goes into focal lengths against targets