Planetary imaging with a Dob?

[Revs]

Hey peeps, I've got a quick question..

I'm saving for a larger scope, but I don't know what I'm saving for I'm thinking along the lines of a 12" SW FlexTube GoTo, but was wondering if webcam imaging was possible with one? Obviously deep sky imaging is out of the question, but I read the optics are good enough for planetary work. Does this include webcam imaging?

Has anyone tried this with their Dob? If so, how were the results? Got pics??

[Breakintheclouds]

I've seen some excellent images of Mars and Jupiter obtained using a webcam in a dob. Obviously you need quite a steady hand, but it's so easy to drop bad frames in a program like Registax that it is a totally feasible way to capture planets.

[NickH]

Yes, it's fine, seeing on the night I was testing tracking on Jupiter was iffy, but it's more than doable

[Revs]

Cheers guys, that's good to know. Soo.. with a 12" dob would there be any reason to keep the Mak? I know the Mak is more portable, but other than that..?

Also, I keep reading dob specs and seeing '1/8 wave' and 1/6 wave'. I know this relates to optical quality, but how?

[NickH]

Keep the Mak, unless you have to sell it...different beasties for different jobs

[Revs]

Just weighing up my options for now. What advantage does the Mak have over the Dob, imaging wise? I was thinking if the Dob was better than the Mak for imaging, it would make a a good planetary imaging and deep sky observing scope, then I would carry on saving and eventually get a EQ6 and frac for DS imaging.

Any info/opinions would be great

[Space Cowboy]

I'm in the same boat as you though I've already ordered a auto Dob 250. Like you I'm hoping to getting better webcam images after being assured by Nick's excellent tracking report!

I will see how things go with the Dob before I part with my beloved Skymax 127

[Revs]

I look forward to hearing how you get on with it

[Space Cowboy]

For sure you will hear from me one way or another lol I'm hoping to use the GOTO handset from my Skymax on the auto Dob which will be considerably cheaper than buying a GOTO Dob. A saving of £300 I believe!

[Revs]

Anyone else have any views/opinions?