Following on from my question about ERFs the other day...
I want to level up my imaging rig with some more aperture. I currently have a lovely Lunt LS60 and also a Quark which I am using with a Skywatcher 80ED. I will be keeping the Lunt for visual work and want a new scope for the Quark. I have a ZWO ASI174MM camera and Celestron AVX mount. Here's the options within my budget (around £2k).
1. Skywatcher Evostar 150 £639
Aperture 150mm
Focal length/ratio 1200mm f/8
Crayford focuser upgrade £185
ERF £963
Total £1787
Adv: aperture!
Dis: achromatic (though with the focuser upgrade I don't think this will matter for solar).
2. Skywatcher Evostar 120 £339
Aperture 120mm
Focal length/ratio 1000mm f/8.33
Crayford focuser upgrade £185
ERF £774
Total £1298
Adv: cheapest option but still significantly more aperture than the 80mm.
Dis: as above.
3. Skywatcher Evostar 120ED £1384
Aperture 120mm
Focal length/ratio 900mm f/7.5
ERF £774
Total £2158
Adv: apochromatic so can use for night time work as well, though this isn't the priority.
Dis: most expensive option.
4. Something else in this price range?
I would like to get the best imaging set-up I can within budget. I'd love to hear from anyone imaging with any of these telescopes + Quark + ERF.
Thanks for any help!
HAL
Help me decide what to buy!
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
Hi,
what are your imaging goals / preferences?
what are your imaging goals / preferences?
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H-a: Quark Chromosphere with BF mod
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
The Celestron AVX mount and the IMX174 camera are the most decisive for your choice. The assembly excludes the 150/F8 because it does not have the necessary stiffness.
That's why he chose them:
3. Skywatcher Evostar 120ED + Baader TZ4, or TV4x PMT 2". With this setup, you will be able to photograph details in good quality. It would be ideal to replace the IMX174 camera with a IMX432.
That's why he chose them:
3. Skywatcher Evostar 120ED + Baader TZ4, or TV4x PMT 2". With this setup, you will be able to photograph details in good quality. It would be ideal to replace the IMX174 camera with a IMX432.
I do not look at the sky with the eyes of an astronomer, but of a person looking for the beauty of nature.
Re: Help me decide what to buy!
Thanks for these responses.
Dennis, I would like more resolution and more close-up views in general and possibly to move into some animations.
Pupak, the set-up with the 150mm would be well within the stated payload capability of the AVX, I know that in practice you can't go right to the limit. I wonder what you feel the limit is?
Dennis, I would like more resolution and more close-up views in general and possibly to move into some animations.
Pupak, the set-up with the 150mm would be well within the stated payload capability of the AVX, I know that in practice you can't go right to the limit. I wonder what you feel the limit is?
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
It's not just about weight, it's about length and torque. The picture shows my AR150/F8, which is 160 cm tall and weighs 15 kg with equipment. I have it on a backlash-free EQ-HD mount, and even that has something to do with it when the wind blows. That's my experience.
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- AR150/F8
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
Ok, then i would go with the 150mm f/8 achromat if you think seeing will support it.HAL wrote: ↑Sun Mar 19, 2023 9:46 am Thanks for these responses.
Dennis, I would like more resolution and more close-up views in general and possibly to move into some animations.
Pupak, the set-up with the 150mm would be well within the stated payload capability of the AVX, I know that in practice you can't go right to the limit. I wonder what you feel the limit is?
Idk about the mount, but as pupak said, its not only about the weight but the length of the scope. I had a similar scope on a Ioptron az mount pro (15kg max payload specification) and it was shakey but worked. I kept the scope at minimum weight (~ 7.2 kg without dewcap and finder scope, no focuser upgrade). I used a D-ERF.
Balance is very important and doesnt leave much room for inbalance, that you have to keep in mind.
I also used a good diagonal to reach focus and not have the whole thing too long.
Triband C9.25
H-a: Quark Chromosphere with BF mod
WL: Antlia 500nm/ 3nm, 393 nm/ 3nm
Ca-K: homebrew (includes 2x 1.5A filters, thanks Apollo)
Player One Apollo Max + Mars MII
Barlows:
-2x Gerd Düring 2.7x
-2x TMB 1.8x
H-a: Quark Chromosphere with BF mod
WL: Antlia 500nm/ 3nm, 393 nm/ 3nm
Ca-K: homebrew (includes 2x 1.5A filters, thanks Apollo)
Player One Apollo Max + Mars MII
Barlows:
-2x Gerd Düring 2.7x
-2x TMB 1.8x
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
If you want to run an AR150/F8 on your mount, choose a lightweight lattice design. Not only will the weight be saved, but the area for the influence of the wind will be significantly reduced. That's how the 150/F15 can be handled.
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
I'd go for #1
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Re: Help me decide what to buy!
I'd go with #1, also.
Stephen W. Ramsden
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Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
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Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
Re: Help me decide what to buy!
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I think I am leaning towards #1, though I take on board the comments about tube length and balancing.
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