Astro-Tech RC 8" Starting out Questions

[TheButcher]

Hey all,

I finally bought an Astro-Tech RC 8" from someone. It should arrive early this week and I got some starter questions about what I will need to get setup and imaging.

I will get a reducer later but for now just the basics.

1. Collimation: I heard collimation is a bit tricky with these? What will I need and what is recomended. So far I have a Celestron Eyepiece cheshire and a laser Collimator from my DOB. I watched some videos of people using a wide laser one?

2 RIng Extensions: How many do you think I need (The ones that come with the scope) to get focus with a ZWO 1600mm-P. Currently for my ED80 refractor, I have the 1600mm attached directly to an 8 POS ZWO EFW Wheel, then I got 2 more extensions tubes (the extension tubes that come with the camera, one 11mm with an adapter that came with EFW connected to the 21mm) then it hooks into my Hotech Field Flattener.

3. Now with this scope do I still need the Field Flattener on it?


Thanks ALL

[yobbo89]

I think with an rc you want to collimate the focuser, the primary mirror and the secondary, some people use a glatter laser with an hologram attachment.not really my fortay but it might give you some more info to read up on