So I am wondering who else prefers the larger optical tube for astrophotography and the reasoning as to why?
So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
So I am wondering who else prefers the larger optical tube for astrophotography and the reasoning as to why?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
Bigger is better,
Steve
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
You have quite a choice of optical instruments to choose from.SkyHiker wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:18 pm I have a 12" F/4 GSO Newt. The reason is exactly what you mention. I have never used my scope for visual observing BTW because I have not been interested enough and it would work but for sure I need a step stool for that. Other than that, I want to be able to image galaxies and smaller nebulae with less star clutter. This works indeed. The challenge is mostly mechanically - to track accurately - while collimation is a bit of a concern, and wind because it is a sail. The OTA is about as affordable as it gets for about $800. Combined with a quality CC it works quite well. For larger objects like M31 or M42 I prefer my Mak-Newt or ED80. It took me a while to get going because I also switched from a DSLR and on-axis guiding to an ASI2600MM (and MC too), a filter wheel, an autofocuser, and an OAG. Building a simple on-scope rig with an RPi4b with 8 GB, a 12 to 5 V DCDC and a 7 port USB hub helped a lot with setting up efficiently. After getting used to plate solving for PA/goto it was all pretty smooth using Ekos. Any concerns on your side?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I cannot argue with the get the light in the bucket quicker is definitely within my line of thoughts as you cut exposure times by quite a margin, therefore less precise tracking needed.
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I had issues with back focus on none imaging Newtonians in the past, hence why I purchased this one, which utilises a parabolic mirror and shorter focal length to overcome this. I must admit that this by-product was rather an afterthought on the subject as I did not fully understand, rather than a planned action which worked out well for me!seigell wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:55 pm I've recently added an SharpStar SCA260 10" f/5 Cassegrain to my "collection". I also have an old 10" f/5 Newt that is best for Visual (backfocus issues) and a 8" f/4 Imaging Newt (in Colorado). I mainly do AP Imaging - in part due to a larger-than-normal optic nerve blind-spot (not to the level of macular degeneration (thankfully). But using an Eyepiece is rather frustrating...
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I have the LX 200 on a wedge and had used it a bit for
But late last Galxy season I read that the reducer for 80ED would work so I tried it and got 2 images which I was pretty pleased with. So this year I'm anticipating running the venerable LX200 all through Galaxy Season.
Take care
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
Yes I do but I currently use few because it's not easy to move the electronic rig over to another scope, and the autofocuser and thecumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 9:00 pmYou have quite a choice of optical instruments to choose from.SkyHiker wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:18 pm I have a 12" F/4 GSO Newt. The reason is exactly what you mention. I have never used my scope for visual observing BTW because I have not been interested enough and it would work but for sure I need a step stool for that. Other than that, I want to be able to image galaxies and smaller nebulae with less star clutter. This works indeed. The challenge is mostly mechanically - to track accurately - while collimation is a bit of a concern, and wind because it is a sail. The OTA is about as affordable as it gets for about $800. Combined with a quality CC it works quite well. For larger objects like M31 or M42 I prefer my Mak-Newt or ED80. It took me a while to get going because I also switched from a DSLR and on-axis guiding to an ASI2600MM (and MC too), a filter wheel, an autofocuser, and an OAG. Building a simple on-scope rig with an RPi4b with 8 GB, a 12 to 5 V DCDC and a 7 port USB hub helped a lot with setting up efficiently. After getting used to plate solving for PA/goto it was all pretty smooth using Ekos. Any concerns on your side?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
Furthermore, I have not found my ideal telescope for imaging yet as I am trying to weigh up the pros and cons for each offering, whereas in reality I need to invest in a cooled camera I think.SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:44 pmYes I do but I currently use few because it's not easy to move the electronic rig over to another scope, and the autofocuser and thecumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 9:00 pmYou have quite a choice of optical instruments to choose from.SkyHiker wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:18 pm I have a 12" F/4 GSO Newt. The reason is exactly what you mention. I have never used my scope for visual observing BTW because I have not been interested enough and it would work but for sure I need a step stool for that. Other than that, I want to be able to image galaxies and smaller nebulae with less star clutter. This works indeed. The challenge is mostly mechanically - to track accurately - while collimation is a bit of a concern, and wind because it is a sail. The OTA is about as affordable as it gets for about $800. Combined with a quality CC it works quite well. For larger objects like M31 or M42 I prefer my Mak-Newt or ED80. It took me a while to get going because I also switched from a DSLR and on-axis guiding to an ASI2600MM (and MC too), a filter wheel, an autofocuser, and an OAG. Building a simple on-scope rig with an RPi4b with 8 GB, a 12 to 5 V DCDC and a 7 port USB hub helped a lot with setting up efficiently. After getting used to plate solving for PA/goto it was all pretty smooth using Ekos. Any concerns on your side?OAG . I hope to get to a point where it is easy, so far I haven't tried it much. I probably have too many scopes, the ED127CF was a free door prize, the MN152 and 12 " are my favorites.
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I probably wouldn't go any longer in
The
I also enjoye my
The glistening detail of a 4 panel mosiac at 0.64'' pixel scale from a 12'' f4 is outstanding wallpaper stuff xd
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
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extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I noted that once I add the corrector aka reducer, the scope of mine drops out fromyobbo89 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 3:27 pm I'm swinging a 12'' f4 , other then andromeda and the veil nebula ,1200mm fl is the sweet spot for me and the targets i like to image also being f4 realy helps on some of the slightly fainter targets like the helix ,rossette,seagull nebula some larger galaxys and the The Robin's Egg Nebula which realy faint .
I probably wouldn't go any longer in fl unless you're prolific in imaging distant galaxys,planetary nebula or into imaging small details on core targets like the ''pillars of creation" in the eagle nebula
The fov is a little awkward for targets like m42 where aps-c size chip captures the center of target but not the running man but since it is a bright target you can make way with a 2 panel mosaic pretty fast .
I also enjoye my sct 12'' f10 3000mm fl, originaly purcahsed for imaging planets but make use on core details in nebula but it is just too slow for alot of the planetary nebula targets i would like to image , kind of wish i got an f8 version
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
What a great idea, my mount would hold both quite well and I could have the best of both like you do, wide-field images from the Newtonian and a more close up imaging on a refractor with a higher focal ratio.XCalRocketMan wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 1:29 am I have a EdgeHD11 which is mounted on an AP1100GTO with my William Optics GT102 piggyback on top. When I want to image nebulae and stuff I mount the camera on the GT102 - when I want to go deep for small galaxies and PN I attach it to the Edge. I also dabble a bit with planetary, so the 11" shines there. The AP is rock solid and with an OAG on the Edge I can image at f/10 (2880mm) with no problem at all. I can go 10 minutes unguided on the GT102 and many a night even on the Edge (but the OAG and guiding is still better). Every now and then I mount cameras on both scopes and simultaneously image.
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
How baout ancumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:17 am So over all, it seems like a lot of us enjoy using our light buckets for imaging. My next consideration is a reduction of weight with a smaller guide scope, I can take a whole Kg off the mount by doing this.
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
I am thinking of going that way now as I will have better tracking and reduce the weight significantly from theSkyHiker wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:02 pmHow baout ancumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:17 am So over all, it seems like a lot of us enjoy using our light buckets for imaging. My next consideration is a reduction of weight with a smaller guide scope, I can take a whole Kg off the mount by doing this.OAG ? They are not that expensive, a bit harder to operate but will fix any flexure issues.
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
The choice ofcumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:42 pmI am thinking of going that way now as I will have better tracking and reduce the weight significantly from theSkyHiker wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:02 pmHow baout ancumbrianwolf wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:17 am So over all, it seems like a lot of us enjoy using our light buckets for imaging. My next consideration is a reduction of weight with a smaller guide scope, I can take a whole Kg off the mount by doing this.OAG ? They are not that expensive, a bit harder to operate but will fix any flexure issues.OTA , so it sounds like a total win, although I use anOSC camera and hope that it will be sensitive enough for tracking if I choose this path. Will a larger prism be a good choice?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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Re: So who on here astro images with a large reflector or even a large refractor?
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