Can't Decide 8SE or CPC 800 GPS SCT

[JayTee]

I don't know if anyone has yet told you but the one-armed bandit mounts like the SE and EVO mount cannot be put on a wedge that turns it into an EQ mount. The mount cannot handle being turned somewhat sideways, it causes stresses it wasn't designed for. This will restrict you to lunar and planetary imaging only because Alt-Az mounts suffer from a phenomenon called field rotation and this restricts your images to less than a minute before that phenomenon becomes apparent. If you want to pursue long exposure deep sky imaging, you will need a true EQ mount.

[Bigzmey]

What a beautiful setup Bigzmey. How do you like the motorized Focus on your 9.25 Edge HD?

Maybe I'll put that $200.00 towards a Wide Angle Kit. It's important to me to have a few wide angle lens because I like to start out low mag wide angle then slowly add magnification until I see no detail gain and start losing detail. Must haves for me are a good 2" Diagonal, a few Wide angle EPs Low Mag and a good 2X Barlow. Then I'll take my time researching what you experts like before slowly add the expensive top notch EPs.

What are your favorites deep space EPs for the 9.25 Edge HD? Can you make a recommendation for a good quality 1.25" EP in the 62 to 70 mm range and in Wide Angle?

The focus is manual but of good quality. I have upgraded the stock focuser with 2 speed Feathertouch.

Selecting EPs is highly individual but if you like to hear about my experience, over the years I went through several brands with each step improving performance to suit better my observing style, targets and optics. So, based on my experience I can suggest for you a set of 5 premium wide field EPs which would cover full range for 9.25" Edge. You wouldn't even need a barlow. These are great for DSOs, Moon and planets, and doubles:

Pentax XW 7mm, 10mm, 14mm, 20mm all 1.25"; and Baader Hyperion Aspheric 36mm 2". 36mm Aspheric will provide you the lowest power and widest field achievable in 9.25" SCT. On the other site of the range 7mm XW will deliver the highest productive power for those rare nights of excellent seeing. Importantly in addition to great performance in SCTs these EPs are very comfortable to use.

[Bigzmey]

I don't know if anyone has yet told you but the one-armed bandit mounts like the SE and EVO mount cannot be put on a wedge that turns it into an EQ mount. The mount cannot handle being turned somewhat sideways, it causes stresses it wasn't designed for. This will restrict you to lunar and planetary imaging only because Alt-Az mounts suffer from a phenomenon called field rotation and this restricts your images to less than a minute before that phenomenon becomes apparent. If you want to pursue long exposure deep sky imaging, you will need a true EQ mount.

I believe Flyhigh is not looking for AP, but mainly for visual, JT.

[Flyhigh7]

I don't know if anyone has yet told you but the one-armed bandit mounts like the SE and EVO mount cannot be put on a wedge that turns it into an EQ mount. The mount cannot handle being turned somewhat sideways, it causes stresses it wasn't designed for. This will restrict you to lunar and planetary imaging only because Alt-Az mounts suffer from a phenomenon called field rotation and this restricts your images to less than a minute before that phenomenon becomes apparent. If you want to pursue long exposure deep sky imaging, you will need a true EQ mount.

I trust what you are saying over the Celestron Web Site but this is what they say in the description of the Evolution 9.25 "As you progress in the hobby of astroimaging, you can add our Pro HD Wedge to achieve longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos." The 9.25 uses a different Tripod with 2" legs but I think the Mount head is the same so you are likely correct. It wouldn't seem normal if I we are not misled by MFG web site info.

Thank you Jay Tee but I'm not planning on any AP and if I do it would just be still shots. Though down the road I may look for a way to connect a camera that displays the telescope visuals on my big PC Monitor or maybe my 71 inch TV. LOL I imagine they have equipment for that but I haven't explored that yet. It would be cool to sit indoors in front of my computer on the cold days and control the Telescope still using it visually.

[Flyhigh7]

So, based on my experience I can suggest for you a set of 5 premium wide field EPs which would cover full range for 9.25" Edge. You wouldn't even need a barlow. These are great for DSOs, Moon and planets, and doubles:

I know you have the 9.25 Edge but I want to make sure you know the Evolution 9.25 I'm considering is not an Edge though it does have improved optics over the vanilla Evolution 6 and 8. I'm sure your recommendations will work fine as I believe the focal lengths of both 9.25s are the same.

Probably my first EP purchase will be the 'Baader Hyperion Aspheric 36mm 2". 36mm Aspheric' as no low magnification EPs come with the scope. Thanks for the recommendations.

Where do you prefer buying EPs?
When I buy the EV9.25 should I buy it from High Point or Amazon or do you normally shop around for the lowest price?

[Bigzmey]

So, based on my experience I can suggest for you a set of 5 premium wide field EPs which would cover full range for 9.25" Edge. You wouldn't even need a barlow. These are great for DSOs, Moon and planets, and doubles:

I know you have the 9.25 Edge but I want to make sure you know the Evolution 9.25 I'm considering is not an Edge though it does have improved optics over the vanilla Evolution 6 and 8. I'm sure your recommendations will work fine as I believe the focal lengths of both 9.25s are the same.

Probably my first EP purchase will be the 'Baader Hyperion Aspheric 36mm 2". 36mm Aspheric' as no low magnification EPs come with the scope. Thanks for the recommendations.

Where do you prefer buying EPs?
When I buy the EV9.25 should I buy it from High Point or Amazon or do you normally shop around for the lowest price?

Yes, these EPs work great in many scope designs including plain 9.25". I typically check a few astro vendors which I have been using for many years which include

High Point Scientific, Agena Astro, BH Video, Stellarvue, Orion and Explore Scientific. I have purchase a few items from Amazon to, including one telescope, some EPs and other accessories. Most of time the prices are consistent across the vendors, but does not hurt to check.

[Flyhigh7]

Thanks. I've noticed that the prices at High Point, Amazon and Celestron are the same but it never hurts to check and you may find a decent bundle.

[Bigzmey]

Thanks. I've noticed that the prices at High Point, Amazon and Celestron are the same but it never hurts to check and you may find a decent bundle.

You could also call High Point and ask if they would offer a discount if you buy several items from them.

[Bigzmey]

I would also wait a few weeks. Many vendors have spring sale which typically starts in March.

[Bigzmey]

I see Pentax EPs are already on sale.

[Flyhigh7]

Wow, Agena Astro has a Meade 10" LX 90 -ACF advanced Coma Free Telescope on Sale for $3049.00. I'm guessing that's gonna be too heavy. It is. The Tube and Mount Head are 1 piece 50lbs

They have the EV 9.25 at same price but back ordered until mid March.

Good idea to call HP cuz I plan on calling them anyway to ask what the included 'expert to come set it up' is all about. I'll ask about Discounts if I buy a bunch of options from them too. Also want to know how soon they can deliver cuz they say they have it in stock and Amazon says they have 9 in stock. I don't like the way Amazon drivers or warehouse guys throw stuff around. This is a very delicate instrument.

[Flyhigh7]

I see Pentax EPs are already on sale.

Where?

[Bigzmey]

I see Pentax EPs are already on sale.

Where?

https://agenaastro.com/eyepieces/1-25-e ... mc_xw.html

[Flyhigh7]

I was reading about Pupil size and images through the eyepiece so here is something interesting:

I just had cataract surgery in both eyes paying extra for the Turic lenses that correct my astigmatisms and after the surgery check up the doctor told me my pupils are now a little bigger than pre surgery in that they can open a little larger especially at night. I don't understand the science behind this and it's not due to a bigger lens but maybe how the lens is installed. Or it could have something to do with how all of our eye pupils get smaller as we age.

[Bigzmey]

I was reading about Pupil size and images through the eyepiece so here is something interesting:

I just had cataract surgery in both eyes paying extra for the Turic lenses that correct my astigmatisms and after the surgery check up the doctor told me my pupils are now a little bigger than pre surgery in that they can open a little larger especially at night. I don't understand the science behind this and it's not due to a bigger lens but maybe how the lens is installed. Or it could have something to do with how all of our eye pupils get smaller as we age.

That's great! Now you have a set of brand new eyes to dive into astronomy.

[Flyhigh7]

I'm looking at the 2" eyepiece selections and they say compatible with a 2" focuser. So what do I have to do to fit these EPs.

I want the Baader 2" Diagonal but I don't understand what the visual back is. What is it?

[JayTee]

One more thing you might want to consider since you are buying (potentially) the Nexstar OTA and not the Edge OTA, is to get the 0.63 focal reducer. It shortens your FL giving you a wider field of view. It is less expensive than the Pentax EPs and I feel is an essential piece of gear for an SCT.

Also, I use All-Star Telescope in Canada because they have very competitive prices AND they don't charge any TAX!
https://usa.all-startelescope.com/colle ... e=Eyepiece

[Flyhigh7]

Thanks JayTee. I do plan on getting a focal reducer at some point not too far off. I have to first see what kind of clearance I will have between the back of the OTA and the Mount Head with the OTA looking up at my zenith.

I'll also have to replenish my hobby petty cash as this venture started with a 2K budget and it is now going to exceed 3.5K to get the Evolution 9.25 and a few critical options to get me off and running. One of those options is a low magnitude Wide field view. Not sure what is the best way to achieve that as you point out there are a few ways to get there such as using 1.25 XW EPs, 2" Diagonal with XW EPs, a Focal Reducer, and another option if there is one. I still have a ton of stuff to learn. When I say best way to achieve this I'm not talking about price. I'm talking about achieving it with the most efficient light transmission system.

Feel free to teach me when you have time and thanks for all your help.

[JayTee]

I don't understand what the visual back is. What is it?

A Visual Back is a metal adapter that screws onto the standard rear cell threads of Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes and accepts 1.25” accessories, including diagonals, eyepieces (for straight-through viewing), Barlows, webcams, and any other accessory with a 1.25” insert barrel.

All Celestron 5”, 6”, 8”, 9.25” and 11” Schmidt-Cassegrains come standard with the 1.25” Visual Back.

To use 2” diagonals on a Celestron 5” - 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain, remove the visual back and thread on a 2” diagonal made especially for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, such as the Celestron 2” XLT Diagonal (#93527).

[Flyhigh7]

Thanks JayTee. I was looking at the Celestron 2" XLT Mirror Diagonal earlier. I read that mirrors are more efficient reflecting light than prisms that bend light with a little loss.