C9.25 CG5/Astrophotography Confusion

Hello all,

I purchased a C9.25S with the express interest in mind of astrophotography due to the telescope's excellent optics, as well as ability to render planetary and deep space images. However I elected to get the non-GOTO version simply so that I would force myself to learn how to find things. Regretfully I have had difficulty keeping objects, such as Mars, in my field of view long enough to even look at, let alone take pictures of (I have a ToUcam CCD webcam).

I have been trying to get a clear picture of what I would need to be able to refit the heavy duty CG5 mount/tripod to move ahead with using the rig for astrophotography. I was initially told that I would simply need an axis drive, thus looked at Celestron'd dual axis drive system. Then I came under the impression that a GOTO would be needed, and was therefore looking at Meade's Autostar #493 fitted for the CG5.

However after talking with a technician at Celestron it was made very clear that, according to him, the GOTO would not track any object but just help me locate the celestial body by slewing to it. According to the technician the only way to do astrophotography on the CG5 would be to buy a dual axis drive, radial (off) axis guider, guide eyepiece, camera t-ring, and guidestar. Is this correct? This struck me as not only completely new (i.e. that I have not seen in my readings nor via answered questions), but more in-line with trying to do astrophotography with a 35 mm camera, etc..

So now I am confused. With the heavy duty CG5 that Celestron currently sells with their C9.25 and a ToUcam do I need only a dual axis drive or a complete GOTO system or the array of items the technician suggested?

Thanks in advanced for any help!!!

Respectfully,

Sam

All GoTo does is turn your drives for you and point stuff out. If you can find stuff yourself, or want to, then forget GoTo. Technically, all you would really need is a RA drive, but both axes might be nice anyway and I doubt they come separately from Celestron anymore. I'm surprised you didn't get them along with the scope/mount - are you sure your mount's not motorized? A polar alignment scope (if you don't have one) will be useful, but not as much so for your type of photography.

With the object in the field of view, you will probably want a Mogg adapter for your Toucam so that you can fit it in place of 1.25" eyepieces, or use it with barlows and any other number accessories. Other than that you don't need anything else. If you plan on doing long exposures with your webcam (probably not) then some of the things that the Celestron guy suggested would apply.

Honestly, though, with a bit of practice you could do without motors as well. You're not going to be taking long exposure shots, and even if you were you could still do without motors on a quality mount