Currently using a Orion Spaceprobe130mm

Guys,

You all have probably seen some of my photos posted out here in the forums. And I have gotten to a point that I am thinking of upgrading my 130mm to a more capable scope. But I am limited by portability.(live on a third floor apartment facing west)So, I need something that is easily moved Also I prefer the EQ mounted scopes so I am not really looking for a dob.

Now I like my setup, it is decent visually but my photos are just not as sharp or clear as I want. So I wanted to glean knowledge from the great experience I have seen posted in these forums. Such as, am I at a limit on my scope and if so where to go from here.

I was thinking of going with the Skyview Pro 6in LT (F/8 1200mm)on the CG-5 mount. But I am not really sure if it will give me that much of an increase in the quality of my shots. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this setup for Astrophotography.

I know I will not get Deepsky shots from this setup.(as I am using an unmodified logitec 3000 webcam anyway so that is not really an option )So right now I am just shooting Planetary and Lunar.

But any info on this 6" setup, possible sample photos or recommendations for other setups would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Jeff

Attached Image:

Jeff:

First your shot looks pretty good to me...

You did not say which version of the SpaceProbe 130 you own, the standard one or the 130ST.

The standard Space Probe 130mm is about F6.9 I believe and uses a spherical mirror rather than a Parabolic mirror. It really should be Parabolic to be diffraction limited but it is borderline. The 130ST is F5 and Parabolic, mine does a good job on planets but it does require a barlow.

The big problem with these scopes is the mount and though this is less of a problem doing planetary photography, I think it would be quite shaky, most often that results in problems focusing and problems with sharpness. I use my SP 130 ST on an EQ-3 mount and it is pretty solid but there are still problems...

Regarding the 6 inch F8 Newtonian of the CG-5, I think this would be an significant upgrade but I am not sure it is still available. 6 inch F8 Newtonians are known for being good planetary performers, my old RV-6's certainly are.

However, you have other options here. Newtonian wise, the 8 inch F5 may be a better choice and since the mount is the biggest part of moving the scope, it should be about the portability as the 6 inch F8.

I know Rod Mollise has taken some nice planetary photos with his early model Konus 8 inch F5.

One thing to be aware of is that older CG-5's used extruded aluminum tripod legs, not good.... The new ones use the large Stainless Steel legs... the SkyView Pro has 1.75 inch diameter legs, the CG5-ASGT has the 2 inch. I have an Konus 8 inch F5 (the Synta version should be like the ORion) on a CG5-ASGT and it is very stable.

Just some thoughts

jon