I've had the "Astro Bug" from most of my life but only picked up my first real instrument about five years ago with a Celestron G8 from a consignment sale. I've been pretty happy with it and have used it teaching not only my own kids but groups of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the neighborhood as well. Here's the dilemma...I'm no longer satisfied with it. It's still a good scope but I want to branch out. I've since upgraded the tripod to the Vixen ash model (which was a dramatic improvement) but now want to try my hand at astro photography. Now the question... Does it make more sense to purchase a better mount (say the Vixen GPD) and drive or sell what I have and go with a new "Go-To" model with tracking capability. Either way I'd appreciate model or source suggestions. Thanks for the time -Mike
Recommendations for a good-cheap upgrade
Started by Mikehig, 10/29/2006 04:11PM
Posted 10/29/2006 04:11PM
| Edited 10/29/2006 04:15PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/29/2006 06:15PM
#1
Mike,
The goto model in and of itself offers no great advantage in beginning astrophotography over a scope which has a handpaddle that can adjust tracking in RA and Dec. (In advanced astrophotography there are advantages to goto.) The essential things would be to have a good equatorial wedge, a sturdy tripod, and a handpaddle that can track. Add a guidescope or off axis guider, a camera bracket or adapter, and you are ready to begin.
However, there is a lot more to astrophotography than just the bare essentials. To take quality deep space astrophotographs you will eventually need a very high quality mount. And you will find that starting with a small refractor and digital slr is a lot easier than with an SCT, with its high magnification, weight, and so forth.
My advice, get a piggyback bracket and start with what you have. See what you get.
Alex
The goto model in and of itself offers no great advantage in beginning astrophotography over a scope which has a handpaddle that can adjust tracking in RA and Dec. (In advanced astrophotography there are advantages to goto.) The essential things would be to have a good equatorial wedge, a sturdy tripod, and a handpaddle that can track. Add a guidescope or off axis guider, a camera bracket or adapter, and you are ready to begin.
However, there is a lot more to astrophotography than just the bare essentials. To take quality deep space astrophotographs you will eventually need a very high quality mount. And you will find that starting with a small refractor and digital slr is a lot easier than with an SCT, with its high magnification, weight, and so forth.
My advice, get a piggyback bracket and start with what you have. See what you get.
Alex
Funding Member
