Orion Atlas

Started by Wolfstar, 02/10/2007 05:12PM
Posted 02/10/2007 05:12PM Opening Post
Still shopping for a mount. I was checking out the Orion Atlas mounts, seems like alot for a little $. So, if anyone has any experiece with this mount, would you be inclined to offer some feedback? I am specifically looking for a mount for my C8 to do deep sky imaging. I greatly appreciate any input Thanks, clear skies!

It is what it is...
Posted 02/11/2007 12:38AM #1
Hey, Tony...
I have used an Atlas (non-GOTO) for the last three years, and have been pretty happy with it. I have used it for photography through a 6" f/4 reflector, and just let the mount do the tracking, without guiding. I have got some good results up to 5 minutes like that. So it tracks pretty well. I did notice that at high power, I could see the motor "ticking". I don't know if it is because I didn't have the scope properly balanced, or what. But it is always there. It affects the sharpness of high power photos of moon and planets though. I recently got a Losmandy G11 (through Astromart grin ), and the high-power views are now very steady. If you were willing to wait and watch, G11's show up now and then for around the cost of a new Atlas, at least that has been my experience. A used Atlas would be a great bargain, too. Just some thoughts.

Steve