I need to tap the vast wisdom of all you experienced CCD imagers out there. I have spent this last summer pondering the idea of converting to digital media. I was going to do it earlier in the year then stopped the process. But with Kodak seemingly going to end B&W photography for do-it-yourselfers, I guess I need to change or quit imaging (never!). Here are the telescopes - 1992 C11 Ultima and a 1981 Orange C8 on a 1994 Ultima mount. Both are in an observatory enviroment. For portable use, I have an old C14 tripod and wedge modified to fit the Ultima base. Budget about $6000-$6500. I want to stick with an SBIG camera set-up. My first thought is a ST-8XME with the AO-7 and an Optec TCF-S focuser. Or do I stretch it and get the ST-10XME and buy the other stuff when the wife lets me (I do have a JMI NGF-S focuser on there now).
Primary interests in imaging are faint galaxies but I would like the ability to do some wide-field work too (I had an 8 and 5.5 inch Schmidt camera and enjoyed what they can do).
Am I on the right track as far as equipment selection? Will the Ultima mount work for CCD imaging? The mount, once PEC trained, works great for film. I can do an 80 minute manually guided exposure at prime focus without too many corrections. thanks for any comments.
Chris
Cedar, MN
Primary interests in imaging are faint galaxies but I would like the ability to do some wide-field work too (I had an 8 and 5.5 inch Schmidt camera and enjoyed what they can do).
Am I on the right track as far as equipment selection? Will the Ultima mount work for CCD imaging? The mount, once PEC trained, works great for film. I can do an 80 minute manually guided exposure at prime focus without too many corrections. thanks for any comments.
Chris
Cedar, MN
