Astromart

November 26, 2003 12:05 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Televue Pronto vs. Orion 80 ED

Advice please for a neophyte...

Which should I get? I plan to use it piggyback for Photos on an LX200 - i can get the Orion for $429 in Jan (order is in) or pickup a used Pronto for $575 to $625 or so...

Is the APO going to be optically better (knowing it is larger and not as well made as the Pronto)..

Thanks

January 2, 2006 05:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Help with Scope decision, please SC vs Refractor

Posted By Gary Israel

I own 2 scopes now a 8" LX200 Classic and piggybacked on it is an Orion 80ed. I had dreams of using the combo to get into astrophotography with a DSLR, but the rig is very cumbersome and a pain to polar align so I am considering the following and would like some opinions/advice if possible.

I am considering selling the LX200 (like new 2 years old) and get a good mount for the 80ED - I am thinking about a SVP with dual axis drives. This setup should be significantly easier to setup and I hope I will use it more often. I would like to be able to add a finder scope and a camera piggy back to it.

I don't want to go overboard with the mount but I won't bother if the SVP is not up to the task. Any comments or advice is appreciated!

Thanks
Gary

June 30, 2006 09:49 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

20Da vs Modified 20D or Rebel??

Posted By Gary Israel

I just bought a new 20Da but I keep reading how much better the modified images are and I am thinking of trading down ($ wise) I just got it yesterday and the focus feature seems great, but I could stand to spend less - especially if the IQ is better.

Any opinions to help me out?

Thanks!

July 8, 2006 10:14 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Odd Star shapes - what causes this?

Posted By Gary Israel

I am not sure how to diagnose this problem - I am using a Canon 20Da and 300MM f4 IS lens on a Kenko Sky Memo.

I am getting odd shaped stars with this combination - almost looks like a scope out of collimation. I don't think it is a tracking problem- but does it look like flexure, atmospheric problems (weather has been pretty bad lately), the lens itself? I think I have good polar alignment and it doesn't look like tracking problems I have seen before.

This is a 2 minute exposure.

BTW - I don't mean the diffraction spikes on the large star, I mean the slight "ghost" images or reflections on the other small stars...

Thanks in advance!

July 18, 2006 11:08 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Beginners Pier question...

Posted By Gary Israel

I have a 8" LX200 I never use due to the hassle of setup and alignment. I am trying to investigate whether I can install a pier in my yard that can be removed and installed while keeping polar alignment. My wife would not be too keen on having a permanent post in the way.

I was thinking I could pour a small pad with mounting bolts for the pier and just unbolt and rebolt as needed leaving my wedge mounted. I think the answer is that I would have PA after moving it. But I just didn't know if there was another option.

Thanks

July 20, 2006 03:07 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography