Posts Made By: Andy Bartlett

I've developed an interest in trying my hand at astrophotography/CCD imaging, and am having some difficulty narrowing down my options. Several questions:
(1) If I decide to go with a SCT, are there any advantages in going with a 10" or larger OTA so that I can take advantage of the 2" visual back?
(2) Is a Losmandy G-11 large enough to support an 11" Celestron SCT for astrophotography/imaging?
(3) I have a 10" f4.5 Meade newt. on the standard factory mount (weight probably 35-40 lbs.). Is it possible to install a dec. drive on it? What size RA gear would I need to install to have a reasonable chance at capturing some good images? If it's not practical to adapt it, what size/kind of a mount would I need to have to make this a viable platform for astrophotography/imaging?
(4) I never read anything about Parks OTAs or mounts? If anyone has used one, would you be willing to share your experience?

Thanks and clear skies,
Andy Bartlett

I'm a newbie in astrophotography and am looking for equipment to get set up. I have purchased a Lumicon Giant Easy Guider to use with my Meade 10" SCT, but I can't find any reviews of illuminated reticle guiding eyepieces. It seems like there would be an advantages to having the reticle adjustable on the X-Y axis, but the only one I have seen is the Meade 9mm, and it is reported to have only 3mm of eye relief (I wear glasses). I would appreciate any feedback on experience others have had with their guiding eyepieces and recommendations. (For the time being, I intend to do only film astrophotography).

Thanks and clear skies,
Andy B.

Hi All,

Does the 60 lb. rated carrying capacity of the Losmandy G-11 mount mean it can carry 60 lbs. worth of telescope or 60 lbs. of telescope plus counterweights?

Thanks,
Andy Bartlett

Hi All,

I'm getting a little burned out with hand guiding. What are your recommendations for a "cheap" autoguider?

Thanks,
Andy Bartlett