Suitability of C9.25SGT for Astro-Imaging

Hi,

I'm looking at various options to move into astro imaging. I know that the C9.25 f10 XLT OTA is well recommended, and I am looking at that as one option (the other being the Vixen VC-200L on a Vixen Sphinx). I need advice on the mount. I want true GOTO, ideally with GPS as well. I need the mount to be luggable. I looked at the Sky Watcher EQ-6 Pro Sky Scan, and with the C9.25 OTA, the advice I received was that it was very heavy to the point that I could not lift it (I'm reasonably fit). I need to move it about ten feet from a garden shed to my patio. Is the C9.25SGT a better bet in terms of portability, and is the CG-5GT mount suitable for astro-imaging with a Canon 350D DSLR and a Meade DSI 1? I'd be seeking to do both DSOs, using the reducer corrector, and planetary work.

thanks,

Malcolm

Hi Malcolm,
The C9.25" is not the easiest platform to get into imaging, even at the f/6.3 option. Typically you want to start with a fast forgiving system like an Epsilon 180 or fast refractor, perhaps something under 800mm. Pair that with a good sturdy mount with controllable backlash like a Tak EM-200 Temma or Losmandy 8 or 11. If you are mechanically inclined you might want to tweak a GP-DX (but not on the flimsy HAL metal tripod). Stay clear of the Sphinx. If you are not using some form of autoguiding than you need to think about how and where to mount a guide scope. A tandem mounting puts a lot of demand on the mount in terms of balance and weight. If you are manually guiding through a guidescope, mounting a guidescope on top of an OTA increases risk of you bumping the OTA during guiding. A C9.25" also has cool down issues and collimation issues to worry about, besides its weight and long focal length. With a light weight mount it would shdder at every breeze. It's a great scope to start planetary webcamming but you still need a decently sturdy mount. Mounts in the class of the Tak EM-200 cannot be carried fully assembled. Mounts in the class of a CG-5 or GP can, but are much less sturdier. You might get a sturdy mount and look into a JMI trolley.

Ivan