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VX Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope? Looking to not so foolishly invest in a decent astrophotography setup. We're talking quality lenses, equatorial mount with computer assist, under 75 pounds. Thinking 11 inches or less. Located in the Monterey Bay area away from major lighting 8) |
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Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 , Skywatcher 200/1000 f/5 |
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| I would get a small refractor to start. It will be much easier to learn on. |
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| I would get a small refractor to start. It will be much easier to learn on. |
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I really don't have the time to start over. need something that captures as much light as possible in a "smaller" outfit that doesn't weigh a ton and suitable for computer imaging and dslr. I want a complete "package". I don't want to have to trade up, just a good all around setup that I can use it before I die 💀  |
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A Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 weighs 72.4 pounds (32.9 kg) and the Skywatcher 200/1000 f/5 is an imaging Newtonian and weighs 19.4 pounds (8.8 kg). So those units are outside of your specifications. However, they are a reasonably good combination and can produce good pictures. The problem is any scope in the 4"+ size will require a mount similar to the AZ-EQ6. While you may think that a 4" refractor or 8" imaging Newtonian are not that heavy, they are both long. The large moment of inertia requires a big, heavy mount with strong motors to handle the scope. You might think 8" SCT or RC Cassegrain telescopes are short in physical length. The problem is they are long in focal length, so you still need a big and strong mount. If you are interest in a Celestron Advanced VX you should be looking at a 90mm or smaller APO triplet ED refractor. The AVX is a good inexpensive mount, but no champion. It will take time to learn how to use well. More expensive mounts in the range of at least $1500 are easier to use because they have better performance, but they are also heavy. If you get a small, high quality APO triplet scope you will never get rid of it because it is so small and sharp. For imaging you will regret it if you do not purchase a reducer/flattener made specifically for the scope model you are buying. For any mount under $10K you will need to guide. The Orion and QHY guide scope and camera sets are good products to consider. Modern software performs sub-pixel guiding so you do not need a big guide scope. An EdgeHD 800 package with an AVX plus a Stellarvue 70 will make you happy. You can view through the SCT and take pictures with the APO. Later if you are willing to handle the size, weight, and expense of an AZ-EQ6 class mount, you can use the SCT and APO on that. You will find that no matter how small the scope, a bigger more expensive mount will make sharper pictures. If you happen to look at my pictures, you will find I do use an AVX with an 8" EdgeHD plus a HyperStar, or at prime using an OAG. Do what I say, not what I do. It took me 3 years to learn how to make that combination work well. I also travel with over 200 pounds of stuff when I include the chair, table, 3 coats, etc. Make it easy on yourself and get a small scope; especially if you have an old back like mine. |
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I saw a wheeled tripod that was fairly heavy-duty, with a formidable motor assembly and lens. I think I spoke too soon with regards to the weight factor, if I can build storage and dolly a rig, I can stop thinking weight, within reason of course 😊 |
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| Good for you that you are thinking about what you really want. This is a hobby at the cutting edge of technology. Everybody has to find where they are willing to compromise. If you look around the various forums, you will find that the most important decision you make in astro imaging is what mount you get. Most people will tell you that they regret not getting a better mount in the beginning. The mount is key to doing things right the first time. The AVX is a starter mount that most people grow out of. If you "really don't have the time to start over". Start looking at mounts over $1300 for any scope 8" or smaller, and over $1800 for something larger. |
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I like Celestron 8" EdgeHD with Losmandy G11 and QSI Camera. |
