gas attack - so many choices so little wallet
May 21, 2020 14:01:55 #
On a Celestron Nexstar GPS 8 with Starsense Autoalign, Alt/Az mount...
Pro Wedge is on the want menu but not on my wallet menu, for now.
I have a choice of ZWO Mini Guide Scope and ZWO ASI 120mm Mini camera OR an Off Axis Guider using my existing NexImage5 or the aforementioned ASI 120mm Mini. If I were to use the NexImage5 then I would not have a CCD camera and have to use my dslr, un-modded at this point. So the ASI Mini is probably on the menu.
So, which is the better system; GS or OAG?
Pro Wedge is on the want menu but not on my wallet menu, for now.
I have a choice of ZWO Mini Guide Scope and ZWO ASI 120mm Mini camera OR an Off Axis Guider using my existing NexImage5 or the aforementioned ASI 120mm Mini. If I were to use the NexImage5 then I would not have a CCD camera and have to use my dslr, un-modded at this point. So the ASI Mini is probably on the menu.
So, which is the better system; GS or OAG?
May 22, 2020 01:40:19 #
Ideally, at that focal length, an OAG would be good. Does that only accept a 1 1/4 eyepiece/camera adaptor? I’m not sure how well an OAG would work with that.
Hopefully someone else can chime in on that.
Hopefully someone else can chime in on that.
May 22, 2020 11:09:06 #
I've never tried autoguiding on an alt/az mount. I still believe you'd get rotation above 30 sec.
What do you want to image with the Neximage5?
Unless you can use a 6.3 focal reducer the camera is more suited for Moon and planets.
I would tend to use the Neximage as my guide camera and spend the money on a ZWO ASI294MC which gives you a much larger sensor and you can do live stacking using SharpCap for your imaging software.
What do you want to image with the Neximage5?
Unless you can use a 6.3 focal reducer the camera is more suited for Moon and planets.
I would tend to use the Neximage as my guide camera and spend the money on a ZWO ASI294MC which gives you a much larger sensor and you can do live stacking using SharpCap for your imaging software.
May 22, 2020 15:17:00 #
Some interesting tidbits here and I do appreciate them, but am still at a loss for which direction to go. One point alluded that a guider would not be a good idea on an Alt/Az. For those in the know, is this a correct assumption? If that is correct then the wedge would have to move up the list.
That still leaves the question as to OAG or GS? Assuming the wedge is in play on the SCT what option would you choose. I know this is not the perfect unit for photography but it is incredibly sharp and a great tool for learning.
I wish to photograph planets, solar, lunar and DSO's but not necessarily tonight.
Now I did state in the original post that the wedge ($500 CAD) was out of my wallets scope at this time and it was suggested that I should invest in a $1300.00 camera.
I really wish people would 
the post and not do a simple skim, cherry picking points that suit their experience. However, I did appreciate their other comments. 
That still leaves the question as to OAG or GS? Assuming the wedge is in play on the SCT what option would you choose. I know this is not the perfect unit for photography but it is incredibly sharp and a great tool for learning.
I wish to photograph planets, solar, lunar and DSO's but not necessarily tonight.
Now I did state in the original post that the wedge ($500 CAD) was out of my wallets scope at this time and it was suggested that I should invest in a $1300.00 camera.
I really wish people would the post and not do a simple skim, cherry picking points that suit their experience. However, I did appreciate their other comments. May 22, 2020 15:53:44 #
My understanding of Starsense Auto Align does an accurate mapping of the sky for GOTOs. Your mount still needs to be polar aligned equatorialy to do any exposures longer than 20-30 seconds for DSOs. The Neximage 5 camera is not suited to long exposure imaging. It does ok on the moon and planets, but with the scope at f10, the field of view and length of exposures required for DSOs is asking a lot from that camera, I know because I own one.
I know funds can be an issue, they always are, but bringing the scope down to an f6.3 or f2 would benefit you greatly and getting a larger imaging chip will help, then you can accomplish both without expensive guiding equipment.
Check out Starizona web page to see what you can image without guiding on an ALT/AZ mount.
I know funds can be an issue, they always are, but bringing the scope down to an f6.3 or f2 would benefit you greatly and getting a larger imaging chip will help, then you can accomplish both without expensive guiding equipment.
Check out Starizona web page to see what you can image without guiding on an ALT/AZ mount.
May 24, 2020 10:49:53 #
Alas, after much number crunching and various scenarios I have decided that in the long run I am better suited to saving my pennies and getting the HyperStar system. This will solve so many problems from back mounting of a camera and eliminate the need for the wedge and guide system. Until such time I will focus (pun intended) on planetary, lunar and solar photography. Again, thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Clear skies to all.
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