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Looking to step up my imaging, I came across the Skywatcher Quattro f/4 reflectors. Two models both f/4 at 800 and 1000mm focal length respectively, very affordable. I'd prefer something faster, but since it doesn't exist in any sane amount of cost, f/4 is better than average and will do!

I kinda suspected the Astrotrac wouldn't be up to it, and even if it was I'd need a new support anyway, so if I were to go this route, I'd need a new mount too. Which is ok, as I wanted something that can be two axis guided (astrotrac supports one axis only).

Long story short, I was suggested the Skywatcher EQ6 by Ian King Imaging where I saw first the scope amongst other less affordable models.

I still need to look at the various guiding possibilities. I'm making the assumption that I'd never get perfect polar alignment so am hoping guiding will be enough of a fix around minor alignment errors. That's on the assumption that field rotation from errors wont be significant over the exposure time scales I'd be looking at.

What else is there? I was recommended a focuser upgrade as the standard one is apparently not that great.

I assume I need the coma corrector, which will erm... correct coma? And no doubt different ways to connect the camera to the scope, and filters... and... this isn't going to be cheap is it?

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Hi popo,

I'm composing this on the tablet so no access to my usual set of bookmarks so I'll restrict myself to a sideways thought. Have you compared price/performance by leveraging your existing glass with a cooled CCD? I guess that depends not only on being able to get the right adaptor with enough room to use a filter as well but also finding a CCD with the right pixel size to get the reach. I think that even if you can tick all the above boxes you'd still need a new mounting and cost can quickly get out of hand.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I kinda decided if I'm going to get better images, I need better tracking first. And I think a 2 axis guided mount is the cheapest and easiest first step for me to do that. The proposed scope above is comparatively cheap to a mount and guiding kit.

A CCD would only really help once I get the mount sorted.

While you're here, which is your mount again? I know it's been mentioned but I just can't find reference to it...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Hi popo,

It's an ASA DDM60 Pro. Not cheap, I'm afraid. I came very close to buying a one stop solution from Celestron as it seemed the most cost effective way to step up a level or three so I think you may well be on the right track. In the end I upped the budget as a sort of 60th. birthday present to myself and the ASA technology was irresistible.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Looking it up... "not cheap" is a bit of an understatement. I was wondering about no guiding, but if the mount is good enough not to need it, that's great too

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.