Re: New to telescopes (first photos)
AFM_at_andersonsoftware.ca
Date: 03/17/05
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Date: 16 Mar 2005 19:52:17 -0800
. wrote:
> Hello, I just got my first scope, it's an old home made 12.5" Dob
f4.8
> telescope. I have had it for a few days now and took some photos in
my back
> yard. It was not great seeing and the street lights are very bright.
I don't
> know how to stack photos yet, but will try to learn soon. I put the
photos
> into one to save space, it is 1024x768 and taken with a cheap canon
power
> shot A70 on a tripod looking into the only 30mm eye piece I have.
>
>
http://www.mightywebdesigns.ca/telescope-photos/moon-saturn-jupiter-test-0001.jpg
>
> The mirror needs to be recoated. Who ever had this scope before
didn't look
> after it and cleaned it with what looks like sandpaper (very badly
> scratched) It was made by John Hudek of Galaxy optics. To get this
primary
> mirror stripped and recoated is $325 US. He is a little more than
most, but
> I don't mind paying extra if he is good. Is this guy any good?
>
> I am located in Northern British Columbia, might be the worst place
in the
> world to view the sky as it rains 200 days out of the year. But I am
hooked
> now.
>
> Would it be worth getting this telescope re-coated or just buy a new
mirror?
> I am also concerned about the secondary mirror. It is old and most
likely
> needs to be recoated too.
>
> I would like to eventually get a telescope that will track to take
longer
> exposures of deep sky objects, but for now this scope will do. I will
give
> it to my son when he is old enough.
>
> I like the idea of the new Meade RCX400, or something that doesn't
let dust
> into the scope, but would like to have a "true" RC that can track. I
have
> $10,000 Can. to spend on a new scope. Any recommendations?
>
> Stu.
If I had to make a choice between a 14" SCT or RCX and your 12.5"
telescope with the Hudek mirror I would go with the 12.5. Galaxy has a
considerably better reputation for quality than Meade or Celestron.
Combine that with the smaller obstruction, wider useable true field of
view (as compared to the SCT), and faster mirror and the 12.5 is
without question the better system for imaging or photography.
A complete true Richey system will cost about four times your budget
for a 12.5".
You should spend the money recoating the optics, upgrading the
focuser, cell, spider, and possibly the tube if it is made from
cardboard.
Next you will want to invest in a good mount. A losmandy HGM Titan or
Mountain instruments MI250 may be a little out of your price range but
they are the best bet for what you want to do.
Considering how few clear days you get and the relatively poor seeing
in your region you might be happier with an equatorial platform. It
wont let you do long exposure photography but it will allow you to take
decent images with your scope.
Ian Anderson
www.customopticalsystems.com
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