Xmas is coming and I've got the bug for new gear. I bought my first scope (NexStar 6SE) in June. Immediatley began taking pics and video, stacking, etc. I picked up a used Orion Sirius EQ-G (Eq-mount) in late September for the better pointing. Now, Xmas is here and I'm hoping to purchase my first refractor for wide-field DSOs and to keep my learning curve moving forward with guiding.
I've narrowed it down to the Astro-Tech AT72EDii or the Apertura 72mm APO doublet. I believe these are the same scope (does anyone know for sure?). If that's true, then I'm cleaning toward the Apertura. Price is the same but Apertura seems to have a much better warranty than Astro-Tech. Both are out of stock right now so I'm waiting to hear if either will be available for Xmas.
I'm going to pair this new short refractor with a 50mm guide scope (probably a William Optics) and a ZWO ASI120 Mini. If I've done my homework then these along with my mount should give me a more effective astro-photography platform than my longer focal length SCT.
So, next question is about the field flattener and 0.8x reducer/flattener. Is either necessary, should I get one right away? I don't know that I need shorter than 430mm FL but the F4.8 might be helpful. For the time being I'll be using my old Canon T2i (550d).
Comments, suggestions, criticism? Help me spend my money (which isn't in endless supply).
John
Edited by psuaero, 01 December 2019 - 03:09 PM.