10 replies to this topic

[MrSantiaga]

Hi, all!

I want to buy my first mono camera for DSO imaging.

Could you help me with choosing it.

 

My setup:

Skywatcher 150PDS 

NB Filters 6.5nm 2''

AZ-EQ6

 

 

Which camera would you recommend?

What is the approach to choosing a camera?

My budget is around 1500 EUR.

Edited by MrSantiaga, 18 January 2022 - 03:30 AM.

[Voska]

What size filters do you have? What is your budget? What's your experience with dedicated Astro cameras?

 

Also welcome to Cloudy Nights!

Edited by Voska, 17 January 2022 - 07:14 PM.

[bobzeq25]

You didn't mention the mount.  Long subs for narrowband demands a good one.

 

There aren't a lot of mono cameras.

 

This is an economical choice.  Has some quirks, many great images have been done with one.

 

https://astronomy-im.../asi1600mm-cool

 

Somewhat newer, still some quirks.

 

https://astronomy-im...ct/asi294mm-pro

 

If you can swing the cost, this is significantly easier to live with.  Few, if any, quirks.  I'd recommend it, but I have no clue whether your inexpensive scope could handle the big chip.  If not the price is something of a waste of money.

 

https://astronomy-im...2600mm-pro-mono

 

The pixels on the 183 mono are awfully small for that scope, will be a headache.  I have one, don't recommend it for you.

Edited by bobzeq25, 17 January 2022 - 07:53 PM.

[Professor2112]

You didn't mention the mount.  Long subs for narrowband demands a good one.

 

There aren't a lot of mono cameras.

 

This is an economical choice.  Has some quirks, many great images have been done with one.

 

https://astronomy-im.../asi1600mm-cool

 

Somewhat newer, still some quirks.

 

https://astronomy-im...ct/asi294mm-pro

 

If you can swing the cost, this is significantly easier to live with.  Few, if any, quirks.  I'd recommend it, but I have no clue whether your inexpensive scope could handle the big chip.  Which wastes money.

 

https://astronomy-im...2600mm-pro-mono

 

The pixels on the 183 mono are awfully small for that scope, will be a headache.  I have one, don't recommend it for you.

This is pretty much what I was going to say.. Bob has pretty much nailed it here.  I own a 2600mm, it’s the bees knees!

[daveco2]

Not too familiar with the knees of bees, but I would also recommend the 2600.  However, be aware there may be some sensor tilt, as I experienced with the mono I now have and the color version before it.  Take a look here for that discussion:  https://www.cloudyni...rol-experience/

Edited by daveco2, 17 January 2022 - 08:36 PM.

[Professor2112]

Not too familiar with the knees of bees, but I would also recommend the 2600.  However, be aware there may be some sensor tilt, as I experienced with the mono I now have and the color version before it.  Take a look here for that discussion:  https://www.cloudyni...rol-experience/

ZWO seems to be hit or miss with sensor tilt, which is a shame because they’re really great cameras.  That’s pretty bad luck to have two in a row with tilt problems!  Luckily mine seems well aligned, and I got it right when they came out… same with my CEM70 now that I think about it… I guess I’m lucky with new product lines haha.  

[ShortLobster]

ZWO has said they will be releasing a mono version of the ASI533 in the first quarter. It has a smaller, square-format sensor that otherwise has the same specs as the 2600MM, and should be significantly cheaper. Could be worth waiting for. 

 

Here's a mention on their forum: 

 

https://bbs.astronom...o-in-progress/3

[bobzeq25]

ZWO has said they will be releasing a mono version of the ASI533 in the first quarter. It has a smaller, square-format sensor that otherwise has the same specs as the 2600MM, and should be significantly cheaper. Could be worth waiting for. 

 

Here's a mention on their forum: 

 

https://bbs.astronom...o-in-progress/3

Somewhat agree.  But, as with all technology, waiting for the next great thing can cost you enjoyable time with current products.

[Ron (Lubbock)]

Andrew is recommending the ZWO 2600MM even though he has stood right next to my QHY268M at our dark site and witnessed how its knees are even better than the bees.' 

 

What I'm saying is that an APS-C sensor is going to be a good choice for you, both for imaging and holding its future resale value, regardless of which camera brand you go with.  Getting a smaller sensor will leave you tempted to upgrade to a bigger one, and smaller sensors may not be quite so easy to sell in the future.

 

Most people who have purchased the ZWO and QHY versions are happy with their results, though you will find some threads on here about the various problems encountered. 

[JamesTX]

I posted a review of the asi1600mm on my YouTube channel a couple of months ago.  It includes examples of what the data looks like and what processed images look like.  I also compared raw subs of the 1600 to the 294mm and a 6200 which is pretty interesting to see.

 

Long story short.. the 1600mm is still a serviceable camera.. and a high value option if you pick one up used...  but if you can spend the money on the 294mm, that would be better.. or better yet go with the 2600mm (or the equiv from other brands).

 

https://youtu.be/wpln9SdhJZ4

 

CS!

Edited by JamesTX, 18 January 2022 - 03:39 PM.

[MrSantiaga]

Thx a lot, guys!