8 replies to this topic

[Bortledelphia]

Hi.

 

I have a Planewave CDK12.5, but I am looking to purchase a slightly smaller scope (~250mm or ~10") in the ~f/8 range to use for full-frame (> 45mm optical circle) DSO astrophotography to fit in a 6' dome.

 

Examples of what I mean are the no-longer-manufactured AG Optics 10" iDK or the new sold-in-Australia-only Beamtech CDK250. Namely, I am looking for products that are the next step up from GSO/Celestron/Orion, i.e., closer to Planewave.

 

Does such a creature exist that is sold in the USA?

 

Apologies if I am asking in the wrong forum or offended any GSO/Celestron/Orion fans (please, no flames).

 

Thanks in advance,

John

 

[rmorein]

https://opticalguidancesystems.com/

[PIEJr]

https://opticalguidancesystems.com/

Wow! That is some highest quality equipment! 

 

Sorry John, way out of my league. (I'm a refractor nut.  )

But Welcome to Cloudy Nights!

Edited by PIEJr, 08 October 2024 - 01:07 PM.

[sn2006gy]

Never heard of Optical Guidance Systems... but i wonder what the pricing is without the Mount as it looks like it's priced as an integrated system

[rmorein]

Until very recently, the price list included separate OTAs, with a choice of strut or carbon fiber. They would probably sell you one. They are a very custom outfit.

[andysea]

Their optics are made by Paul Jones. I have a 10"RC with Paul Jones mirrors and it's just amazing, it easily covers my IMX461 camera.

[PhilHoyle]

I don't have a good recommendation for you, but I will warn you that you won't be able to fit a 10" f8 Newtonian into a 6' some.

[Bortledelphia]

Thanks for the Optical Guidance Systems suggestion. Aside from the already stated observation that they seem to want to sell an entire solution, their 10" tube has a length of 31", which is almost the same length as the 12.5" PlaneWave (31.5"), though the back focus is about an inch less (9.5" vs 10.45"). Though the tube is, of course, narrower, I don't think it will be that much better a fit for my situation, but maybe.

 

It is unclear what the cost of just the OTA might be, but the 2015  full solution prices do indeed give one pause.

 

I will try contacting them, though. So, thanks.

[licho52]

Keep us posted, I also feel constrained by GSO optics and would love to move up to your level.