4 replies to this topic

[Roadster Weather]

Hi there, looking for a little guidance on a best path forward. Currently shooting basic landscape astro with a Canon R5. I’m an experienced photographer but very green when it comes to astrophotography.

 

I was planning on a Redcat + HEQ5 or similar as a next step, but then a C11 fell into my lap. It’s the CPC Deluxe 1100 HD with the NexStar + controller to be specific.

 

I’ve read enough to know that the learning curve can be extremely steep and daunting with an 11” SCT, and I’m probably in over my head, but it was a deal I couldn’t pass up.

 

Looking for guidance on where to go from here:

 

Do I stick with the original Redcat/HEQ5 plan and keep the C11 for observing until I’m more experienced? I’m not in a rush, and the C11 is a big carrot to work towards as a goal.

 

If I equip the C11 with a HyperStar, will the reduction in effective focal length/increase in aperture make the learning curve a little easier to handle?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[wrvond]

Since you are using a DSLR I'd simply mount it up to the CPC1100 and have some fun. Since the CPC is alt/az you will be limited to very short exposures but you should be able to stack several to come out with something decent.

You could get a wedge for the scope to be able to take longer exposures but, depending on your target, I don't think it's worth the extra hassle or expense.

 

Yet another idea would be to pick up an f/6.7 reducer/flattener, which would allow a bit more time per exposure. I've seen folks mount a DSLR to a hyperstar equipped C11 but personally I don't think that route is for the faint of heart (certainly not me!). 

[Roadster Weather]

Thanks! Yes, the DSLR is a placeholder for now. I'm not going to mod the R5 (I use it a lot for other purposes), so the long term plan is an ASI2600 or similar. 

[Notdarkenough]

My first step would be to get a solid mount that can handle the C11, and also a short refractor. I followed a similar path; my first AP purchase was a CEM70. I then picked up an SvBony 503 80ED for $400. A solid mount will sling an 80ED easily, and then be there when you are ready to put the C11 up on top. 

[Roadster Weather]

That route makes sense to me, thank you. The CEM70 is one of the mounts on my short list, along with the G11 and CGX-L, but I've barely scratched the surface on researching those options.