5 replies to this topic

[Branco]

Hi!

I've had my Skywatcher 200P on a EQ-5 for a while now. I've done some planetary photography, manually turning the knob every 30 seconds to keep the planet in frame, but I'm ready to upgrade, both scope and mount.

I'm planning on getting a C9.25 and putting it on a Wave 150i using the EQ6 tripod and adapter. Going to buy the OTA though, I noticed that with the CG-5, or V style dovetail, the scope only costs $1500. With the better CGE/D dovetail, it's 500 more though at $2000. The upgrade kit to add a D style dovetail is only $58 though, so I feel like either I'm missing something, or there is some money to be saved. If possible, I'd like to put the D-Losmandy Dovetail on the bottom and the V on the top for a handle or other accessories.

 

How easy is it to change the dovetail out? Am I missing something and there is a reason I should spring the extra 500 for the CGE? Also, if anyone has this setup or could speak to how they think it would work, please let me know!

 

P.S. How good is the default diagonal that comes with Celestron SCTs? Should I get a 2 inch visual back and diagonal with then an adapter to 1.25 after the diagonal if I need it? Any cost effective diagonal recommendations would be appreciated, thanks!

[ris242]

very simple if you buy this type of thing

 

https://bintel.com.a...&_fid=151d9a632

 

if the 9.25" is your end game and you want to keep it, I would upgrade it.

and what I mean by upgrade..........I had the 8" Edge and bought the above item in 8" top and bottom...........and then went with a Baader steel ball focuser to remove the mirror flop.

 

If its a stepping stone to something else maybe its not worth it.......as you won't get all the money back when you sell it.

 

 

Get a 9.25" and see where you want to go from there.

Edited by ris242, 24 June 2025 - 10:09 PM.

[Notdarkenough]

The Celestron Wide dovetail is a different shape than standard Losmandy-style dovetail. If you are using a Celestron mount, you are good to go. But, if your mount accepts the Losmandy-style, a new dovetail will grip better.

 

For my 8"EdgeHD, I picked up a D Series dovetail from ADM Accessories. The fit and quality are always top-notch with ADM. You can then move the Vixen-style bar to the top, or get a great ADM V Series. Both are the proper shape without the Celestron abnormalities. 

 

I am not too sure what your question is regarding the rear cell. Are you asking about visual observations, or for using with a planetary camera? For me, in simply use the same m48 extension tubes for all my uses, and if I am using my 678MC I have a 1¼ adapter at the camera. Just makes things easier, IMO.

[davidgmd]

Hi!

I've had my Skywatcher 200P on a EQ-5 for a while now. I've done some planetary photography, manually turning the knob every 30 seconds to keep the planet in frame, but I'm ready to upgrade, both scope and mount.

I'm planning on getting a C9.25 and putting it on a Wave 150i using the EQ6 tripod and adapter. Going to buy the OTA though, I noticed that with the CG-5, or V style dovetail, the scope only costs $1500. With the better CGE/D dovetail, it's 500 more though at $2000. The upgrade kit to add a D style dovetail is only $58 though, so I feel like either I'm missing something, or there is some money to be saved. If possible, I'd like to put the D-Losmandy Dovetail on the bottom and the V on the top for a handle or other accessories.

 

How easy is it to change the dovetail out? Am I missing something and there is a reason I should spring the extra 500 for the CGE? Also, if anyone has this setup or could speak to how they think it would work, please let me know!

 

P.S. How good is the default diagonal that comes with Celestron SCTs? Should I get a 2 inch visual back and diagonal with then an adapter to 1.25 after the diagonal if I need it? Any cost effective diagonal recommendations would be appreciated, thanks!

  
Welcome to CN!

  

I agree with the others, get a Losmandy D plate. It’s wasy to swap out, just 3 screws. Be sure the holes in your plate match the spacing on the C9.25.  I have an ADM on my Edge 8. They make one for the 9.25: https://www.admacces...ron-c9-25-otas/

  
For visual, I highly recommend the Baader 2” ClickLock Eyepiece Adapter/Visual Back with 2” SCT Thread (2956220):

https://agenaastro.c...sct-thread.html
 
For a diagonal, I picked the Baader 2” Zeiss spec prism and added the Baader filter drawer assembly to it. Far from cost effective but very handy for switching filters in and out. The filter drawer can be added to less costly 2” Baader diagonals.

 

very simple if you buy this type of thing

 

https://bintel.com.a...&_fid=151d9a632

 

if the 9.25" is your end game and you want to keep it, I would upgrade it.

and what I mean by upgrade..........I had the 8" Edge and bought the above item in 8" top and bottom...........and then went with a Baader steel ball focuser to remove the mirror flop.

 

If its a stepping stone to something else maybe its not worth it.......as you won't get all the money back when you sell it.

 

 

Get a 9.25" and see where you want to go from there.

  
Can you elaborate on the bolded? Which model, was installation easy, and how much weight can it handle?

[ris242]

  
Can you elaborate on the bolded? Which model, was installation easy, and how much weight can it handle?

its all here....in the link below......this worked for an 8". there isn't a lot of travel..........but you don't need it.............cause you still have the original focuser.............that needed a lot of movement when going to the reducer. Theres a lot of mirror movement f/10 to f/7

 

 

If you keep the baader on permantly...........you only do this once.....when you fit it you loosen the screws round the outer ring and you spin it onto the scope.........then lock the screws round it. I

 

At the time I think the baader came with a small and larger adapter plate.........I can't remember.........I did end up selling the Edge.

 

if you buy the baader first.........you don't need a add a micro feathertouch to the original one unless you want it all.

 

 

https://www.teleskop...ck-focuser-8214

[davidgmd]

Thanks ris242.

  
I replaced the Edge focuser with a FeatherTouch when I first got it, but that is still moving the mirror. Focusing is still sloppy. It tends to overshoot a touch and I end up going back and forth a few times until it hits the right spot. I’m wondering if the Baader Diamond Steeltrack will fix that by allowing me to lock the mirror. It would be an expensive experiment if it doesn’t…