I would like to upgrade my rig both in terms of diameter and in focal length. I actually have a SW 150 Quattro telescope with ZWO ASI 294MM Pro with Antlia LRGB and 4.5 nm filters. My mount is a SW EQ6R Pro. I leave in Gorgonzola (yes, right just like the cheese which was indeed invented here) nearby Milano with Bortle 7 sky and with clear view on N-E and SE part of the sky limited by my balcony with a typical observing time per object/night of about 2 hours (slightly dependent on the object declination). So I’m seeking for advice in this respect: I was thinking about another Newton (200 f5) or maybe an 8” RC. What do you think/suggest given my usual observing conditions?
Advice for rig upgrade
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Stick with it. Going slower isn't gonna help you. If you really want more focal length then your way up is with a 200 f/4 newton (but not a Quattro!).
I think your better upgrade is getting rid of the 294 and moving to an IMX571.
andrea tasselli · Feb 5, 2026 at 08:57 AM
Stick with it. Going slower isn't gonna help you. If you really want more focal length then your way up is with a 200 f/4 newton (but not a Quattro!).
Thanks. Since you are italian which brand (that I can buy here in Italy)?
Brian Puhl · Feb 5, 2026 at 01:14 PM
I think your better upgrade is getting rid of the 294 and moving to an IMX571.
This would have an impact on filter wheel as well on filter size. What’s wrong with the 294? But for the amp glow (that is perfectly cure with darks) it is a great camera with in bin 2 mode quite large pixels.
The limited integration time per night is your biggest limitation. Because of that and because your light pollution level isn’t that bad I would look for a faster system and a slightly larger aperture. If the budget can handle it, going with a C8 and Hyperstar or an 8” RASA, would give you the most benefit. Those low f-ratios will make the most of your limited imaging time.
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Davide Maino · Feb 5, 2026, 05:45 PM
Brian Puhl · Feb 5, 2026 at 01:14 PM
I think your better upgrade is getting rid of the 294 and moving to an IMX571.
This would have an impact on filter wheel as well on filter size. What’s wrong with the 294? But for the amp glow (that is perfectly cure with darks) it is a great camera with in bin 2 mode quite large pixels.
superior, bigger sensor, more pixels, doesn’t have issues with calibration. You’ll have alot better field of view. Going to a longer focal length with smaller sensors is rarely an upgrade. Also, you asked ‘given your sky conditions’, but we don’t know your seeing conditions. That is a very important piece of the puzzle to factor in. It looks like you’re near the base of the mountains which will likely contribute to very poor seeing conditions. There’s a pretty good chance you’re already seeing limited.
Davide Maino:andrea tasselli · Feb 5, 2026 at 08:57 AM
Stick with it. Going slower isn't gonna help you. If you really want more focal length then your way up is with a 200 f/4 newton (but not a Quattro!).
Thanks. Since you are italian which brand (that I can buy here in Italy)?
Guarda su Tecnosky: Astrografo newton 200/800 Tecnosky CARBON Series
Altrimenti Teleskop Express
L' ASI294MM e' un ottima scelta checche' ne dicano gli altri.
Davide Maino:andrea tasselli · Feb 5, 2026 at 08:57 AM
Stick with it. Going slower isn't gonna help you. If you really want more focal length then your way up is with a 200 f/4 newton (but not a Quattro!).
Thanks. Since you are italian which brand (that I can buy here in Italy)?
I'm not Italian, but if I were looking for a scope in this category, I would have a close look at the Artec series of astrographs. And they are Italian made....
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Thank you all. Now I have the following possibilities: 200/400 carbon (Tecnosky) around 1k€, an 8” tecnosky RC with 0.67 reducer, all possible spacers and 60mm guide scope at around 700€. But I was also thinking about staying on 6” but moving to a carbon tube with robust focuser. What do you think?
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The carbon tube won’t really gain you much compared to what it costs although a better focuser is never a bad idea, assuming the stock unit isn’t up to the task.
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Not worth it. Just replace the existing focuser on the Quattro if you feel isn't up to the task.
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