Hello from Indiana! - Forums

Topic starter

Jan 21, 2022

Hello all!

I am relatively new to the astrophotography world (having only gotten into it in the past 2-3 years) and am still learning a great deal. I have a Pentax K-1, various lenses, and a Skyguider Pro. I am currently looking into APO / LD glass (as well as older "good" glass like the Takumar 200 f.4) and trying to decide which way to go. I have a solid tripod and the Skyguider is a good mount for now, so it's a scope or new lens for astro.

I hope to learn from y'all!

–J.

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Dale Penkala

Jan 21, 2022

Hello all!

I am relatively new to the astrophotography world (having only gotten into it in the past 2-3 years) and am still learning a great deal. I have a Pentax K-1, various lenses, and a Skyguider Pro. I am currently looking into APO / LD glass (as well as older "good" glass like the Takumar 200 f.4) and trying to decide which way to go. I have a solid tripod and the Skyguider is a good mount for now, so it's a scope or new lens for astro.

I hope to learn from y'all!

--J.

Welcome Jawats!

Chase Newtson

Jan 21, 2022

Hello from Minnesota!

While I am in no way experienced, having less than a year of AP experience. I would say take a look at the TPO 180 Ultrawide (or ASKAR FMA180), it is a great little triplet, ultra portable and light, so that works well with your 11lb capacity of the Skyguider. I personally love mine.

It also depends on your budget and desired focal length you're looking for. The TPO is $400 for 180mm f/4. I also own the Orion ED80T CF Triplet APO, but with a price jump to $1000 for 480mm f/6, plus you'll definately want a field flattener with your full frame, so add on another $100-$200. This may also be too heavy for your Skyguider depending on the accessories you want. The scope/FF and your camera will be pushing 8lbs or so. My train is just shy of 13 lbs, not heavy in AP terms, but for the Skyguider, it is.

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Jonathan

Topic starter

Jan 21, 2022

Chase Newtson:
Hello from Minnesota!

While I am in no way experienced, having less than a year of AP experience. I would say take a look at the TPO 180 Ultrawide (or ASKAR FMA180), it is a great little triplet, ultra portable and light, so that works well with your 11lb capacity of the Skyguider. I personally love mine.

It also depends on your budget and desired focal length you're looking for. The TPO is $400 for 180mm f/4. I also own the Orion ED80T CF Triplet APO, but with a price jump to $1000 for 480mm f/6, plus you'll definately want a field flattener with your full frame, so add on another $100-$200. This may also be too heavy for your Skyguider depending on the accessories you want. The scope/FF and your camera will be pushing 8lbs or so. My train is just shy of 13 lbs, not heavy in AP terms, but for the Skyguider, it is.

Those are some good recommendations. You say the TPO is 180mm F/4. I am still learning the equivalent lengths - for instance, the ASKAR FMA180 states that it is actually 220mm. Is that visual vs. photographic conversion, or...?

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Chase Newtson

Jan 21, 2022

the ASKAR FMA180 states that it is actually 220mm

So, for the TPO at least, it is also technically a 220mm f/5.5, but it comes with a field flattener/reducer, which brings the scope to a 180mm f/4.5 (sorry, I originally said f/4). I believe the Askar 180 is the similar concept, where when you have the reducer/flattener on, it is also a 180mm FL. However without the 3 element reducer, your stars will suffer for photographic purposes, especially on a full frame sensor.

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Dave59

Jan 21, 2022

Greetings from Illinois. If you go to the explore tab you can enter your equipment ( camera / lenses ) and see what kind of results others are getting with similar setups under similar conditions. It might just help make you choices easier.. This hobby can get really expensive really fast.

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Jonathan

Topic starter

Jan 22, 2022

Greetings from Illinois. If you go to the explore tab you can enter your equipment ( camera / lenses ) and see what kind of results others are getting with similar setups under similar conditions. It might just help make you choices easier.. This hobby can get really expensive really fast.

Given the prices of good mounts, I tend to agree. I'll take your advice on entering the equipment!

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Tom H

Feb 14, 2022

Greetings also from Illinois. I live west of Chicago and if your weather is anything like it is here, you can kick back for a few months at a time during the winter months and look at what other people have been up to. You'll find a lot of good people around here willing to help with whatever you need. Good luck with everything.

Tom

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