Should I get a ZWO ASI533MC Pro or a william optics redcat 51? - Forums

Topic starter

24 days ago

Hey everyone! Its been a while since my last forum post and I just wanted to thank everyone for all the help. I’m Now able to upgrade my astrophotography gear from a canon eos rebel t6 and 75-300 MM lens to either a astro camera, (The one Ive been looking at is a ZWO asi533MC Pro) Or a nice lens/telescope (The william optics redcat 51).

Sadly as of right now I cant have both. I know the astro camera requires a telescope lens to fit on (Which I have an older cheap 700 MM telescope I believe its at an f/10). I also do have a laptop to support it all.

But since the glass for the telescope I have is quite cheap I was thinking maybe I should first get the william optics redcat 51, Its just with my camera I currently have, I’m dealing with a lot of noise. I live in Bortle 8 Skies.

What do you guys think I should invest in first?

Thank you so much, Clear skies!
- Horriblebaby

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Tony Gondola

Frequent contributor

Exemplary contributor

23 days ago

Get the RedCat and just use your DSLR. You’ll learn a lot so that by the time you’re ready to upgrade to a full-on astro camera, you’ll be ready.

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Jean-David Gadina

23 days ago

Going from a DSLR to a dedicated astro camera like the 533 is an incredible upgrade - if you already own a good telescope.
If not, then the telescope is indeed the first step, in my opinion.

You’ll still be able to take nice picture with your Canon and the Redcat.
This will also make the learning curve smoother. You already know your camera, you can concentrate on learning how to properly use the telescope.

Once you’re comfortable, you can start thinking about a new camera.
This will come with it’s own learning curve.

As a side note, before buying any specific camera, verify sampling.
Cameras have different pixel sizes, this can be important.

Enjoy your new Redcat and clear skies!

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Baronvonsmoogle

22 days ago

I would get the Redcat also. Something you haven’t mentioned is what mount you have.

Aloke Palsikar

22 days ago

Just a suggestion, If you are going for William Optics RedCat 51, try and look at Askar SQA 55 as well. Both have similar specs and size. However Askar is atleast 25-30% cheaper when I got it. Have been quite satisfied with the performance.

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