CCD to pair with RedCat 51lx? What do you use/prefer? - Forums

Topic starter

Mar 5, 2022

Hi folks,

I have really loved using the RedCat 51 this last year, especially with the Radian Triad Ultra Quad Narrowband filter. It is a perfect nebula setup.

To date I have done most of my photography with a modified Canon 6D. I am considering upgrading to a ZWO ASI2600MC. When I go to the CCD Suitability calculator it doesn't seem to like any camera I pair with the RedCat. Whether my Canon 6D or any assortment of ZWO ASI cameras, all show in the orange/red zone for compatibility. I've never wrapped my head around all the math that makes these qualifications.

At the same time I've gotten phenomenal results with my Canon 6D and the RedCat, so I am prone to ignore these calculations.

Which camera do you pair with your RedCat 51 and why? Should I ignore the compatibility calculator?

Clear skies,
Ashley
GoateeAP

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Gregg Williams

Mar 6, 2022

Hi Ashley,

IMO if you're dithering it might not be that big of an issue. just do a search in Astrobin to see photos captured with the Redcat 51 and 2600MM/MC and see what you think... I love my Redcat 51 and my new 2600MM seemed to perform well on its first target. https://astrob.in/v7w1zl/0/

clear skies,

Gregg

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Daniel Erickson

Mar 6, 2022 · Edited: Mar 6, 2022

Hi Ashley,

As a dedicated Cat user, I recommend the ZWO ASI183 Pro. I use the MC version (one shot color). Check out my portfolio to see the FOV (ignore the rather novice processing, sorry–my interest is in the astronomy). Sampling is in a very good range, even according to the calculator and I've had no issues. It is a superb pairing, probably the best for the Cat. FWIW, I used to use a Canon, as well… I do not recommend the 2600 with the Cat. Sampling isn't good at all, as you've noted.

Daniel

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Claudio Tenreiro

Mar 6, 2022

I use the QHY 183C, which I believe is pretty much the same as the ZWO 183 MC. According to the calculations, for the kind of seeing I have (poor), it is quite optimal.

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Danny Lee

Mar 6, 2022

Hi Ashley,

I was in the same position as you 6 months ago, using a Redcat51 with a crop sensor DSLR and sizing up suitable astro cameras.

I had the same problems when looking at the cameras available to me, none of them seemed to sample ideally. ZWO do produce one camera that paired well with the Redcat from a sampling perspective but it had a square sensor which I wasnt keen on.

I went with the 2600MC pro in the end for a few reasons. As you say, its not in the sampling 'sweetspot' when paired with a Redcat 51 but I had seen many images that I loved taken with that pairing so knew great images were achievable. I also knew I would be picking up a scope with longer focal length in the future and wanted a camera that could be used with both. I was also happy to go with it as the reviews and general consensus online was that it was a great perfoming camera with a great set of specifications from low noise to dynamic range, sensitivity etc.

Most of the images in my gallery were taken with the Redcat51 and a 2600MC Pro if you wanted to have a look at some examples.

Happy to help with any questions if I can.

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Tim Hutchison

Mar 6, 2022

Hi Ashley.

I have multiple telescopes at different focal lengths including a Redcat 51. I use the Redcat primarily as a travel scope now, and I still love it.

The reason that the "suitability" calculators that you are likely looking at say that the cameras are not ideal has to do with the fact that you will likely be "undersampled" with pixel sizes that are common in CMOS cameras. If you zoom in on stars in you images you will likely see that your stars are a bit square rather than round. If that hasn't bothered you to this point it will not bother you with another APS-C or full frame camera. If you're happy with the FOV that you get with your DSLR I would recommend sticking with a sensor of that size rather than dropping down to a smaller sensor like what is in the ASI183. Nothing wrong with that camera, just that it will dramatically reduce your FOV. On the other hand, if you want to reduce your FOV, that would be the way to do so.

Keep in mind that with an undersampled image you can always use DrizzleIntegration in PixInsight when integrating. This process can be used with well dithered data to resample the data in such a way that it will make those square stars round and beautiful and can increase small details in DSOs (although with the Redcats focal length that isn't really the issue). This is a very simple process to run if your not familiar with it and I would highly suggest using it with your Canon camera as well as any other CMOS camera you pair with the Redcat.

As for a specific camera, I am currently using an ASI1600mm pro, but if I were purchasing a camera today I would buy the ASI2600MM Pro, or better yet, the QHY268M.

If you have any questions on what I have said above, feel free to reach out.

Best.
Tim

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Mr. Ashley McGlone

Topic starter

Mar 6, 2022

@Tim Hutchison Ah. I do dithering today, but I have never tried drizzle. That makes sense. Never understood what that meant. Thanks.