I want to start my astrophotography journey, need some help regarding equipment!

Hi,

I reckon this is a solid list, although you are jumping in at the deep end, as it were. There is a lot to unpack here, which I wont even try ;) The hardware looks alright; you can always argue about details, but I don't see anything that is obviously "wrong" or would cause you problems. I would perhaps argue for the ASI 2600MM over the 294, just because it would make better use of that WO APO, I imagine. 

If I were to spec out a new kit, I would also probably take a very, very close look at the ZWO AM5 (or the new iOptron HEM27), just because the technology appeals to me. I am however not 100% sure how it would handle a very long focal length.  

As for mount capacity, that is really just a rule of thumb. If you stick to it, you should generally be "fine". Doesn't mean you can't push the limit of a mount a bit further than that - but success depends on various factors, like scope size, focal length and mount tuning. People are happily using a Celestron C11 at native focal length on an EQ6, which on paper seems almost impossible. That said, I am not sure I would trust the CEM26 to handle a C8 at native 2000mm focal length. But that is just a hunch. If you are planning to go that route, I'd rather look at something like an EQ6.

Marc:
Hi,

I reckon this is a solid list, although you are jumping in at the deep end, as it were. There is a lot to unpack here, which I wont even try ;) The hardware looks alright; you can always argue about details, but I don't see anything that is obviously "wrong" or would cause you problems. I would perhaps argue for the ASI 2600MM over the 294, just because it would make better use of that WO APO, I imagine. 

If I were to spec out a new kit, I would also probably take a very, very close look at the ZWO AM5 (or the new iOptron HEM27), just because the technology appeals to me. I am however not 100% sure how it would handle a very long focal length.  

As for mount capacity, that is really just a rule of thumb. If you stick to it, you should generally be "fine". Doesn't mean you can't push the limit of a mount a bit further than that - but success depends on various factors, like scope size, focal length and mount tuning. People are happily using a Celestron C11 at native focal length on an EQ6, which on paper seems almost impossible. That said, I am not sure I would trust the CEM26 to handle a C8 at native 2000mm focal length. But that is just a hunch. If you are planning to go that route, I'd rather look at something like an EQ6.

I've looked at the specifications of the ASI2600MM Pro and its very impressive. One reason I considered ASI294MM Pro over it because of the unlocked bin1 mode that lets me capture DSO at 47MP. If I've no budget constraint, I will consider getting ASI2600MM Pro over the ASI294MM Pro. 

The thing is, here in India all the AP equipment including filters are imported from other countries. For example: ASI2600MM Pro costs $2,480, when converted into INR is 192245 + 18% GST, which makes it 250000 or $3225. The ZWO AM5 here is reasonably priced, and if iOptron releases their HEM27 mount here in India, I will check on that too. I'm still waiting for users to drop their reviews on it!

Can't agree more to the fact that SW EQ6/EQ6R is every astrophotographer's favourite mount. There's a lot of issues with the SW dealer in my country, the products they sell sometimes are faulty!

Start small, learn, and then work out.

So, what happened to your plan?

If you private message me somewhere i can guide you to much cheaper gear/equipment and it will be better than your initial expensive setup, it is just people don't look around for alternative and only go with expensive one even if it is smaller or less performance than alternatives, it is like going by names [brands] and not performance after all.

Hey @Kanak RT , I'm also from India and want to start with astrophotography. Although I have less budget, I'm thinking to go with iOptron HEM15 (waiting for it be launched), WO GT71 and WO guide scope. Later on I'm planning to get either an 8 inch F/5 Newtonian.
Did you go with HEM27? If yes how your experience has been with it?

I read about a HEM 44 coming up, where do you have the information about a HEM 15? I have some doubts that iOptron will place a product between the new SkyHunter and the HEM 27 but maybe I'm wrong.

Clear skies
Wolfgang

*** It is in the FAQ section of HEM27, FAQ no.6- https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=346
Plus a search for HEM on iOptron's site also gives info about HEM44 ***

I own the 294MM Pro and a GT81. Like you, one of the primary purchasing decisions was the "unlocked" mode. Here are a couple of my images from that setup:


North America and Pelican in SHO


M16 SHO

If I were spending your money, I might skip the Cat71 and choose a more "traditional" scope. Nothing against WO or the RedCats. I'm just not a fan of the helical focuser they chose to implement. I'd probably go with the Askar FRA400 or the GT71 with 6AIII.

One other thing to note. If you are considering a longer focal length scope in the future, get the heavier duty mount now. I bought the CEM40, and truth be told, wish I'd sacrificed a bit of the portability for the larger payload capacity of the CEM70.