Beginner looking for a little advice - Forums

Topic starter

Oct 4, 2022 · Edited: Oct 4, 2022

Hi Guys

I am just starting to get into this. I have a star adventurer 2i and a Canon DSLR ( astro Modified). I am now taking the first plug into a telescope for these two. I am thinking maybe the Williams Optics ZS61ii or perhaps the Rother valley Horizon 60ED. I'm looking to start on the usual suspects - Andromeda, Orion Nebula etc. Am I looking at the right solution for this. My thoughts were that the WO ZS 61 would allow me to grow, until the bug bites deep enough for a new mount etc. But I believe that the WOZS61 and the Star tracker with the DSLR would be a good place to start my education.

Any advice would be really welcomed

Thanks
Dave

David Nozadze

Oct 4, 2022

Hi Dave,

Those are very nice telescopes and will definitely give you excellent images. But I think your tracker might not have sufficient load payload capacity for them. I think you should consider upgrading to a bigger equatorial mount at the same time.

D

Well Written Concise

kuechlew

Oct 4, 2022

Agreed, that's a good focal length to start with and it will provide you access to a lot of nice targets. RedCat 51 is a bit shorter in focal length and would be a good choice too.

Clear skies
Wolfgang

Well Written Respectful

Reg Pratt

Oct 4, 2022 · Edited: Oct 4, 2022

William optics makes excellent telescopes. I've owned 5 including my first scope which was a z73. If you do go that route just make sure you get a compatible field flattener as well. I'd go this route and stick with the tracker until you're sure you're all in on the hobby and then invest in a good mount.

Helpful Concise

Daniel DeSclafani

Oct 4, 2022 · Edited: Oct 4, 2022

So, I do have to agree with the common recommendation to upgrade your mount first. You should be buying the best mount you can.

However, I think at this time its not necessarily needed. What lenses do you currently own? The star adventurer should be able to handle that DSLR and a lens. Use what you have(if you have a lens). This isn't the preaching comment to "use what you own and get better". Sure it could apply, but in all honesty a lens and dslr can capture spectacular images. Look around some, and you'll see you can get results just as good, and if not, better than someone with a telescope. Don't get too hung up on the scope. I think your preferences will change as you start imaging more. This should give you time to save up for that better mount and also figure out in particular which scope you want.

Also, I own a William Optics and I am a fan of it. Good choice, although it is a bit higher priced compared to others in the same range. I do like they have dedicated flatteners with rotators on them. It is extremely helpful for framing.

Some examples of DSLR + Lens (Note this is an old Cannon 1000D 10.1mp)

- https://www.astrobin.com/254501/B/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%201000D%20/%20Rebel%20XS%20/%20Kiss%20F%20%28modified%29%22&_ga=2.245328517.1226184824.1664903161-157388661.1650591235
- https://www.astrobin.com/293595/D/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%201000D%20/%20Rebel%20XS%20/%20Kiss%20F%20%28modified%29%22&camera=
- https://www.astrobin.com/293232/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%201000D%20/%20Rebel%20XS%20/%20Kiss%20F%20%28modified%29%22&camera=
- https://www.astrobin.com/293232/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%201000D%20/%20Rebel%20XS%20/%20Kiss%20F%20%28modified%29%22&camera=

Other canon cameras:

- https://www.astrobin.com/299946/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%20600D%20/%20Rebel%20T3i%20/%20Kiss%20X5%20%28modified%29%22&camera=
- https://www.astrobin.com/ymwvgy/?q=%22Canon%20EOS%20600D%20/%20Rebel%20T3i%20/%20Kiss%20X5%20%28modified%29%22&camera=

And one of the first images I ever took. Astro Modified Canon Rebel T3i with 70 - 200mm lens
- https://www.astrobin.com/rgrk0d/

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Kluson

Topic starter

Oct 4, 2022

Hi

Thanks so much for the useful comments and advice

cheers
D

Sean Mc

Aug 25, 2023

Well I’m going to go against the grain as I have not had a good experience with william optics

My advice would be to get an asiair to go with what you currently have.

Amos B.

Sep 23, 2023

David Nozadze:
Hi Dave,

Those are very nice telescopes and will definitely give you excellent images. But I think your tracker might not have sufficient load payload capacity for them. I think you should consider upgrading to a bigger equatorial mount at the same time.

D

Can't recommend this enough. I wish I would have started off with a slightly heavier eq mount myself early on. The light star adventurer is good for something quick and light, but I'd argue there are probably better options (albeit, more expensive.)

A solid mount was the make/break for me. I was about ready to throw in the towel when fighting polar alignment through, breaking my back or knees and just generally a nuissance to deal with at times. As for scopes, there's a ton of solid options. I don't regret my Svbony scope, nor my WO Redcat 51.

Engaging Supportive

Kluson

Topic starter

Sep 23, 2023

Hi Amos

Thanks very much
Yes I thought long and hard and indeed did upgrade the mount. I took the plunge to an AM% and love is with the ASIAIR. The Star tracker is now used for DSLR stuff. We are having so much fun

Thanks
Dave

Sean Mc

Sep 23, 2023

Hi Amos

Thanks very much
Yes I thought long and hard and indeed did upgrade the mount. I took the plunge to an AM% and love is with the ASIAIR. The Star tracker is now used for DSLR stuff. We are having so much fun

An am3/5 and an asiair is a big investment to make. I did the same earlier this year. Best investments I’ve made in astrophotography.