Advice Needed

Again. :whistle:

As I am new to this aspect of astronomy I am always seeking advice from those with a greater knowledge than I, my question is thus:

I would like to photograph such phenomena as lunar occultations and planetary conjunctions, as well as solar, with filter, of course. I had considered purchasing a lens with a focal length like 400mm or 500mm, then I thought for that outlay I can purchase a very good refractor. The scope has to sit on my Star Adventurer, or photo tripod, therefore I would like to limit the size to 80mm at the most. What I am looking at is something along the lines of the following:
TS 65mm quadruplet:
www.ktectelescopes.ie/OTA-Optical-Tube-A...plet-Astrograph.html
TS 70mm ED doublet:
www.ktectelescopes.ie/OTA-Optical-Tube-A...-Doublet-Carbon.html
TS 80mm Triplet:
www.ktectelescopes.ie/OTA-Optical-Tube-A...per-APO-Triplet.html

Because I will be imaging the moon and bright planets I want a scope that will limit CA and the weight issue is important.

I am not limited to TS scopes, these are just examples of what I am looking at.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated :rock:

I currently use a SLR.

Paul

Hi Paul

At 400-500mm you are probably better off with a small refractor as you suggest. Much cheaper too than a heavy L Lens .
I found that you need about 1000mm to frame the moon and sun well. I usually use my 8" SCT at F6.3 for that.
I use a Megrez 72mm refractor with my DSLR for daytime and nightime use. Very sharp optics with the camera attached. See pics below.

www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/16190842001/
(I had to blur out the background in PS as most of the picture is in focus

www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/8313048484/
This is a tough test of the telescope with the white background-no problems though

www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/6488811291/
Here is the full frame size with the Megrez 72mm which I think is F6. This should give you a good idea of the focal length you want to use.

John is right on track there Paul, the weight & cost of a heavy L lens would also work, but the small refractor is is the better option here, buy the best optics you can afford, and you can observe through the scope also you won't regret it !

Keith..

Thanks guys.

The camera lens was just a thought, just something I wanted to throw out there.

I am leaning towards the 80mm triplet, because of the extra aperture, though that little scope looks fantastic too.

I'm not going to jump into it and have a good look around.

Paul

You can see from Johns optics that they are assured, just keep an eye on the weight of the scope also.

Happy hunting!

Keith..

I have the 80mm version of the TS 65mm Quad, its a stunning scope. heavy tho, astrotrac is on the edge with it