APOD

Hi Anthony,
I would tend to agree with your viewpoints on the Equipment. Although I have seen some amazing results on the web with C14 and Paramount ME combinations with good imaging equipment and techniques.

Quote:
If your pockets are deep (or your father-in-law is "loaded").

Mike

Hi again,
Mike, if your pockets are indeed deep, a C14/ paramount is a serious investment that can do real science as well as some observing fun. All you have to do is have a look at Damien Peach's stunning planetary images taken with a C14 and you'll see how good the latest C14's are.
To compare AP apos with a C14 is not a useful guide as their design goals are totally different. All AP apos are designed as widefield astrographs when used with field flatteners, they will produce stunning images with large format film/ccd. They also provide exceptional planetary performance when used under typical observing conditions. ( I was treated last nite with stunning views of Saturn with my new Lumicon binoviewer and siebert optics powermag wheel setup!)
However,the C14 is capable of producing better planetary performance due to its much larger aperture and its much longer focal length, but only if the aptmospheric conditions will allow, which in our climate is very rare!!
For visual use on deepsky, of course the C14 wins. For deepsky imaging you would need to tame the focal length so you can frame subjects on typical ccd chips. My AP apos would have an advantage in this department, but it depends on what you are trying to image etc.
The Paramount is simply the best computerized mount commercially available today and better than anything AP can produce. If I had a large wad burning a hole, I'd have the paramount, a C14 and my 155 mounted on it!!

A C14/Paramount is an excellent tool, but only in an observatory, where you can get up and running quickly to take advantage of any opportunities that our crappy weather will allow (don't start me on that topic!!!!!!!)

David.

Hi David
Many Thanks for taking time out in replying, I appreciate you sharing your obvious extensive knowledge & advice here. After much thought, research and a few e-mails to Dave M & Eamonn A for further advice, I have decided on a Paramount ME and a C14. I understand that they would require the shelter of an observatory, including all the additional equipment. I guess this hobby can get expensive and I am sure its going to cause a few headaches in setting everything up!
I have looked at Dave M website www.astroshack.net/ and he is doing some great work with a C14. Also British amateur astronomer Martin Mobberley has a C14 and Paramount ME setup and his work is excellent and as it is varied uk.geocities.com/martinmobberley/index.htm
When I am setup I would like to be involved in many astronomy projects including the IFAS AOP, I now have some clear goals in mind in what I want to do thanks to the two people mentioned above. Of course any advice is always welcomed and there are a lot of knowledgeable people here on this forum!

Cheers
Mike

PS
Armchair astronomy has a lot going for it, ah yes that log fire, a nice cup of tea and a good astronomy book and all while it is raining outside!