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AT8IN
Oct 16, 2014 16:57:21 GMT
via mobile
Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2014 16:57:21 GMT
My preference is reflectors, and one of the most affordable for imaging or video out there are the faster f/4 newtonians. I got myself a used AT8IN last year. At the time I was thinking of getting an AT10IN but wasn't sure the mount (a CGEM) could handle it. So far, I have not once touched collimation, on the theory that small aberrations don't matter for what were doing. (Something Glenn over at CN maintains) in the meantime I have a set of Catseye collimation tools waiting to be used if I change my mind.
So far, if I had to do it again, I would go ahead and get the scope I did, that said if Astronomics comes out with a 12" truss Newt, I will quickly jump on board. The reason why is I think that the A7s, or something similar, is going to allow for increase aperture. In fact, I'm considering budgeting for a 20" f/3 alt/az with a derotator next year.
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AT8IN
Nov 4, 2014 17:35:39 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2014 17:35:39 GMT
Now that you've had the AT8 for awhile what do you think of it? I am considering the same OTA for my video rig and I would welcome any input.
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AT8IN
Nov 4, 2014 19:11:09 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2014 19:11:09 GMT
what mount do you plan on using?
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AT8IN
Nov 5, 2014 6:11:07 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2014 6:11:07 GMT
I am looking at either the ZEQ25 or the AVX.
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AT8IN
Nov 5, 2014 16:22:39 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2014 16:22:39 GMT
Mine is on a used CGEM, I would not go any lower in capacity personally, but I've seen others use an AVX, which might be ok for you since your MC Micro EX doesn't need to track for long integrations (85 sec max I believe).
The thing with the AT8IN is they really are designed for imaging. What an imager wants is back focus, and lots of it! Imagers will sometimes use filter wheels, adaptive optics, off axis guiding, etc. What that means practically is that I find to come to focus that the focus far away from my OTA, so much so that I usually need to remove the optics from my 2" 2x barlow and use it as a second extender. In my opinion this is a good thing because the other way is much more difficult to deal with (moving mirror up). But be prepared for that. Also, if you've never owned a reflector you will have two choices, gaining and using some basic collimation skills, or giving up on collimation entirely and accepting the results like I do. Personally I like having a nicely collimated scope, and with the right tools it is not hard at all IMO. In addition I should also get some wilcox rotating rings setup on my scope so that I can rotate the OTA making placing the focuser in a more convenient position easier than it is now. There are lots of documented modifications to the AT8IN out there to be aware of.
All that said, at this point unless your getting the AT8IN used as I did, you may want to wait for Astronomics to come out with their truss newtonians. They have already announced on CN that they will make a 10", 12" and 16". If I were you I'd go for the 10" truss instead of the 8" AT8IN tube.
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AT8IN
Nov 6, 2014 3:46:38 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2014 3:46:38 GMT
I have had a couple newts before so collimation is not an issue. I didn't know about the back focus distance issue. Thanks for that bit of important info!
I was planning on eventually getting some Wilcox rings as well as upgrading to better camera but that's down the road a ways.
I do appreciate your feedback and evaluation of the scope! Thanks!
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