Like the title says, I'm in the market for a new (to me) scope with a (flexible) budget of around $1K. I've already done some research of my own and want to see if I'm on the right track. More details about what I'm looking for: - Good imaging performance - at the very least, better than my WO Z61.
- Visual isn't a priority, but I'd like the capability to be there. All of my visual accessories are 1.25".
- Light enough to be carried by my AM3, after all the relevant imaging bits have been put on. I don't have the counterweight currently but am not opposed to using one.
- Reasonable pixel scale with an IMX533 or 571.
- I'd prefer to buy a used scope, but am not necessarily entirely opposed to buying a new scope if it's a good deal.
I appreciate any suggestions!
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When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.
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If you could find a Svbony SV550 122mm triplet + field flattener I would say it is a good deal - you would have to add a counterweight but the AM3 could handle it with no issues. This scope is very light for its size and has a decent color correction - better than your doublet and ~ 4x more light gathering.
Otherwise a good 4" triplet should be a good match for the am3 with no CW
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Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade. I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets.
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Atticus Bhat:
Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.
I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets. My AstroT AT80EDT is a good scope, you could likely get the scope and the flattener/reducer for under 1k. I use mine as a bit of a swiss army knife, I have a 1x flattener, an 0.8 reducer/flattener and a 0.65 reducer flattener, it covers a lots of focal length options and all gives full flat coverage of the asi533 with good pixel scale.
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Clayton Ostler:
Atticus Bhat:
Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.
I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets.
My AstroT AT80EDT is a good scope, you could likely the scope and the flattener/reducer for under 1k. I use mine as a bit of a swiss army knife, I have a 1x flattener, an 0.8 reducer/flattener and a 0.65 reducer flattener, it covers a lots of focal lenghts and all give full coverage of the asi533 with good pixel scale. That's good to know, thanks! I didn't know there were so many flattener/reducer options for that scope. Definitely intriguing.
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Two thoughts. Try to double your aperture and double the focal length or you may be wanting to upgrade again. I use the AM3 with and without a counterweight. One of my cameras is the ASI533 MC Pro. If you want a refractor I recommend the Askar 103 Apo at that price, which I own. For an inexpensive scope it is pretty satisfying.
CS,
Bob
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Two thoughts. Try to double your aperture and double the focal length or you may be wanting to upgrade again. I use the AM3 with and without a counterweight. One of my cameras is the ASI533 MC Pro. If you want a refractor I recommend the Askar 103 Apo at that price, which I own. For an inexpensive scope it is pretty satisfying.
CS,
Bob Good suggestion. I've looked at the 103 but was a bit wary of putting it on the AM3. I'll definitely consider it more closely knowing you've got a similar setup. Are you using the ZWO tripod?
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Yes, ZWO tripod with the PE160 pier extension.
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I recently got an Askar SQA55 Petzval refractor. It is a f/4.8 and has great optics and features. Comes around $750-800. You may want to check this one out as it is equivalent to William Optics Redcat 51 but at a lower price
Hope this helps
Regards
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