Beginner Planetary Questions

[Guest CodnorPaul]

Sorry for the basic questions here but I have decided to start doing some planetary imaging alongside visual so have purchased a camera (ASI120) and sorting a laptop and have some very basic set up questions:

 

1 - I assume a 2x Powermate/Barlow would be a better solution than a 2.5x which may be pushing it a bit with the seeing in UK (OTA is F10 C8)

2 - How do I attach a Powermate/Barlow to the rear of an SCT - do I need an SCT to T adapter and then another adapter for the Powermate/Barlow, or is there a different solution?

3 - Is it better to get a T ring for the top of the Powermate to the camera, or will the 1.25" nosepiece going directly into the Powermate be OK?  The advantage I see with this is you can include a filter if you wanted to at some point, where as I don't see you can if it is screwed in using the threads?

 

Thanks - and again apologies for the basic questions...

[Brantuk]

Televue market T-ring adaptors for Powermates - see here:

 

http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?id=123&Tab=_acc#.VgT7TJdhRS0

 

You can get them from most decent UK astro retailers.

[Guest CodnorPaul]

thanks Kim - just so I am clear then is it SCT to T adapter, T ring for bottom of powermate, T ring for top of powermate?

[Guest CodnorPaul]

Have u gave this a spin http://www.astrophotography-tonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-review-tutorial/

 

yep got that one saved - thanks

[Brantuk]

With the Sct for prime focus I'm not 100% sure Paul. Celestron do a visual back to T-adaptor - then I imagine the Televue T-ring screws onto that followed by the Powermate. But you would need to investigate fully cos there may be better arrangements (not done it myself). Rob may have some input here cos he's done prime focus with an 8" Sct. Hope that helps put you in the right direction.