Newbie here

For people new to astronomy who want to ask those questions that they were afraid to ask. Receive helpful answers here.
BlueOysterCult
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:52 pm

Re: Newbie here

Post by BlueOysterCult »

Thank you everyone for the kind advice.

Can anyone tell me the difference between metal back distance and back focus distance?
At first I thought they mean the same, but Takahashi quotes different figures for both, so I am not sure what to make of it.
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MooEy
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Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2003 6:24 am

Re: Newbie here

Post by MooEy »

It doesn't matter. All of them should be able to reach focus. The only thing you should care about is the distance for the reducer/flattener to the camera, which should be correct if you are using the tak camera adapters.
BlueOysterCult
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:52 pm

Re: Newbie here

Post by BlueOysterCult »

MooEy wrote:It doesn't matter. All of them should be able to reach focus. The only thing you should care about is the distance for the reducer/flattener to the camera, which should be correct if you are using the tak camera adapters.
In the case of the FSQ 85ED when reducer is used, the back focus listed is 82mm. The metal back is 72.2mm. Do I have 82mm to squeeze in my camera and filter wheel, or just 72.2mm?
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MooEy
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Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2003 6:24 am

Re: Newbie here

Post by MooEy »

One measures the rear of the glass to the sensor, the other measures the mechanical distance.

72.2mm should be correct. You will need an adapter from the back of the reducer to CA-35, then the CA-35 Wide T-Mount. Total distance for those 2 adapters should come close to 28mm, and the camera body will take roughly another 44mm, giving a total of 72.2mm.

Why are you going this far?

~MooEy~
BlueOysterCult
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:52 pm

Re: Newbie here

Post by BlueOysterCult »

I am considering the Sky 90, FSQ 85 or the William Optics GTF81.
The Sky 90 and WO GTF81 are priced way lower than the FSQ 85. Is the extra cost for the FSQ 85 worth it?
BlueOysterCult
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:52 pm

Re: Newbie here

Post by BlueOysterCult »

Thank you everyone. Finally got my kit together.
Managed to purchase a second hand William Optics Megrez 80 and a Vixen Sphinx SXW for $1.2k
Did a test shot and am very happy to get lots of galaxies at first try.

Image
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antares2063
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Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:34 pm
Favourite scope: Newtonians
Location: Bedok North Street 2, Singapore

Re: Newbie here

Post by antares2063 »

Let me guess, M81+ M82 in Ursa Major region? :)

By the way, which camera or ccd are u using? I myself have a Skywatcher 80ED f6.25...may think of imaging when I get older...

Regards,
Junwei
I miss the place where stars shine bright, to gaze upwards in awe of the sight
BlueOysterCult
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:52 pm

Re: Newbie here

Post by BlueOysterCult »

It's M106 in Ursa Major.
Was using the Orion G3 monochrome camera.
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antares2063
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Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:34 pm
Favourite scope: Newtonians
Location: Bedok North Street 2, Singapore

Re: Newbie here

Post by antares2063 »

Nice, thanks!

Regards,
Junwei
I miss the place where stars shine bright, to gaze upwards in awe of the sight
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