Anyone knows how to change or shorten the Starblast focuser?

[MooEy]

I am looking mostly at the easily available dslr vs the cheaper entry level cooled mono ccd. They happen to come in at similar price ranges, somewhere around $1k. Unmodded, i personally feel that the dslr is quite underperforming compared to the ccd.

I would say that you have brought out pretty gd points. I was kind of hasty when throwing out some of the advantages. Glad that someone provided alternate views.

~MooEy~

[Chris]

Check this out:

http://www.weatherandsky.com/main.php?g ... terAlbum=0

That is 80mm apo + canon 40D [UNMODDED]

Also, a shot like this:
http://www.weatherandsky.com/main.php?g ... terAlbum=0

cannot be accomplished with a CCD mounted on a scope. You will need a wide angle camera lens.

To me, both CCDs and DSLRs have their pros and cons (such a mobility, sensitivity, cooling and power drain...), and whichever suits a person most depends on what kind of photography he wish to do.

There is a reason why ppl out there are still modding DSLRs, using them for astropotography, and churning out some pretty awesome pictures. Just like telescopes, there is no 1 CCD that fits all. It is highly dependent on what set-up it is gonna be slapped on and the expextations of the astro-photographer.

[orly_andico]

@Chris, the first image is 3.5 hours!

With a modded DSLR or cooled CCD, that time would be significantly cut down.

I guess, like everything else, it's a time vs. money equation.

[MooEy]

Some of the options that i did consider was the DSI Pro II/III with the outback cooler, Orion StarShoot 2 mono, various Atik, various QHY, used sbig ST-7(parallel version). Most of them would/might fit into the 1k sgd range. I eventually bought the cheapo starshoot 2 mono and had alot of fun.

One thing i never mention, I did run into flatness issues with my DSLR back then. The sensor was tilted somehow, leaving stars defocused in one corner while sharp in another corner. I guess it doesn't just apply to the cheaper CCD, but also to the manufacturers of DSLR.

Since we are on the subject of widefield, do take a look at the following pic.
http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/Etacarwide135.html

~MooEy~