The people at First Light Optics really are good. Whenever I have ordered something from them, it has been sorted and dispatched promptly; all packaged safely and arriving absolutely on time.
One of the the things I really appreciate about them is the fact that they actually answer email queries with consideration and thought. I have found that not all companies do this.
For example, I contacted FLO to ask advice about upgrading my kit (see my previous posts on my kit dilemma). Within a day I had a well crafted and thoughtful response, the basics of which were as follows:
- that I would not be able to insert a filter wheel between my DSLR and Zenithstar 61ii flattener due to the strict spacing requirements of the flattener. I would have the same problem trying to do it on my samyang 135mm lens as well. However, if I went for a dedicated cooled astrocam instead then I could use a filter wheel
- confirmation that I would see a huge improvement in my imaging quality of emission nebulae if I used a dual narrow band filter such as the L-eNHance clip in version for EOS canon cameras
- agreement that a next step might be to look at getting a GOTO mount as it makes it far easier to locate faint smaller objects especially if also using autoguiding such as the ASIair mini. Whilst the SWSA GTi is a very good mount, the FLO team agreed that to future proof myself for the potential to use a larger refractor later, a mount to consider might be the HEQ5 Pro, which has a long and decent track record for deep sky imaging
- If I looked to upgrade my refractor and team a new one with the above mount, they gave me two recommendations to look at: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/askar-telescopes/askar-103-apo-triplet-refractor.html and https://www.firstlightoptics.com/starfield-telescopes/starfield-102mm-f7-ed-doublet-refractor.html Both are refractors in the focal length range 700 - 900mm; giving me far more imaging range than I get on the zenithstar 61ii. FLO did note that my zenithstar is a decent scope for widefield imaging, although there are better widefield options with faster optics etc available. They didnt see any need to change now unless I particularly wanted a scope with more aperture and a longer focal length for imaging the smaller targets.
So, this helpful response has given me much to think about. Given I am still learning how to properly process the image data I catch now, I could just upgrade the clip in filters, stick with my SWSA 2 i Pro and do my five minute length images.
I could stick with what I have, do the filter upgrade and buy the SWSA GTi and not change the gear I have - it is highly portable and easy to cart about in the motorhome. My SWSA 2i would be my milky way landscape photography tracker. The Gti version - the one I use at campsites or directly out the back of the car boot.
I could stretch the budget a little and go for the better mount with the higher payload and future proof myself now. I am leaning towards this option but I need to see one to see how heavy it is. Can it go in the motorhome with the SWSA 2i Pro?
At the moment, within my budget (leaving a little bit for a new power station and perhaps a dual narrowband clip in filter) I am looking at mount upgrades in the form of the skywatcher EQ-AL55i; the EQM 35 Pro and the SWSA Gti. One of the things which immediately struck me, watching YouTube videos, is how noisy they are! Using one of these outside of the motorhome is going to require some diplomacy with my neighbouring motorhomers!
Details about the EQ-AL55i: https://astrobackyard.com/budget-astrophotography-build/
A review by Trevor Jones Astrobackyard and https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/sky-watcher-eq-al55i-pro-go-to-astronomy-mount.html
Details about the EQM - 35 Pro https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eqm-35-pro-synscan-goto-modular-mount.html and Nico's review:
And finally, the SWSA GTi - https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-gti.html and a review or two
Conundrums eh? A nice one to have - but I am conscious that once I have done this upgrade - it will be several years down the rod before I can afford another - so I have to spend wisely now!
No pressure then!
Thank you FLO for all your help - much appreciated.
