Well, I know many here will disagree, but I have really enjoyed the
Starlight Express MX5c. Using a Meade 1.8x barlow on my 10" LX200 f10, I
got some remarkably resolute shots of the gas giants on a good seeing
night. My computer has a VERY nice Alps MD-5000 dye sublimation printer
that makes very near photographic prints. The printer was about $450, but
you could spend a lot less on some very improved inkjets, and bypass film
entirely.

The MX5c is relatively inexpensive, and you will need to spend on many
other items once you start. Counterweights, solid wedge (and the Milburn is
every bit worth the wait), crayford focusser, field reducer, and a flip
mirror. I have just ordered a used Van Slyke MicroSlider II. Though
expensive, it has many options and includes an off-axis guider. I'm not
sure how such a unit would compare with the GEG (for which I have read high
praises), but seems more prudent to get such a unit that is multi-purpose
and well designed to keep the optical path as uncluttered as possible.

The MX5c works off the parallel port, is color, and now does autoguiding
for when you want to use film, so this way both options are available to
you. When you want, you could always sell any of your equipment on
Astromart for a decent price, and upgrade to more expensive equipment as
your money, needs and learning growth dictate. Just my 2 centavos.

Chris Margaritis
Omaha, NE





At 07:11 AM 12/1/99 -0600, you wrote:
>Now that I've had my 10" f/10 LX200 for year, my
>thoughts have been wandering towards
>astrophotography. Fortunately, today I had a
>$1500 windfall. I am debating over whether this
>would be adequate for a start in astrophotgraphy.
>I have considered something along the lines of a
>Super Wedge, GEG and ST-4. This of course would
>be for film photography. If I were going for ccd,
>I'd like something along the lines of a 416, or
>really an ST-7 - too much $$. My wife loves
>astrophotographs (just bought one on E-Bay) so I
>guess film is more likely to produce something
>she'd hang on the wall.
>
>That said, what would you experienced
>astrophotographers recommend as a good starter
>kit? I know the wedge is a given. Probably
>wouldn't want to wait on a Milburn. Some say the
>GEG is better than a guidescope so you don't have
>to worry about mirror flop, although I have a
>TV-85 (8 lbs) that could be used. I guess
>buying/making counterweights will need to included
>as well. Is the guide scope + ST-4 and NGFS +
>focal reducer + camera on the LX200 better?
>
>Apologies for sleeping through all the
>astrophotography threads - it was all academic
>until now. I've looked at a number of web sites,
>but will appreciate any responses or URLs. Maybe
>I can pull something off before before the $$ gets
>spent on Christmas!
>
>TIA, Danny Cobb
>

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