Converting a SUPER TUNED MAK 180 to a DEEP SKY ASTROGRAPH
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Can a 180mm Maksutov telescope ever be used as a Deep Sky imager???
Hold my beer and LET'S DO THIS!!!!
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Links to the featured products in the video shown:
Agena website on guidescopes:
agenaastro.com...
Agena website on focal reducers:
agenaastro.com...
ASTRONOMY TOOLS FOV page:
astronomy.tool...
Garnett Leary's channel:
• Maksutov and an F6.3 r...
RVO Optics products:
ANTARES 0.63X Focal Reducer
www.rothervall...
ANTARES 0.5x Focal Reducer
www.rothervall...
365 Astronomy products:
www.365astrono...
www.365astrono...
www.365astrono...
www.365astrono...
www.365astrono...
ALTAIR ASTRO:
www.altairastr...
FIRST LIGHT OPTICS:
www.firstlight...
MAK TO SCT ADAPTER for MAK 127:
www.firstlight...
Baader nosepiece:
www.firstlight...
MODERN ASTRONOMY:
www.modernastr...
60mm Guidescope featured on video:
www.amazon.co....
ZWO 60mm Guidescope:
www.highpoints...
Martin, where did you get your Mak 180 clamping Rings?
The clamping rings are featured in this video ua-cam.com/video/g0TLp2h6bGU/v-deo.html at 33:05
Bummer, I’ll be out to sea. I’ll definitely come watch it after I get back. Clear skies.
Don't worry Garnett, you'll be back to watch it Bro!!! This time we both show the community what the Maksutov telescopes can really do!!
Hey Martin
I want to ask you about the cooling module you made for yr 600D
Did you have any condesation, vibration or heat problems with it?
I just picked up a Skymax 90, secondhand for £25. I know it barely competes witha 180 Mak but interested to see your results! Standing by for 1pm!
Thanks Tommy, You got a great scope and top price, You won't be disappointed with it believe me!!
Martin have you done any observing with it reduced? would spacing not be an issue for visual?
No issues at all with visual!!
the amount of work you put into your videos is to be acknowledged mate appreciate all you do for the astro community.
Much appreciated Nick, And I will endeavour to push out this kind of standard of videos!! Yes they are long but they are very informative, and Astronomy is not just a push of a button like some arcade game machine!! Astronomy is unique hobby which requires huge amount of skill and knowledge, hence why it's always a challenge, but that what makes it so great as a hobby!!! I am still learning through it, but that's what it's all about!!
Once again, another clear, honest and bang on video... Martin I always watch your videos because they are very clear, precise and as you say are they are created on a budget with the novice in mind... There are a lot of so called vloggers out there who profess to be not what the are and some even appear to be copying from other vloggers. There was once a time when I was in touch with these such people and would ask questions about specific issues that I once had and not once did they ever get back to me with answers. I have now learned that some of these so called Elitists have sponsors and some have there own video crew so why should they answer my questions, after all I am only a novice and they cane gain shit from me so answer my questions..? You keep up with the good work pal and never be dissuaded by the elite with their false claims and sponsors KEEP IT REAL PAL.
Thanks Mal, your a great friend to me!! I appreciate the inspirational message!! It really brings it home!! And like I said before I am true to my fans and subscribers and I will try my best to help anyone who supports MP ASTRO, Again this channel is nothing without that strong support from my viewers. And Vloggers tend to forget that one important thing!!! what made them successful in the first place!! I will never forget my fans!! Still I not a huge channel but I am 100% real and true to my word!!! Nobody wants BS. And there is too many big Astro channels out there who lie, cheat and give the wrong info to their viewers, which I feel is totally wrong, but money and fame clicks with these people!! Where is the TRUE PASSION OF ASTRONOMY!! Remember Astronomy is for All.
Martin there is a ton of miss information in your video. MAK's do not take less sharp images than refractors they in fact take perfectly sharp images, refractors...even expensive apochromatic ones suffer from chromatic aberration across the light spectrum (APO's only focus three not all of the wavelengths) and are inherently blurry because of it. MAKS suffer from a decrease in contrast because of the central obstruction not sharpness.
All scientific telescopes would be MAK's or Schmidt's if it wasn't for the fact that it's just impossible to make large corrector lenses at the front. MAK's are cheap to make and produce optically perfect images. The science community instead has to resort to the far more expensive Ritchey-Chrétien design....the science community does not use refractors of any type anymore as they do not produced images of the quality scientists are after.
It's not complicated to make a MAK do just about any type of imaging, just put it on a good mount. Your mount appears to be an EQ5-Pro which has a max weight capacity of 6.5 Kg when imaging and your 180 MAK weighs 7Kg on its own. Instead of upgrading your mount you have spent a ton of money on clamps and pointless "super tunes"! Sticking your MAK on a better mount will enable you to take longer exposures and with those the MAK can take images of just about anything.
You are wrong! Maks are absolutely not as sharp as refractors.
Totally agree Hot Rod, due to the central obstruction of the Maksutov, you lose sharpness in your images. However I love all the Newtonians, Maksutovs and Refractors!! There is no such thing as a Perfect telescope!! Every one has advantages and disadvantage's over each other!! Hence I am not part of the big boys toys owner's club comparing the size and performance and dishing each other!! For me IT'S HOW YOU YOU USE IT THAT COUNTS!!!
Interesting????
totally agree a better mount will increase performant rather than these "super tuned"
@@TheV8superkar Yep the mount is Key to successful images!!
People keep saying "Maksutovs only suitable for planetary and lunar work". Well don't forget star clusters they look amazing close up!
Too true, I sick of people thumbing down my video, cos I've achieved the impossible and condemned the myths that a Maksutov cannot be used for long DSO imaging!! It is totally false and to what Ive seen laterly now other Astro Channels are following my video and claiming they done the project themselves!! Lol if people were honest and mention my channel that would be great but the community is full of jokes!! Yep Maksutovs are great for double stars too!!
and planetary nebulae too
Martin,..will You be so kind to tell where did You get those rings for Mak tube!? I looked EVERYWHERE but I found nothing like that. Thx a lot in advance for Your answer!! Other than that AWESOME work with videos and all else ofc!!
Orion Optics (UK) there is a link to their website on my description on my video, but if you can't get access, here is the link for you!!! www.orionoptics.co.uk/product-category/accessories/cnc-tube-cradles/ There is no menu for the 216mm Scope rings, You need to contact Orion Optics, for them to produce them specially for you!!
@@MPAstro , THX A LOT for the answer, very polite of You. I asked for the rings since no other good solution to put my 80/325 guide scope! I just hope it is not too pricy. Nvm,..keep up a good work and thanks once again!!!
Liked and subscribed....Thank you for your efforts in helping others with astronomy like me.
Welcome aboard!
Please add bookmarks to this very nice presentation.
I'll have a look into this Curtis, on how to make the bookmarks on UA-cam, sometimes it's not always that easy to do, sometimes UA-cam can process the book marks automatically without any edits.
do you think it could work with the SKY-WATCHER MAKSUTOV 150?
I cannot see whynot... GO FOR IT, you know it makes sense!!
hola, lo probaste con el mak 150?
Hola. No, todavía no por el momento. En Francia, donde vivo, el clima no ayuda.
Also you said that the Antares reducer is a corrector as well, but I saw someone on the opt website reviews saying that it was great for Maksutovs because it has no correction, now I'm confused, I just want to get a wider FOV to capture Orion nebula this season with my maksutov, what would you recommend me ?
The Maksutov has a corrector plate element on it's objective, hence why you do not need correction. the 2" model will better for you, as you long you can get a camera sensor which is big enough of 1/2" to 1" in size you should get a bigger and wider field of view of Orion Nebula.
Is a bird, is it a plane? No its supertune :)
Ty for another nice video
It's my understanding that the Astro-Physics ccdt67 reducer is the best way to do focal reduction on RC and Maks. The price is quite higher, though.
Yep it's an expensive nose dive for a reducer, but I agree it you cannot have a huge reduction for the Mak, that obstruction is pretty narrow and I'm sure a 0.67x would cut it too!! Again this is thing, you need deep pockets in this hobby and you spend on optical gear which might not work on this scope!! It's taking that chance that counts and helping others in the process!!
Wow Martin! As usual tons of research and information. My next move was going to be the 0.5 2” version. I’m so glad you field tested that one. As you know both Skywatcher and Orion are talking up that both the newer 150 and 200 Maks have 2” visual backs. They really should specify the internal diameter restriction. That was one of the measurements I was excited to get from you. It’s pretty standard apparently across Maksutovs. That M51 is amazing! Fantastic job. You totally put up. Thank you for the mention. It was really enlightening having conversations about this topic. One certainty is that it CAN BE DONE. We share that in common that we don’t like the word “can’t”. This is a brilliant video for folks who already have the Mak and want to do deep sky. It fills a big hole where there was previously no information. I try very hard to do the same. In the age of information there is no excuse. Fine job sir. I’ll be popping off shots with the 127 as soon as OPT quits doing stupid collaborations and April Fools jokes and gets my gear to me. Clear skies.
Thanks for the Awesome feedback Garnett, the best response on this video so far!!! I agree I do a lot a research, but I am honest and I never try to make if it's my own idea and mis inform my viewers, when really you came with idea first with your Mak 127, and that is why I feel it is only right to give someone else a big shout out, I only wish channels do the same, but they don't!!
Here on my channel is called selfless commitment!!!
Some channels should really start to take the hint, that there real channels who are purely out there for the hobby and not just money and sponsorship!! Every channel I come across have never have any decency or any honesty to help other channels, and they are all selfish in a way that it's all "me and only me" kind of attitude, only does it tarnish the Astronomy hobby atmosphere but they are cheating on their viewers by mis information.
Hence why I set an example and WE has role models should always maintain a good values and standards by encouraging new people into the hobby!! For all us who have been in the game for many years and many years of experience we should lead to inspire the new people and set a good example to the Astro community!!
If we all did this the hobby would be a much more friendly place for everyone to enjoy, at all levels, at any cost (not mega bucks Astronomy budget only!!) and Astronomy should be for all!!!
But again thank you for feedback Garnett and I totally agree with the WE CAN DO attitude, which is so lacking in this community, Motivation and commitment and never give up on what you do, should always be highly encouraged to drive the new people into the hobby with a mental drive to make them succeed and bring out the very the best on their own abilities!! (especially to help those struggling in the hobby who about to give up!!)
NEVER GIVE UP & START LOOKING UP!!
Clear Skies mate, will look to see you again, has the next chapter has turned once AGAIN!!!
I bought a guide scope identical to yours for my 180 Mak. It's made by SVBONY. I'll be doing some testing with it on my AVX mount. Thanks for blazing the trail for me! At least I know what issues to pay attention to. I'm curious to find out if a barlow will work with the guidescope...
Thanks Jason for watching!! Videos like this don't come very often!! But it's great that this video will give you the inspiration and motivation, now you have a right direction and with confidence knowing that your project is going work and I know it will work for out you!! With all my videos this is real evidence and not made up lies!!! The guidescope with a Barlow Lens is tricky to do and you need a longer focus tube extension too in order achieve longer focal length. But now it's YOUR TURN TO SHINE and LET THE STARS SHINE THROUGH!!
Hi Martin. It is tough making videos for sure but you are doing a great thing trying to help other, keep it up. I have an RC8 that I have been using for galaxy season and I was having a lot of issues with the guiding on my EQ6R Pro. What sorted it for me was to move to OAG. Takes a bit of setting up but it really fixes the guiding and now I can image 10mins + at the full 1625mm and it weighs less than a guidescope. I bought the ZWO OAG which was also cheaper than a guidescope that would give me the adequate reach.
Thanks for watching Astrobloke. Yep I really need a OAG upgrade for the Mak 180, however it is not possible with this scope at all with that 31mm Restriction it's a crying shame. Hence why RCs and Schmidts win big time with an OAGs. However I've found the perfect Barlow Lens which works with my 60mm Guidescope set-up and increased the focal length to 360mm which is much better than 240mm standard, just waiting for any clear skies before I can test it out, like always I never make video and get wrong info to the viewers, I make sure that this tested and works.
Yeah that backspacing is very limiting. Thar Barlow trick on the guidescope could be a good solution though 👍
@Astrobloke It's only the solution I have at the moment!! But we'll see how it performs!! Also I've subbed onto your channel, you got some good video content there my friend!!
@@MPAstro thank you. I try and help people by passing on what I learn. Will be interested in seeing how that solution works out, good luck.
Thanks mate, Good luck on your channel, remember to be honest to your viewers, and do not lie or cheat your way and give the wrong info to them!! There are so many Astro channels are all in for the views, subs, and sponsors and not the true passion to the hobby!! Believe me I've been in a long time on UA-cam and seen what other Astro channels have become!!
Hi, you make a really nice work.
I have one question, i can use some reducer focal (0,5) on my Maksutov 90mm F/13.8?
Yes you can! and your Mak 90mm will be a fast F6.9, however depending on what camera you use you may find that larger sensors might give a larger FOV however you might run into Vignetting. But I wouldn't worry too much it can be done and will work out for you!!
Nice result, 200 seconds looks like a decent time. i think is easier to use the smaller maksutov telescopes like the 127 for astrophotography since the focal length is not that long.
Thank you for watching and for the positive feed back Ioan. I agree the Mak 127 can win big time with the 0.63x FF, however it could work with the 0.5x, Though again that dreaded restriction is found on the Mak 127 with a smaller reduction of 27mm, which might be really tough for a 2" 0.5 FF.
But If I can get good results for long exposure with the Mak 180. You defo will with the smaller Mak 127 that's for sure!!
@@MPAstro i will use maximum apsc camera. But i do bot have yet the reducer
Not a problem, You'll have to save to get the 0.63x FF later on, but you'll won't be disappointed.
@@MPAstro what about the 0.67x reducer from Antares?
Crikey Ioan your the man!! I've never have thought of that one!! Your right Bro, LET'S DO THIS!!!!
Thanks for video. I think SCT telescope + Night Owl 0.4x is more interesting and has better quality, but works with only astrocameras (1" max size).
You never know, try it and find out!! This is what this hobby is all about!! Thank you for watching and for the positive feed back Star Hunter
@@MPAstro I love experimentation too. I tried to connect a coma-corrector Baader MPCC and old rare Meade f/3.3 reducer. It works: star-hunter.ru/en/m27-25-08-2017/
That's what it's all about, sharing your knowledge to make this hobby work out for everyone to enjoy.
Great video. I will use your ideas with my 6.inch GSO RC and vintage Celestron c8 scopes.
Go for it!
Martin one thing that will always stick in my mind is Lefty Loosey Righty Tighty especially when in the dark. That is a great tip!
Great tip! Always!! I teach my younger inexperienced Vehicle Mechanics this tip, to prevent them breaking or snapping bolts off and creating more work for them trying extract a stud or stripped out thread which can cause many lost hours of important repair time!!
Well done Martin always look forward to see your video,s. They are very good for the new kids on the block stay safe .watching from ireland cheers
Absolutely And thank you for your positive feed back Micheal
I've yet to try my 180 on a dso, mainly due to weather. I think your guiding would be better with a longer guide scope.
I agree David the ZWO 60mm with it's 280mm focal length would be better, It's such a shame the Celestron 70 had such a sloppy focuser
Martin we LOVE your hard work and your DIY videos my friend! Hope your hand is almost back to normal and looking forward to more MAK 180 DIY videos!!
Many Thanks for your support Chris
After this video super tuning my Mak 127 Sky Watcher. This is the best thing since sliest bread. Thanks for the video the world of astronomy will remember this day forever.
So sorry for not replying back, work as sort of taken over a couple weeks, But I'm glad that in the Supertune worked out for your trusty 127 Mak. Believe me I still got mine, there is no way I'm getting rid of it. Enjoy your new Supertuned Mak, let us know how you got on with it!!!
@@MPAstro hola, me gustaria mucho convertir mi mak 150, tambien utilizaste el reductor 0,63?
Dear Martin,
It is a great scope and a great idea. I am just not sure how you got the spacing. Since you've always had that 2" adapter in place it seemed to me like the spacing would never be correct but maybe I didn't understand your calculation. Doesn't matter in the end since your result looked good.
Also, I am not the person to critique you. From you, I've learned how to tune my EQ5 mount, which lead to me also tuning my HEQ5 mount and we'll see what else will be coming.
One thing I can tell is I've got myself a 6" classic cassegrain (no SCT) with f/13 focal ratio. For this telescope, there is a 0.67 reducer available that brings it down to f/8 making it way more suitable for deep-sky photography. In this combination, I am able to shoot with an APS-C camera (Fuji X-T1) with reasonable vignetting and I never had an issue with my ASI1600MM which also is a micro 4/3 camera.
Thanks Michael for watching and sharing your experience!! The spacing is little hard to understand and I totally get it, with 55mm air gap is cruical in order the 0.67x FF/FR to work properly with a DSLR camera. Though I wish I could get mine to work with Mak 180 was just not possible with the severe vignetting. I am currently testing another way with another type of FF/FR, but so far it's very tricky get the maximum sized sensor to get no vignetting at all and achieving the fastest possible F-Ratio I can muster with the Mak 180. So far I'm getting there with OK results, but still work in progress I'm afraid.
@@MPAstro You are also right the opening at the SC thread is surprisingly limiting the possible sensors. I do wish you good luck and hope you‘ll keep up the good work.
Thanks Michael, That's is correct hence why a Half-cropped DSLR sensor is too big, it just fits without FF/FR, put then with a reducer lens, the sensor will clip all the sides. I'm guessing they made it to match the small secondary mirror, as that is small, hence why the Mak 180 is so sharp on it's Planetary images, due to smaller obstruction from the secondary mirror.
If you cn use a filter wheel why cant you use the starlight and lodestar filterwheel oag combo??
The 31mm restriction on the eyepiece tube, it is a good give away!! I could fit an OAG, however for me to fit the OAG, I will need a very small Astro camera sensor, so that I do not have a OAG prism in the way and blocking my optical path to the main imaging sensor. I would need a ZWO ASI Aptina sensor to get away with it, but then the image will be so small, finding DSOs in the main imaging camera will be extremely difficult.
At 1:24:06 you mention you took darks and bias at each colour filter. But darks and bias do not care about the filters (since there is no light). But taking flats through each filter is recommended (for dust, etc).
Very Interesting to know, I have many people who advised me to always take bais and darks for each filter. I can see why you say this and I've wondered myself the same too!! if there was any real reason behind it, other than I think it took more time and more hard work to do and with more hassle of processing and organising all the frames to stack. It seems such a waste of time, when darks and bais are the same as long you don't mess with the focus on telescope and kept the camera at the same temperature!! I thank you for that tip, Though being very disciplined in taking darks (being a DSLR user) is just to make sure, as you always get some noise even on a cooled dedicated Astro camera. But thank you for watching and supporting the channel Douglas.
@@MPAstro Better to listen to your "inner astronomer" than take other people's advice! For darks and bias, you can take them anytime (and focus doesn't matter since there is no light). The darks might need to be retaken every few months -- but you can build a "dark library" with commonly used exposure times and temperatures. The bias is unlikely to change much over time and for CMOS cameras, which have low read noise, will be very small. The most important are the flats. You did a lot of work looking at vignetting but I wasn't sure if you took flats or not from the video.
Some good tips here, the amount of time and hard work, I've done, I'm going to give these a go!! The flat panel is finally here, and now I can use it to take flats on my MAK 180 finally!!!!
muy buen trabajo con ese mak 180, das esperanzas a crear otras posibilidades.
para mi mak 150 y una canon reflex seria posible un reductor de 0,5x. un saludo
It will work but you have vignetting effect in your images due to it's restriction inside the eyepiece holder
i have a mak 180 too, a stock one, last year i had the idea to mount it on my new avalon mount to test dso, and it worked insane. with a asi 1600mm, m101 was full screen, m51 looks fantastic, i was really surprise how well it worked on galaxy. lots of signal even at f15
Nice work! I totally agree that the Mak does image extremely well for DSOs, Your setup is amazing and you picked the right Astro camera for the set-up too!!
@@MPAstro i ve a 2600mm now ;)
@@telemaq76 Wow even BETTER!! I would haveto save a long time to get that awesome camera. Already had my Astro goodies this Christmas, so another year to save for more goodies!! Lol
Would you use an off-axis guider with the Mak180 ??
You use a off-axis guider, however due to it's 31mm diameter restriction on the focus tube, you very limited to get the off-axis prism in line with the camera's sensor. You have to use a sensor as small as 1/3rds to get away with it. I did look into this and I've find that the Guidescope method is best suited for the job, as you can at least use 2/3rds camera (or at a push upto 4/3rds camera sensor), Anything else bigger, you'll be vignetting at the field of view.
WOOOW!! That is absolutely brilliant my friend!!
Thank you so much 😀
Hi thank you so much for your video, o have a question I have a Celestron 127 mm maksutov, and Im looking for getting the Antares reducer, in addition to the reducer do I need any other adapter or it would fit without it like yours ?? Thank you in advance for your time
Which one the 1.25" or the 2" model?? the 1.25" can adapter to any 1.25" nose piece, the other 2" has a 48mm filter thread
Hey bud great video. I just have one suggestion. Right a script before hand. It's something that I struggle with as well. But even if it's not that detailed of a script, just enough to get you from point to point. Thank you for the great information and cheers bud.
Noted! I do try my best at trying to get the point across, Yeah I tend to waffle on a bit!! But you learn from your mistakes!! At least you made constructive comments and I appreciate the help!! Where most viewers just troll you with no advice!! There will be many more projects for the MAK 180 THE BATTLE ISN'T OVER YET MY FRIEND!!!
@@MPAstro Your doing a fantastic job bud. You have explained everything very well and spent alot of time putting this together. If people have negative things to say about it, it means they've never tried to make one of these. It's not easy doing all the filming and editing. I've tried a bunch of times to make a review of my Orion star shoot c.a.t (compact Astro tracker). And every time I get stuck trying to get the lighting right and getting the audio right, then the editing is really time consuming.
So if anyone says negative stuff about your videos it means they are ignorant of the process in making one of these videos. Because I guarantee you anyone who's done it will appreciate all the time and effort you've put into this. Besides this is some really One of a kind type informational video. I mean if not for you, I don't think you could find out how to make it work. So again thank you for the information. It will be very helpful to people I'm sure bud.
@@MPAstro I just ordered the sky watcher eq6 pro for my little sky watcher 72mm doublet that I bought almost 1 year ago now. It was to big for the star shoot C.A.T even though I made sure with the camera it was under the 8.8 pound weight limit. I didn't know that you can't be at the top end of what the limit is. And my set up was 7.7 pounds with the camera, reducer/corrector and scope. The best I got from it was 35 seconds exspo. So I'm waiting for the new mount to get here and I'm going to finally do some actual Astrophotography. I've done Orion and the Milky way so far and I think I'm ready to try some harder targets. It's just hard with nobody to do it with. The Astro groups in my area don't do alot of meet ups and I don't have any friends that do it. Well good luck bud. I look forward to your next video. Keep up the hard work 🤘 you'll be hanging out with Trevor from Astro backyard before you know it at some big astrophotography convention lol
Thank you for that very encouraging advise, Sometimes I feel that it's like a lost cause, and I've spent so much time and effort making these videos, to then get knocked down by someone who doesn't appreciate it. Thank you for that message sometimes messages like this brings me down to Earth and stay focus on what I need to do next!! Motivational drive is we all need once in a while!! Thank Astro Joe, you say you done videos yourself, I'll need to check your channel and sub too!!
The mount will make the difference, but also make sure you mastered the Polar alignment, and adjusting the Polar Alignment reticule will solve this issue massively!! Many time people say that Pole Master works for them, but you don't need it, if want want to save £280 than adjust Polar Reticule. However this is hobby and many people have choices, let them do what's best. Everyone has different ways and that's what makes it much more fun!! Good luck with your mount, You can do this, it will hard and it will be tough, but the images will make your eyes glow!! Clear Skies and keep in touch Joe!!
What can you tell me about your electronic focuser?
It is featured in a another called stay focused
We are SVBONY brand, do you have contact information?
No, and I'm not interested in your products neither, after my post was deleted by your Admin featuring of one my videos on your group, just because I mentioned about one of your products in a good way!! Your Admin kicked off a stink, so I left the group!!! Sorry change your attitude towards real unbiased reviewers, who will give constructive feedback which can help Manufacturers improve on their products. If you don't like negative feedback, this is not the channel for you and your company!!
@@MPAstro not impressed with the svbony brand it will get the job done but it looks like crap
@@jamesdougan8789 I totally agree, their customer service is terrible
GREAT vid Martin, my astro friend! FYI if it helps you can get a Canon T adapter that is only 10mm thick as the standard Canon T adapter is 11mm, so the DSLR is 44mm + the 11mm T adapter gets you at the standard 55mm that ZWO uses. Also my main concern was in the Mak 180 was the internal light baffles causing the Vignetting issues and I have the older Orion 180 MAK, and maybe has a smaller light baffle as the original does not come with the SCT threads but thanks to USA Scope-Stuff has an adapter and tested it but not knowing about that SCT .63 reducer 105mm back focus I was surprising good looking at the Moon and gave a reduced view using just a 2" diag and EP's. But I think Martin the only way to get a Astrograph like results is remove the corrector but then that won't work as well as a C-8 or 9.25 or 11 SCT. But at least using the SCT .63 reducer works quite good and was an left over part from my SCT days. P.S I really miss these kind of vids you put out! Christopher Also just an idea Martin, I just ordered a 1.25 2x barlow that threads on to my ASI290MM-MINI guide camera and since the Guide Scope is 240mm FL I was thinking a 1.5x screw on barlow would be best but could only find a 2x screw on barlow to thread on to my ZWO 290MM and that would I think (correct me if i'm wrong) would increase the power of the 290MM increasing the overall FL of the 60mm 240mm FL Guide Scope? Now I don't expect the image to be as good as a 480mm FL Guide Scope but for $5.00 from Amazon USA worth a test?
Yes the Mak does have it's limitations, would be nice to have removable corrector plate where Fastar system, but F2 will not be possible with the Mak!! Using a 2x Barlow could work, but you'll need more extension tubes to bring into focus, yes you are Chris it will increase the focal length and will help more in the guiding process, becareful you'll need to up the exposure on the guide camera a lot more than you would expect and the field of view will be vastly decreased, though the image won't be great, but your only using it for guide stars. I'm going to look at this myself and wonder what I could do to achieve this on my cheapo 60mm Guidescope??? Thanks for watching Chris, there will be many more videos like this, as this Channel is more practical help than just product reviews and fancy images where some sponsored channels just show off with no real advice and sometimes false info to the viewers!!
@@MPAstro This is WHY me and many other LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!! I will try that 2x barlow and 1.25" ext tubes not a problem to get and I have that same 60 guidescope so a good test. Yes I understand that much longer exposure will be needed when using the 2x barlow and I hope I can increase the gain to get no more than a 3 sec exposure?
Ok just got that $5.00 2x Barolw 1.25 thread, well it's not a 2x that is it's NOT DOUBLE, but all I did was thread the 1.25 2X Barlow on to my ASI290MM-MINI and took a pic with it on and with it off and yes there is some light loss but when I compared the 2 pics I would say it's about 25%-40% larger as I was talking a pic of a power pole in the distance as it's daylight. The ASI290MM-MINI did not need to be moved back more than about 3/4" if that, so maybe the 2x Barlow needs an ext tube so that it gets closer to the 2x listing?
Quick update, I added an extension to the ASI290MM-MINI and could not get focus far away so that does not seam to work, so the only thing that works is the 2X Barlow threaded onto the ASI290MM-MINI and get a small increase in magnification nowhere near 2x, but since I have a 50mm (not a 60mm) Guidescope so my 50mm 190mm FL so maybe with the 2X Barlow will be about 237mm-250mm FL.
Good news!!! My existing 60mm Guidescope works with this Barlow lens, It focuses really well and works with the Altair Astro GP CAM 1 and I didn't need an extension tube. I could slide the main focus tube in more as well making the optical tube much more stable, I now have 360mm instead of 240mm. Check this link out for this Barlow lens!! www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/antares-15x-twist-lock-barlow-lens-125.html
I recently started using my skymax 180 to experiment on DSO targets and its a real challenge at f15. I drilled new holes centrally on the rear section to fit a central finder bracket. I use the svbony 60mm/240fl guidescope, and it guides pretty well with 5min exposures. I use a dslr so I was interested in seeing you test with a focal reducer but that vignetting is ridiculous. I'm not sure if it's worth the outlay for one or not. Which reducer would you say is worth a try?
Even at F15 with no focuser and achieving 5 mins is very good indeed!! There is another Focal Reducer that I wish to try, but I agree the vignetting is awful, but that's the reason why I make these videos, telling truth and what to expect!! Some channels are all show, but they do not highlight the pit falls in Astronomy!!
Hi Martin, I've just bought a Skymax 180 Pro after watching your videos. When I opened the box I discovered that the visual back was the 65.5mm diameter fitting and not the 2" SCT thread I was expecting. So, I can't simply screw on the Skywatcher SCT dual speed focuser. Do you know when the change was made from 65.5mm to 2"? It might help me out find out the year my scope was made when I was obviously expecting a recent model. Hope you can help and thanks for your great videos. Very helpful.
There is an adapter which has an internal brass thread with this 2" holder featured at 365 Astronomy, maybe this what your looking for?? www.365astronomy.com/SC-Adapter-for-Skywatcher-Maksutov-Cassegrains-with-66.5mm-thread
@@MPAstro Thank you for that Martin. I got the supplier to replace the scope with the more recent model which does have an SCT thread so all sorted.
Great video! Someday I'll try my hand at long exposure the Eq mount I want has been back ordered for a year now. Last I seen it'll be in stock the end of November.
Thanks Eric, Once you mastered the arts of Long exposure, there will be no turning back to an eyepiece anymore! And that's a fact!! Good luck I hope your mount arrives in stock!!
Do you have a link to your M51 picture that you can share? UA-cam isn't very high resolution.
I have posted in the image on M51 on FB on my timeline
What do you think of smaller ones like the 60 or 90?
The 60mm Mak is too small and best suited for children. However 90mm Mak has much aperture and will be great as astro imaging scope
@@MPAstro 90mm might be a bit heavy for my sw gti mount, but might be possible ty
@@jesuschrist2284 the Mak 90mm is around 1.37Kg, you'll be totally fine, The max payload on the GTI mount is 5kg
@@MPAstro wow ty for that :)
Hello. Did you drill through the scope to mount the electric focuser?
No, I used the original threaded holes from the manufacturer. No drilling required!!
Great video Martin (as always), followed your video step by step, it works a treat, absolutely perfect, now increased my FOV, thanks again for your clear and accurate video👍.
I noticed you have a mod on your focuser, do you have a video on this mod please, or a link to purchase the motor.
Thanks again for sharing another great video 👍
Nice work!
@@MPAstro cheers, do you have a video for your mod on the auto focuser please, it's an absolute nightmare trying to focus with the standard focuser knob, it would be so much easier with the type you have adapted, operating from inside the observatory too. Thank you in advance.
Mike