Imaging with a long f refractor

G'day All,

A while ago I purchased a APOMAX 130 F/12 refractor now I am toying with the idea in my head of using this scope for imaging. Is this a realistic idea or where long focal length refractors only ever designed for visual work. The paper work that surrounds the APOMAX does elude to the possibility of imaging with this scope but I just wanted to find out if anyone has tried.

Cheers,

Hans

You will need a very good mount to handle that long of a scope, but it could certainly take good pictures if the optics are good.

Yes absolutely you can image with this scope. I routinely image at F14.8 with a 10" and sometimes bump it up to F22 with a Barlow. A good stable mount is a must. It should have a low and smooth tracking error. You can also add a telecompressor on the back to get a bit more speed. Make sure it's a good one so you get the most out of your scope.

Rolando

Hello,
The apomax will be a wonderful scope for lunar/planetary imaging.You will need a 2.5X powermate and/or a 3X barlow, perhaps a 4x toi get the focal length to around F/36 +/-. I do a lot of imaging with 8" apos at F/27 to F/54.
Good Luck!

Jim Phillips