Konus Motormax 150HM

Would a Konus Motormax 150HM be usable for astrophotograpy?

I would like to be be able to use a dSLR to take pictures. I don't have any astronomy eqiupment at the moment.

Yes BUT (why is it always a yes but).

1) f/12 is pretty slow leading to long exposures being needed
2) 1800mm is quite long leading to accurate tracking being needed

put these two together i.e. long exposures that are accurately tracked and it could be quite a challenge.

http://www.cloudynight​s.com/documents/konus.​pdf is worth a read.

from my experience with konus (since you havent bought yet)- i feel konus lacks in quality and quality control

I have read the Cloudy Nights review, and it basically says that I shouldn't put my hopes too high with the scope. And it only reviewed it for direct viewing without use of a camera.

The review did mention quite high magnifications with the Plössl eyepieces. But if I want to take pictures with a dSLR, wouldn't I then mount the camera without the eyepiece and get a quite modest magnification - in this case 4.5x larger than I get with a 100-400?

Would the tracking problems be caused by bad alignment with the north star or the tripod not correctly leveled, or because the motors don't run at the perfect speed?

Would it make more sense to buy a really good GEM tripod and just play with the camera on that one until I can afford a better telescope than the Konus?

Tracking problems can be a result of all that you mentioned and proper balance of the rig as well. The accuracy of tracking has to approached on two levels. Mechanically and with technique/preparation. Mechanical issues in the mount can range from poor gear quality to poor stability of the mount tripod. Even when these type of issues are minimal or corrected to acceptable limits you'll have to approach your technique and preparation with the same attention.

Accurate polar alignment, mount leveling and careful balance of all that sits on the mount will allow you to get the most from the rig. Fine tuning alignment is very important especially if you are not set up to autoguide.

There are many things on the checklist to successfully shoot long exposures with a telescope. By process of elimination you can remove obstacles and begin the process of fine tuning your technique.

I think your idea to buy a good GEM for use with your camera and lenses is excellent. This will give you a better insight into what's involved with set up, imaging, focus and also processing your exposures.

I did spend a bit of time looking at images taken with a DSLR and a AstroTrac TT320X. The mount seems to be a very, very expensive (world record expensive?) barn door that I'm able to build myself. But the images shows that I could have a lot of fun with just my current camera equipment if used with a decent mount.

I am looking a bit at EQ6 Pro SynScan or possibly Vixen Sphinx. That seems to be the choices I have managed to find a reasonably local supplier for. Both heavier and more expensive than the TT320X, but also more sturdy, and two-axis with computer control. Even if I have the same tripod as AstroTrac sells in a kit with the TT320X, the tripod really isn't sturdy enough for longer exposures.

pwm2 wrote in post #8739391
I did spend a bit of time looking at images taken with a DSLR and a AstroTrac TT320X. The mount seems to be a very, very expensive (world record expensive?) barn door that I'm able to build myself. But the images shows that I could have a lot of fun with just my current camera equipment if used with a decent mount.

I am looking a bit at EQ6 Pro SynScan or possibly Vixen Sphinx. That seems to be the choices I have managed to find a reasonably local supplier for. Both heavier and more expensive than the TT320X, but also more sturdy, and two-axis with computer control. Even if I have the same tripod as AstroTrac sells in a kit with the TT320X, the tripod really isn't sturdy enough for longer exposures.

Making stability a priority is VERY wise. I don't know the accuracy comparison between the GEMs and the Astrotrac but the GEMs will certainly allow for future equipment in a way the Astrotrac won't. The portability of the Astrotrac is a big plus for transport to remote locations and or quick set up but I personally wouldn't want to make it my full time rig, even with that said, I wouldn't mind having one.

The GoTo capabilty of a GEM is a big time saver for imaging. If the system is accurate it will get you on the objects you want to image without hunting around. When you move to higher magnification, i.e. a telescope, you'll especially appreciate the GoTo feature. That time hunting around is better spent imaging to get the most from a night out.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to get. New toys are awesome.