What would you recommend, an equatorial wedge or field de-rotator for astrophoto

[samnap]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post on ASO. My wife and I just jumped into Astronomy with both feet. We have been talking about getting a big scope for a long time. We went out and bought a very gently used Meade LX200GPS 12" scope. We were just a 'little' intimidated when we got it home and set it up. It is a pretty big set-up and looks to be fairly complicated... I am on a 10 week sabbatical this summer so I have plenty of time to play with this wonderful instrument. Tonight's the big night for some first good views... I have been playing with the scope indoors until we get some clears skies.
 
My wife and I are avid digital camera buffs and are looking to utilize our Canon Digital Rebel with the scope. Maybe you can help us with a question we are trying to get answered... What would you recommend, an equatorial wedge or field de-rotator for astrophotography? At this point, we cannot afford both, so we want to make the best choice possible... Also, any other information on using a Digital Rebel would be helpful. Someone recommended we also get a Scopetronix MaxView DSLR II and a Scopetronix Canon step ring for eyepiece-projection photography.

Any help, input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!

[twilbur]

Welcome and Congratulations!
Definitely use a wedge, not a field de-rotator.

I use a CCD so I can't comment on the DSLR setup other than I know you can get it working and a number of people get excellent results with similar equipment. You might want to try the DSLR forum over at Cloudy Nights.

[Jean-Yves]

Hi,

Welcome and I also advise using a wedge ... I use a field derotator and it has taken me years to fix all its shortcomings ... see http://www.lesbeninger.com/derot.html


If you go for the derotator solution, it can work:
http://www.lesbeninger.com/m104.html

Cheers

Jean-Yves