[Aavso-photometry] binning considerations

[David Trowbridge]

When doing photometry, is it okay to freely use 2x2 or 3x3 binning to
achieve the desired image scale?

 

Where I live, the seeing is generally not better than 2 arcseconds I don't
think. 

 

The photometry I've been doing so far has been with an SBIG ST-7E camera on
a Takahashi FSQ-106 4" refractor which has been giving me 3.5
arcseconds/pixel at f/5 or 2.2 arcseconds/pixel at f/8. 

 

Now I plan to upgrade to a larger scope for greater light grasp and a new
camera for faster download times. I'm considering the Takahashi Mewlon 250
and an ST-8XME camera. Using 1x1 binning this scope would give only 0.62
arcsconds/pixel at f/12 and 0.80 at f/9.2. I think I'll need bigger pixels. 

 

Will it work just fine to use 2x2 or 3x3 binning? Or should I consider an
ST-9 instead? 

 

Also, will going to a camera with microlensing have any detrimental effects
on photometry measurements?

 

Are there any other issues I should be aware of?

 

David Trowbridge

Tinyblue Observatory

Whidbey Island, WA