Rjbram

I found this in google somewhere, not sure if it is correct, though

https://bbs.astronomy-imaging-camera.com/d/13072-need-replacement-eaf-controller-cable

Hello. I’m new to telescopes but have been doing some wide field AP over the last few months and really enjoying it. I would like to try viewing now, and have decided to start with some binoviewers (thinking the Arcturus one) because of my terrible retinal conditions. Each eye sees like crap, but together they do OK. Can you recommend to me a first telescope that would be fun for seeing planets and maybe the sun and moon? Preferably under $1500. (I am wondering about a Sky-Watcher flex tube synscan as a possibility). I gather one would need special filters for the sun, obviously, but also if you could point me to a source of info on how to know if I need special adapters for the binoviewer that would be terrific. Thanks!

6 hours ago, PadrePeace said:

Rjbram
It’s clear theses images come from good solid subs. I don’t see any guiding issues in either image. The ‘blemishes’ are all normal and will be cleaned up with calibration frames. I suggest you watch any of the many YouTube videos on how to gather Flats, Dark Flats and Darks and how these are applied to your subs during stacking which will transform your stack. 
 

Which stacking and processing software are you using?

Yes, I agree, definitely worth learning from the youtube tutorials.  the software has not been the easiest. I am on a Mac (and run the camera using raspberry pi) and I know there is not as much astrophotography software for Mac OS. I have tried SiriL, which seems to crash or just fail to complete the process too much. Affinity Photo has a stacking routine which I am experimenting with, and getting mixed results. Colors look odd. The best, in my hands so far, is the ASI studio software, which is extremely basic, but seems to produce the best colors by default. I am considering purchasing a modest Windows laptop or mini PC, to see if the windows world is going to cause more joy in the long run. 

23 hours ago, Adam J said:

Really nice images especially m31, yes you need to get those flats working and some sort of light polution gradient removal tool but you have the fundamentals spot on here. Focus is good, framing is good, stars are round.

From the number of pixels in the image I am going to guess this is from a ASI294mc pro. I am not sure I would waste too much time on a LP filter for braud band targets like galaxies, to be honest it makes a mess of colour balance and with LED lights wont really help you much. From what you have here the solution is to get flats working and to get a LP gradient removal tool. I use Astro pixel processor for that.

When you come to shoot emission nebula targets a duel narrow band filter is the way to go.

Your optics look good / well colimated.

Lots of fun times ahead for you and a great choice of scope to start out with.

Adam

Correct on the camera type! Thanks, I really appreciate the advice. I will go for a simple UV/IR cut filter and also the optolong dual-band filter. Just need to settle on a filter size, I suppose. I read the 294MC can take a 1.25" size. 

9 hours ago, Adam J said:

Very nice and welcome to SGL, would be great to see some of your images taken with this setup. 

Adam

Well, I'm a bit sheepish to upload images at this point since I am a rank beginner at all steps involved. But I guess the good thing is it's only up from here, presumably. Nonetheless, here are two attempts at stacking some shots from my backyard. I don't quite have guiding down yet. Also am planning to purchase a light pollution filter. Also i need to learn how to take Flats. etc etc

Hello all. I'm new to Stargazerslounge and new to astrophotography in general. Really enjoying the sport, so far. Jumping in to this thread to share my initial set up, which includes the Askar FMA230 i saw mentioned earlier in this discussion. I like it quite a bit. Although I'm too much of a newbie to be authoritative, I think the images it gives are nicely in focus and it is very easy to use. Here is what my setup looks like (from a car camping trip I was on a few weeks ago). Best regards and clear skies to all, from up north.