jamiejet

This is my attempt at Neptune (right) with my Pixel 7 Pro, SW 130 and Svbony zoom EP. I used a Neewer eyepiece clamp to hold the phone up to the EP. Quick edit in Lightroom as well. Has anyone got any tips and tricks to get better results? When trying to align the phone camera with the EP I just get a lot of blue lens flare. Hopefully just a case of trial and error but can't seem to find much in this niche area of AP.

The 3-8mm isn't in the sale unfortunately.

I have an old (very old!) Skywatcher 130 reflector. I recently acquired a AZ GTi mount and fixed a dovetail bar to the rings. I've already upgraded to a zoom eyepiece. Question is, it needs lots of other upgrades to make it a 'decent' scope. Namely a new focuser, and it will need collimating as well. If I start going down the route of new mirrors and other optics as well then I might as well just buy a whole new OTA. The issue that makes me stop doing just that though is the upfront cost of doing so, as I'd want a decent package (not starter but not home observatory level either). Any thoughts you all have are much appreciated!

Hi folks Going out my mind looking for a replacement t-bolt. Does anyone know where I can find one? Even tried emailing some retailers but no joy. Thanks.

Thanks Elp. I've decided to keep my 130 SW reflector for now (bro-in-law understands!). Which means I can use the tripod as well. I've just purchased a used Sony 55-210mm lens from a camera retailer through ebay, yet to arrive. Also bought a SvBony zoom EP as my current EPs are a bit woeful. That just leaves a new motor for my EQ mount (and a new T-bolt!) and I think I should be all set up (still have old motor but can't get it to work). Thanks for all your advice!

Some brilliant replies here guys, thanks! So I think I've decided to go down the telephoto lens/star tracker route and do without scope for now. The Ian Morison article is brilliant and very helpful. I am looking at buying the Sony 55-210mm f4.5-6.3 OSS lens he recommends in that article (found one used for £149). Can anyone offer any additional insight into using this lens and what objects it's best for imaging wise? I'd also like a mount I can use with my existing camera tripod although it's quite a cheap generic one I got as a package when I bought the camera. I'd ideally like a setup I can easily add a scope to in the future without buying extra mounts and tripods. Thanks once again.

Thanks again Elp! Lots of food for thought. Do you also have any recommendations for processing software (both free and paid for)? Thanks

Thanks for that Elp. I was actually looking at a package that FLO do for the Skywatcher 127 mak with the GTi mount. I have tried using just the camera on a tripod with mixed results but I'm not a camera whizz and have no experience of using any imaging software so will need to swot up on it. I wanted a scope anyway so my kids can enjoy using it and wanted something portable that I can take camping with us. Would love to just buy a new camera and lens package but I know I'll find myself yearning for a scope and can't afford both sadly. Thanks for your advice!

Hi everyone, first post so please be kind! I have an old Skywatcher 130/650 reflector on an EQ2 mount which I've been using for casual observing for some years, but I now want to seriously get into AP. I bought a T-ring and 1.25" adapter for my a6000 recently but have since found out that this setup is not suited to AP. I was looking to upgrade my scope anyway so wanted to know what is the best thing to go for with the a6000 specifically in mind. I know the a6000 isn't the best camera for AP but it's all I've got right now. My budget is £4-500 which has to include the tripod and mount as I'm giving away my whole setup to my brother in law as it's not worth selling and would rather see it go to him. I have no real preference with regard to what I image (planets or nebulae etc), I would rather go with what will get the best results with my existing camera. Thanks for you help!