tooth_dr

The most logical thing to do is to get the HEQ5 mount and try the lens for imaging since you already own it. Then if it doesn’t meet your expectations get an ED80. Or am I missing something?

I decided to make up a small visual/imaging travel kit. Here it is:

Tasco 44TR - picked this up on Tuesday. Apart from dust it’s nice a tidy. Have to finish fitting it to the L-Bracket tomorrow, but just popped it up for a quick photo. @Stu Big thanks to Stu. I googled for 60mm scope rings and your SGL threads on this topic popped up. You suggested Munsen Rings which I had never heard off. In a shop beside my work I picked up 2 x 62mm rings (exact diameter of scope) for £2.40 today. Result ?

Some nice new filters arrived ??

False colour image in PS using NCs actions. Tried to get some Oiii last night but there was high cloud then total cloud!

Some adapters and pieces amounting to over £100

Thanks MG ??

Thanks Dave. It's also a bit larger than a 1.25" filter so less vignetting too. I used an ED80 with a FF 0.85, so about 520mm focal length and F6.3ish. I dont think this camera is anywhere near as sensitive as yours at all. I couldnt really see much in the 5 minute subs, but it was there when stretched and stacked. I've attached my previous attempt at this object a few years ago with a DSLR and a 250px. . I used APT and plate solving to align with previous nights. I typically save the position I used on the first night, which may be deviated from the standard goto position to improve the framing, and then request that saved position on subsequent nights. I label them as AJ IMAGES, so that I can easily find the targets I've imaged in the past, and can easily revisit them at any time. I wouldnt consider not using it now, it is a game changer. No three star alignements etc. I just take a image with it in home position, then plate solve and sync the mount to this. Next I choose any target and within a few minutes it's perfectly centred, just as the camera is cooling down. Thanks Sara, if I'm honest your review/info/comparisons on this sensor swayed me in buying this over a new ASI1600MM. So far so good!

So here it is! @Craney After a very smooth transaction and plenty of 'after-sales' advice from @Jkulin (cheers John), I started acquiring darks and bia, then finally got first light this week. Firstly my spacers havent arrived yet, so ignore the star shapes. Secondly I dont have any filters per se but I did manage to Blu-Tac a 12nm H-alpha EOS clip filter to the inside of the M48-T2 adapter. Details of image: 6 hours of data in 300s subs at -15oC, taken over two nights 2nd/3rd/4th July; darks, flats and bias used for calibration; stacked in DSS, processed in PS using some NC actions. Pointers and comments welcome. Early doors yet but a promising start. Best wishes Adam

Love that. I’ve made an adapter myself, to use a 1.25” filter inside my DSLR!

It’s bigger in real life ?

What happened your scope?!

What talent in this thread! Just shows you no matter how good your scope/camera/skies are, if you cant process the data you'll end up with a lemon.

Ooops, carry on! (Cheers )

No no I'm using one, I just cant see it on the drop down list