RichM63

Let it out to fly around a bit. If it sounds like a V1 pulse jet it is a hornet.

Aye did ye ever hear the story about the auld empty Wasp Nest…..

Well if he buys a Nikon he'll have no use for all those lovely L lenses, so I step in to save the day. ;)

£1500 opens up a whole plethora of Canon body possibilities, especially when the S/H market is in play. My studied advice is that a NIKON D750 body could free up some decent L lenses that I may go for. Best, Rich

WOW a DIY Obsy that you can live in! :)

I love the quality of your pictures and as always this is no exception.

Sweet. Same here about the memories.

Ah yes, quite. My Zomei is 4 section and my Manfrotto 3 section.

Check out the classified adds on here. DannyK is selling his Manfrotto for about £140 IIRC.

I have both a Zomei Z818 and lately a Manfrotto 190XPROB. The Zomei is good and carries heavy DSLRs and lenses no problem. But the Manfrotto is great. Noticeably more rigid. The one thing I really don't like about the Zomei is the twist lock leg method, I've completely untwisted them on more than one occasion. (easily rebuilt but annoying) and casts a doubt when standing away from the camera rig. I use both tripods all the time. Rich

Nice Adam, what mount were you using for the astro images? I'm not into AP but I looked at the second image on a my large hi-res monitor and zoomed in. The stars around the central bright star with the diffraction spikes, zoomed in look like a hot air balloon rally from a distance. (they seem to be just that shape with basket off the bottom). I have no idea what causes this or how to address it. Your kids look happy. Maybe look at stopping down for dof and AF Point (1&3). PS love the hats.

As promised. This camera is a modified Microsoft LifeCam. looking at the casing I would suggest that it uses a Billet Parts adapter. (don't know if they are still available) You would also need to look up Gary Honis for a guide on how to put the thing together. It fits in place of an eyepiece, connect to PC via USB and weighs almost nothing. Used to take video of the Moon and Planets, then stack the results as a still frame in something like RegiStax. If you can find one, they would be well within your budget and a handy way to get started. best, Rich

No I'm not saying that at this time (in the future you will most likely if you get hooked). It's just that check that your telescope rig can handle having almost 1 1/2 pounds or 556g hanging off the back. I do have an appropriate webcam type video camera that I'll dig out and post a picture of. It weighs next to nothing and was most likely the one that Knight of Clear Skies used for Saturn in the above image. Best, Rich

Just one thing. I'm not altogether sure that this telescope and mount could handle the weight of 'any' DSLR hanging off the back. My smallest is a 400D but it is still quite a lump.

I think you did good. Looks like you had a vibration somewhere in the middle of the exposure? and it would seem to me as though you also caught a meteor,