Rustang

I was interested in doing the star test to check collimation as the scopes new to me and I don't have a collimation tool at the moment (shouldn't have sold it!) It's an old Orion Optics scope, I'm not expecting the optics to be first class but I'm going to base my view on this point from last nights experience. For the first time ever I saw some faint details on Mars and the moon, well that just blew my mind and I've looked at the moon alot but not through this aperture or decently at x200 mag. I was very happy when I got to bed last night 😊

It definitely seems that was what was going on and seeing did get better which was when I started to notice the rings and as you say they were definitely more noticeable on the one side. I'm always learning! Thanks guys 👍

It was a bit mushy to start with so I'm guessing that's what's happened. I'm new to star testing. Conditions seem good at the moment though.

I could see some coloration details for the first time ever tonight 😊

Don't worry, I think I've got issues with my eyes lol 😂 I can now see rings on the outer edges and it looks spot on. Not sure what was going on before. I'm currently viewing the moon and I'm speechless!! It's good viewing tonight!!

Yes, it went in and out of focus both sides, can't be to far out of colimation as for the first time ever I managed to make out some small colouration detail on Mars tonight which was pretty cool. Still can't understand the lack of rings though on the star test.

Not sure of names, it's been pretty cloudy but they were fairly bright and I tried aiming between the clouds

I had my second very short stint outside with my OO 8inch reflector. Had a quick nose at Saturn and jupiter and also thought while I'm out I would do a star test. My issue is, is that there didn't appear to be any rings to go by either side of focus!?

Hi, someone just down the road from me! I'm in Hemel! What I don't think helps is the need to feel like your still doing something with the hobby while waiting around for another clear night, you cant really do anything while waiting as such so you find yourself on the internet searching for your fix because you start to think you need new equipment! I have to admit I really have to fight the urge to do that sometimes. Something new may put a smile on your face for a short while but you probably don't need it plus you will have to wait a few weeks before you can use it anyway so that quick fix wares off plus it wont bring you anymore clear nights! ☺️ At least with other hobbies you will probably be able to use your new purchase straight away because your not waiting for anything! I do find the waiting around side of this hobby really difficult myself. I think i need to find another hobby along side this, I like to go fossil hunting down at Lyme Regis but that's also something I cant do all the time as its a 6hr round trip! 😒 Maybe I will dig out that badminton racket! 😄

I guess living in the UK can push you towards that! 😊

This hobby definitely leans towards spending some real time with what you have (which is a long time with the lack of clear night's in this country!) learn, learn, learn and before you move on, make sure it's the right move because you might not need to spend the money yet or spending on the wrong equipment. Unless of course you just want to treat yourself, which we all do😊

Thanks Paul, not looking to upgrade anytime time soon, if I was to, it would probably only be the camera side of things anyway as that is where I'm having to really push it hard and it is showing where its struggling but none of which is to much concern right now. My SW ED 80mm and 72mm are keepers 😊. I'm always just keeping one eye out though and the above is what I'm coming across most of the time which is even more reason to stay with my gear, and also save some money!

That is true, i guess we dont always know the full conditions etc of the user. Post processing has a big part to play, I'm also very much trying to push that as well. It almost seems that there's a lot of unnecessary spending going on out there thinking it will just take the pictures for you and a lack of effort to make the most of you what you have including the data that's been captured which would be a real shame for some users. I do appreciate the fact its a case of each to their own sometimes though.

So for a while now Ive been seeing possible upgrade items for sale with example pictures that the seller has taken with the gear and near enough every time Ive not been impressed with the images taken. I'm in no way shape or form blowing my own trumpet as I'm still very new to astrophotography but Ive felt each time that my images are better with the gear i have. This lead me to the question of "is better really any better"? or is it more down to the user? I like to try and get the best out of my gear before changing and yes you have to work that gear harder but I feel I have archived more that way with what is said to be good, but lower end equipment! Thoughts?

Sadly because of my lack of computer knowledge I can't really help much further, all I know is I had that message and to me that meant the cable was at fault so getting the newer version did solve the issue for me. Maybe you got lucky the first couple of times? , I'm not sure though I'm afraid. Might be worth getting the new cable to try, if it doesn't work, send it back 👍

Hi, I had the Hitec Astro direct cable, it didn't work because the USB software was out of date/not compatible anymore! I had the same message on my computer saying contact supplier etc so I got the new version cable from Flow and all is good 👍

Cheers, I normally use the astronomy tools website, Im just being lazy! 😊 Plus it helps seeing and understanding real life results 👍

Oh ok, didn't realise 600mm would get you right in that close, to be fair I've not really reaserch this target. I'm guessing there wouldnt be to much difference in the focal length/field of view between your dedicated camera and my cropped sensor DSLR!?

Pretty sure I've read this somewhere, and it's something I may try myself but I think it might be worth combining two sets of subs. Take a set of shorter subs to control the core then some longer subs for fainter details then blend the two stacked images later in post.

👍 Ive got the same scope, SW 80 ED, different camera though, how cropped in are these!?

I did that for my latest Andromeda, picked a few that I felt looked more natural to go by and then added my own little interpretation! ☺️

You have some lovely detail there, the cores fairly well handled. To me though the colors a bit to much on the red/pink front, its making it a little difficult to look at! but that's my own personal view. There's some noise/texture that's really present, might be slightly over stretched!? Cracking though mate, you must be pleased, Orion's always a winner. 👍

Keep coming back to this!, stunning mate 👍

Thanks guys 👍

Your here now so you may as well take a look! 😆 Its been a week long process this one with lots learnt. Having been mostly processing neb's recently, its been good to tackle a galaxy, it takes on some similar and some more challenging set of processing techniques. I feel I'm at the point where I'm happy with the finished image, it is a very difficult target not to go over board with, hopefully I haven't done so with my final take with recent data. 4hrs worth of 5min subs with calibration frames. SW 80ED with 0.8 focal reducer and modified 600D. Stacked in APP and finished in PS.