retret66

triangular or pear shape stars are signs of pinch optics, if you use some sort of a flattener, it might be that is causing it. If collimation is good then it is probably pinched. I had this issue and found out my dew heater was not hooked up..once I hook it up and crank it after 5 min the stars becomes round..

I do in fact have this.. 😀

This is what I do. I create flats and calibrate each lights and put it aside, this helps lessen the disk space. I do not align or stack unless I need to show my work. Once calibrated, I label the folder like "Calibrated_mmddyy" and store the subs there.. Just create flats every morning when you are done each day, I tend not to use flats before imaging because dust spots may appear later on.

Most beginners ask the wrong question which I fell for it when I got started with DSO astrophotography. The right question is, what mount should I get instead of what camera. You will actually enjoy what you have now if you can put it on a mount that at least can handle 40lbs to start (I had to upgrade mine). A $3000 camera attach to a cheap/unstable mount will give you grief. A $300 DSLR attached to a $3000 mount will give you a big smile on your images..