MarkAR

There are so many choices out there that will suit any budget and no matter what you decide to spend you will aways want some other little extra to complement it. I would try to decide on what you want to image and what camera you will be using and spec a scope starting with that. No matter which scope you get, there are reducers that you can use or barlows/powermates that you might need to change the FOV.

I also need to figure out what settings will allow me to lock up on my 80D. As you say, press button and ?????

How about this second hand one. https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=159342

Remember that the weight of telescope times the distance to pivot point has to equal the weight times distance of the weights. Say the pivot point is 0.4m from the 4kg of the telescope, then you would need 4kg of weights 0.4m the other side to counter balance. Moving the weights closer to the pivot say 0.2m means that you would need 8kg of weight. Alternatively it'll be 2kg at 0.8m distance.

+1 for Stellarium, also worth downloading is https://clearoutside.com/forecast/50.7/-3.52

So the advise is always lock up your mirror. Well done @Bagginsies.

I like the fiery orange colours, well done.

I suppose its all down to how much DIY you're capable of. Chains would work for spreaders or a custom made ridgid attachment.

I'd leave a gap between each exposure to let the sensor cool a bit. Possibly 5-10 secs.

Very nice, variation in colour is very subtle.

I like both, try one in-between the two colour wise.

I'm surprised not more people use Surveyors or Contstruction tripods, they look pretty sturdy and cane take some weight. Maybe its because you need to modify the mounting thread to a 3/8". Even seen some vintage wooden ones on Ebay.

Love. Looks pretty good so far, good luck in getting more data.

When he said he'd throw in the mount for an extra £XXXX, I didn't realise he was including the Skywatcher as well. Nearly wet my pants.

Added to my signature the main features.

Picked up all this kit today, pretty much everything I'll need to get started and then some. Definitely wasn't expecting the Newtonian to be included in the price. The look on the Mrs face when I walked past the kitchen window with it, priceless. I think I now have a very steep learning curve.

Theres something coming from Mars, chances of that must be a million to one.

Well done, looks like you caught it at a good time.

Superb images, looks like the Proclus impact was at a slight angle going by the debris field.

I see no ships.

I think the SkyGuider will help.

Outstanding. I especially like the first intermediary stretched image, looks very natural and delicate.

Fantastic set of images. I'm always amazed and the prominences that are posted on here.

Definitely not what you actually see but absolutely wonderful images. Well done and thank you. Makes the moon look like it's covered in seas and brown vegetation, absolutely love it.

Lovely image, ISO5000 doesn't seemed to have done any harm.