LordSaladMan

Well, I'm not certain the collimation is as it should be. Because no matter which way I turn the collimation screws, the blurriness doesn't change. I see no fluctuation in the image quality at all. The corrector plate wasn't dewed over. I use the 25mm+ eyepiece. Yes, the scope is new. Are my expectations too high? I mean, I've seen images of various planets amateurs post. Nice clear images. But when I look through the eyepiece, I just see a blob.

I'll begin this post by saying, I've searched every forum. I've tried every tip. And I'm hoping you beautiful people can provide some suggestions based on my specific issue. Because, as my title states, I'm just about ready to give up. Here's a bit of background before I list the many ways I've tried to resolve the issue. I own a Celestron NextStar 8SE and a Canon Rebel T6. After many nights of trying, I cannot get a clear image of planets, or even the moon. I've given it plenty of time to reach thermal equilibrium each night (1-2 hours). When viewing through the eyepiece, the image is an absolute blur. When viewing from the camera, I get no image at all. Here are the things I've tried on the telescope itself: Focusing the telescope via the "Focus Knob" Collimating the mirror via the 3 screws Using a Duncan Mask to make collimation easier. Focusing the telescope on an object much closer, getting a clear, sharp image through the eyepiece and the DSLR, then attempting to view a star. Waiting for, and viewing during, a near-perfect clear night with very little atmospheric turbulence. I live on the westcoast of the US. So, the only objects I'm able to see clearly (with the naked eye) are the moon and Venus. I cannot describe the level of disappointment and frustration I feel when I can't clearly view them from the scope. Venus is as bright as ever, and I'm getting a blur. I tried using the DSLR and the planet doesn't show up at all. Just black skies. My DSLR settings are as follows: Manual Focus Shutter Speed: Bulb ISO: 1600 What am I missing? I feel like I've tried everything and I just want to throw up my hands in defeat.