Gmx76

Thanks Stu! Not bad for a first go. The camera on the S9 is pretty good. On the second shot I had put the scope cap back on and just used the small opening to reduce aperture, this helped with reducing the brightness. Will give PS Express a go.

Can anyone recommend camera settings for moon shots please? And also is it worth getting a moon filter? Or a variable polarizing filter?

Couple of moon pics from tonight, Galaxy S9 on a SW Starquest 130P using a cheapy eyepiece clamp style holder from ebay. First one is using stock camera app in Pro Mode with manual focus, f1.5, ISO 200 (I think), auto WB and 1/40 exposure time iirc. Second is done on Astrocam free app from Google Play, default settings. No processing done on these as tbh these are first real attempts at some kind of astrophotography, and no filters as I haven't bought any yet. I also took some video and plan to do extraction using Lynkeos (I use an Android phone and a Macbook Pro!) Let me know if you have any tips, thanks.

Pro mode on the stock camera app allows you to manually control focus, aperture, ISO and a bunch of other stuff. Plus you can voice control the camera which prevents the scope shaking when you try to take a picture.

So the clouds cleared enough to get a look at Venus. Nice and clear view of a crescent. Tried the motor, seems to be a good idea but I clearly need to learn how to use an EQ mount properly!

Will try it over the weekend and will let you know

Thanks all. Ordered and just received, thanks Altair Astro for amazing support during the buying process and a speedy delivery! Comparing to another I tried the mount and scope seem solid. Tripod is so-so but you get what you pay for. Got the motor too, though yet to be tried. Need to learn the eq system but happy so far.

Thanks l. I did hear that was a good scope but seems a bit of a lump to move about? Luckily I live close to the countryside so light pollution is less of an issue. I did post on another thread but considering the Explorer or Starquest 130p instead. Unless others have any other suggestions? Does seem Skywatcher are quite a good brand for beginners.

Makes sense, thanks!

Hi and thanks for your answer. I want to do some basic photography using my smartphone with a smartphone holder over the eyepiece (yes I know not to expect epic pictures of huge detail, just for fun). But I am wondering whether the way the eyepiece is mounted, in the extended section, could it hold the weight do you think? Or would a proper tube be better?

Hi, newbie here, would a 130p Explorer or Starquest be as good visually as the Heritage? They are the same Optics right?

Hi I am also considering this scope. How does it compare to the Explorer 130p?