Richy P

Sorry to resurrect this tbread but im currently experiencing the exact same issue! I bought the mount from new and every 5 seconds or so you can hear a very definite 'clunk' where it sounds like the ra tracking is being restricted somewhat then suddenly judders back to tracking correctly. Its obviously ruining any long exposures im taking. I'm a bit new to all this and wondered what you menat about loosening the setting circle? Is it tne green band just above the polar scope? Do i need to remove the holding screw so that it freely rotates? Many thanks, Rich

Thanks for the advice mate.. Am I right in thinking the refractors are a little easier to live with?

Hi folks, I hope you are all doing very well. I'm looking to start my journey into astrophotography, I have a little experience with photography in general and up until recently ran a small drone photography business. I have always been fascinated by the night sky and I'm lucky enough to live in an area with relatively low light pollution. I have been able to capture some fairly decent shots of the moon using my DSLR and a basic tripod. But I've always wanted to head deeper into space and look at Nebula and Galaxies etc. Doing some research, I've landed on a HEQ5 Pro mount as it seems to come highly recommended and it looks like the mount is key to all this. I just need to figure out scopes now and whether or not I can use my existing DSLR (Nikon D3300). I have been looking at the Skywatcher Explorer 200p or Evostar 72ed to start out with but wondered if you had any advice to help me out? As I know these are two completely different scopes. My camera won't allow for automation like APT but I think I can work the exposures using a remote instead. Thanks in advance and clear skies to all

Thank you for the welcome everyone

Hi folks, been looking around and stumbled upon this forum. I'm looking to start my journey into astrophotography, I have a little experience with photography in general and up until recently ran a small drone photography business. I have always been fascinated by the night sky and I'm lucky enough to live in an area with relatively low light pollution. I have been able to capture some fairly decent shots of the moon using my DSLR and a basic tripod. But I've always wanted to head deeper into space and look at Nebula and Galaxies etc. I've landed on a HEQ5 Pro mount as it seems to come highly recommended and it looks like the mount is where the money should be spent! I just need to figure out scopes now and whether or not I can use my existing DSLR (Nikon D3300). Then there's the small challenge if sneaking all this past the wife!