AstroGS

Thanks @Adam J - i assume that 294MM Pro is better because it is a newer model but, that does not make 1600MM Pro less capable. I would think that moving to a dedicated MONO cooled like an ASI1600 would be much better than the modded Canon 450d that i am using and the difference will be significant.

Hi, I am debating the idea on investing in a dedicated camera for DSO and some galaxies (scope permitting). My setup is a WO GT81 + WO A6III Flattener. AsiAir Plus Today I’m using a modded Canon 450d and it has some great job indeed. But, wanting to get more detail from DSOs. So, is the ASI 1600MM Pro the best solution at this level of money? Which filter wheel and filters would you recommend? Any alternative? Best george

After months and months of trying, reading, watching Youtube videos and etc., I am very relieved to see that finally it can be done 🙂 These are the first two proper processed pictures from our backyard and our telescope. Orion Nebula Williams Optics GT81 + WO 0.8 Flattener + Canon 450d modded + Optolong L-Pro + AZ-EQ5 ISO 800 37 frames x 3mins light 10 frames each for bias, flats and darks DSS and Pixinsight Horsehead Nebula Williams Optics GT81 + WO 0.8 Flattener + Canon 450d modded + Optolong L-Pro + AZ-EQ5 1600 ISO 30 frames x 2mins light 10 frames each for bias, flats and darks DSS and Pixinsight

Thanks for your input - i will try and get a video to show what i mean as it seems i did not explain it properly. Regarding your 2nd point i bought today a Baader VariLock 46 Lockable T-2 Extension Tube to sort this issue. I hope it works this time 🙂

Good evening to all. Today was the 2nd weekend trying to figure things out. I want to add a ZWO filter drawer for 2” filters to be used with my astromodded Canon 450d. The equipment consists of: CPC925 GPS Antares Reducer 6.3 Celestron T-Adapter SCT (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/celestron-sct-t-adapter.html) T-Ring: Baader Ultra Short Canon EOS T-Ring (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-ultra-short-canon-eos-t-ring.html) ZWO filter drawer 2” (M42/M48): https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-accessories/zwo-2-filter-drawer-m42-m48.html The issues I’m having are 2: 1) When trying to connect The T-Adapter with the ZWO filter drawer it does not lock in position. I’m probably missing an additional adapter here but, not sure what. 2) The backfocus should be 105mm between reducer and sensor. I cannot seem to get this right either. Before start buying more adapters, I wanted to check with you what exactly adapters would I need to get it right and use the zwo filter drawer? many thanks in advance George

Thanks. I did try Sharpcap having the same thought but, I never managed to connect the dslr with sharpcap. Connecting via a usb cable by the way. Any ideas? by the way, I see that you also have the 925. Is that the CPC? If yes, do you use any of your cameras to guide?

My rig is (with DSLR): Celestron CPC 925 GPS Antares Focal reducer f/6.3 Canon 450D (astromodified) Baader Ultra Short Canon T-ring https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-ultra-short-canon-eos-t-ring.html Celestron T-adapter Software APT Bought 2nd hand a 2" Optolong L-Pro light pollution filter (mounted) Questions: 1. Had an issue to achieve focus during tonight's session - from within the APT, I never managed to see anything (live view). Not sure if something in the chain of adapters/t-rings and etc. has been the issue. Any thoughts? 2. What is the best-for-value filter drawer that you would suggest me, so I can use the 2" filter I got? 3. I want to use the faster feature to see if the results will be better. Any thoughts on how to connect the DSLR in this occasion? MANY Thanks in advance!

Mate these are beyond decent...these in my eyes are...WOW! I wish we could come even close to these. Well Done!

Quick question: should I try with a used Astro-modded canon dslr (450, 550 or 600) that are for sale for £200 at the classifieds of this forum? I was thinking of trying with a dslr and use the zwo asi 385 as a guide camera. At least to try.

Thank you @alacant& @philhilo……I will definitely try M13, M51! Dumbell Nebula and a few planets. Last night it was cloudy so, it was a no-go. Will try today with the moon.

Here is the stacked image...... andromeda_00001.bmp

Team, thank you so much for your input & advice. With loads of trial and error and eventually through small wins i should get there. I will try tonight some planetary imaging to help with the morale. Also, i will take it out again this afternoon to check (again the focus). Here are some of the 3-mins frames i got last night from the Andromeda galaxy. andromeda_00001.fits andromeda_00005.fits andromeda_00011.fits andromeda_00017.fits

Hi fellow astronomers, I live in Northampton, UK and quite new in to astronomy (7 months). Gear: CPC925 GPS ZWO ASI 385 MC 8 x 50 default finderscope Antares f6.3 reducer Using SharpCap I am trying for almost 2-3 weeks now to take a decent picture (whenever the night skies are clear) of anything....and i do fail consistently. My first real milestone will be to take a decent image of the Andromeda Galaxy....just a decent one. Some people say that i should move to a refractor (and i am sure they are right) for better DSO imaging, some others say that i should go for a scope guider for longer exposures, some say both. What i am looking for here is a simple way to use the equipment i have to take some decent photos with my daughter at the current beautiful UK skies. I have even read the beginners guides in these very great forums but, it seems that i do not get it. I guess i am asking for help to setup my gear correctly - is there somewhere that i could get that service/ advice? Many thanks in advance George

I just pressed the buy button! Bought though FLO a Bresser Messier 6" Planetary Dobsonian + BST 8mm. it is supposed to be delivered within a few days and i hope it will keep (mainly) my daughter interested into space! Cannot wait to get our first telescope! Thank you all for your help and advice.....the real research is about to start 😉

We are not that far away from each other - i live in Northampton! As i have a specific budget (£300) that i wouldn't want to surpass right now - unless for £30-£40 more i could get significant better visuals. I would either go for something like the Zhumell and spend another £60-£70 for eyepieces or i would go for something like 6" Dob Bresser (with no further investment on accessories wight now) that will use all my budget! This is what i'm thinking tbh.

Thanks @Cosmic Geoff if i go for the Bresser 6" what would be the minimum eyepieces i should get with it (if any)?

Thank you @MrFreeze & @Cosmic Geoff Based on availability i am looking for the following - i listen carefully your feedback/ advice and i am happy to move away from low cost GoTo options and focus in better optics. Based on 3 weeks' worth of research, reviews and my minimum knowledge (and based on current availability), it seems i am moving towards the following: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BR6G589/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1 https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes-in-stock/sky-watcher-skymax-102s-az-pronto.html https://www.castlecameras.co.uk/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-102/p10769 https://www.castlecameras.co.uk/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130/p10768 I would also be looking into the 2nd hand sales in this forum for a good deal as well. I assume i am asking for help on specific models + stands as i start getting the newbie syndrome 🙂 .

Thank you @Zermelo

Thank you @Tiny Clanger

thank you @kendg

Good afternoon to everyone, I am new to astronomy and with my daughter (11 yrs old - very interested in space and astronomy), we want to purchase our first telescope. My daughter is in that age where she is asking for a telescope to observe the vast space. We are based in UK (Northampton) and i am looking to invest up to £300 for our first telescope. Ideally it should be a telescope that will allow us to observe the moon, Mars, Saturn in the best possible clarity that the price point will allow us. Also, if it is something that offers a GoTo option even better! Not sure if i am asking for lot but, your support will be highly appreciated. Based on my initial research, i have seen these but it does not mean i have to choose amongst these. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zhumell-ZHUS002-1-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BR6G589 http://skywatcher.com/product/bk-p1145-azgt/ http://skywatcher.com/product/bk-mak-102-azgt/ https://www.wexphotovideo.com/sky-watcher-skymax-102-eq-2-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope-10595/?mkwid=s7gHFtHkS_dc&pcrid=310558796332&kword=&match=&plid=&product=10595&pgrid=58515500541&ptaid=aud-321738727162:pla-612813126609&gclid=CjwKCAiAnvj9BRA4EiwAuUMDf4D5unb4nAlNy0GygEp-Xk9duwrSq0fT9CqtyxesYFckAMnJztAQcBoC2xIQAvD_BwE https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-skymax-102-az-gti-wifi-telescope.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes-in-stock/sky-watcher-skymax-102s-az-pronto.html Thank you in advance!