Bikingbill

The Crab Nebula taken on the 23rd March 2024 using a Sky-watcher 250Pds, ZWO ASI533mc and L-eXtreme filter. New to the world of "Big scopes" so quite pleased with this given the limited cloud window I had.

Thanks for this both. I like what I see of the RC6 on Astrobin.

This is something I'm looking into as well. I have a heq5 so looking at lighter options. I have been considering the Stellamira 125 which seems a low maintenance option compared with a RC or newtonian. Or I could update my mount.... Lost in indecision 😁

Has anyone used this scope for imaging? I'm looking for something to image galaxies and small nebula. I have heq5 belt modded mount and this scope seems a good fit for that. I've been looking at RC6/Rc8s but the collimation puts me off. Would this scope do the job? I also have a 90mm stellamira which I like and a 553mc.

Thank you, these replies have really helped.

This might seem like a ridiculous question because the answer is going to be yes but... I've been using a ZWO ASI 533mc with an l-extreme filter for about 18 months now. I'm looking to improve my image quality. Will the switch to mono do this? I would also switch to a larger format like asi2600. Are there any draw backs to mono? Would I see an step up in my image quality? I attach a image I've taken of the Soul Nebula this month.

The Soul Nebula taken over 2 nights in January. A 2 panel mosaic with 6 hours worth of 5 minute subs for each panel. Leicestershire bortle 5 90mm Stellamira triplet ZWO ASI 533mc Optolong L-extreme filter

The Crescent Nebula, just 3 hours of data. L'eXtreme filter with asi533mc camera and old Orion Optics 200mm f6 newt. Processed in Pixinsight and Photoshop.

The Whirlpool Galaxy M51. Taken on Saturday 20th May with my old 8" Orion Optics f6 Newtonian and ZWO ASI 533mc camera. 60x120 second subs.

NGC 4565 the Needle Galaxy. Taken on the 13th April 2023 using my old Orion Optics 8" and ZWO 533MC on a HEQ5 pro. I managed 30 x 120 second subs before the clouds rolled in. Processed in PixInsight and photoshop.

I agree, those images look very good. Very tempting...😬

Anyone had experience imaging with this? https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/sky-watcher-quattro-150p-f4-newtonian-modified-aplanatic-super-coma-corrector.html

Like the idea of a small Newtonian, looks well suited to my mount. Also, like you say, cheaper! Thanks for all the replies, lots to think about.

My main interest is astrophotography but I'm relatively new to it. I bought a Horizon 60ed (360mm FL) with a tracker mount about 18 months ago. Soon after up-graded to a HEQ5 mount with DSLR. The last thing a bought was a ZWO asi533mc camera. Now that I'm completely hooked I'm eyeing up a better scope. My question is, will I notice a substantial improvement in the quality/ resolution of my images with a new scope? I'm looking at a 90mm triplet such as the StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet or the William Optics Fluorostar FLT 91, basically the biggest, fastest scope my mount will cope with. Am I on the right lines?

Oops 🤣

I've got one of these. It is well built and the optics seem really good. It's my first reflector and has taken some great wide field images. I would recommend it but I have limited experience of other reflectors. RVO have been very helpful with their advice😃

Thanks for all the great advice here. Looks like I'm saving up for a HEQ5 or ioptron!👍😁

Is the Celestron AVX a good option? It's has a good payload and seems for compare well to the HEQ5 but is cheaper and lighter

I'm looking to buy a Goto mount for my small refractor (Horizon 60ED). I want to take more take more pictures of DSO but don't want to spend all night trying to find targets. I'm looking at EQ5 pro or should I pay the extra and buy a HEQ5? I like the idea of the more portable EQ5 but will it do the job?

Thanks @Adreneline and @Rustang for some great feedback. Definitely going to try longer exposures and will add in more darks and look at flats and bias as well. I'll have a look at Deep Sky Stacker. I like your point about work the next day @AstroAndy which is why I'm only taking a few darks. It took me forever to find the objects, I suppose this is practice . A GOTO mount is a bit beyond the budget at the moment. Thanks again Bill

Here is my image of M81 and M82 taken on the 17th April. My 2nd attempt at a DSO, so be kind! I used a Canon 750D, RVO 60ED, Starguider pro and autoguiding. 40x60 second exposures at ISO 1600. Only 5 darks. Stacked in sequator and then Ps for processing. I'm under Bortle 5 skies. Any advice welcome... do I need to take longer or more exposures? Is my ISO right? Do I need more darks?

My first attempt at imaging a DSO, just planets up to now. First go at autoguiding also, not sure if that went well! I took 30 x 60sec exposures on a Canon 750D and RVO Horizon 60ED, mounted on a Starguider pro. I used Sequator to stack then Photoshop and lots of YouTube for help😀 I think that there is a tiny galaxy to left of M13?