Cygnus Widefield - Astrotrac First Light

[swlloyd3]

Finally got a chance to use my new astrotrac I love it! Made everything from setting up to polar aligning quick and simple! Much quicker than heaving the HEQ 5 out!

Here is a test shot I did last night of the Cygnus region:

Details:

Mount: Old tripod for this test! really wobbly and very annoying!

Tracking: Astrotrac

Camera: Canon Eos 1000D

Lens: 50mm Nikon Nikkor Prime (70s lens)

Image Details:

20 x 60sec subs (taken 40+ but clouds ruined those half!)#

ISO 800

No darks, No flats.

No Light pollution filter

Stacked with DSS and processed in Photoshop

[iksose7]

Now that is a nice result, especially with no darks or flats. After having a look around on the internet, i'm seriously considering buying an Astrotrac instead of a scope and mount. You can get some excellent results with it, more affordable plus its perfect for travelling.

[Ags]

Very nice... I am thinking of getting a vixen polarie but the alternative is an astrotrac. Does the astrotrac go on any old photo tripod or does it need a special tripod? What tripod should you use?