Focusing. Whats the best way?

[M00NMonkey]

Hi All,

Had a great time last night using the whole set-up for first time. Finally the clouds cleared enough!!

I have uploaded what I achieved but it was rushed as I was over-keen and over excited so the results aren't brilliant, but I am made up with it. Really can't wait to try again with the new knowledge I have gained from playing around with the kit and software.

My question is: The way I was focusing was pure guess work. I couldn't see any sort of image to focus on, either through the camera view finder or in live view on backyardEOS. So, I was taking short subs and then fine tuning (guesstimating) focus then taking another shot, focusing, another shot etc etc....until the image appeared to be fairly focused ( as i said, it was rushed )

Is this the right way to achieve focus? or am I doing something drastically wrong?

Cheers for any help

Jez

[Scott]

hi Jez,

a batinov mask certainly will improve your focus (which I don't think is terrible). You can make one or you can buy them from flo for under £20 (I think).

Scott

edit: try focusing on a bright star nearby before moving on to your target.

[watersblue]

I made a bahtinov printed onto card. I simply stanley-knifed it out and surprisingly, it works.

[steppenwolf]

.... and another vote for the Bahtinov Mask - I never enter the observatory without one!

[M00NMonkey]

Cheer all, I had heard people mention a Bahtinov Mask but seeing as I am new at this, I didnt know what they were on about

I will google it now, thanks for advice

Clear Skies

Jez