M101 via an ST102

[Imd]

I tried out my new/used Skywatcher ST102 for the first time last week whilst on holiday. I stayed in Broadway, Cotswolds. I couldn't see too much light pollution in the sky although I did have an anoying street light close by and it doesn't appear to get really dark about midnight. M101 was directly above and so this probably helped me out a little with star trails as I am not yet guiding.

I took 34 *45' lights and 1 dark using an Canon 1100d @ISO 1600 and then stacked using DSS. I have not tried used photoshop etc yet but I did use Auto enhance on my iphone to add a little more contrast.

I am pleased that this cheap small travel scope will allow me to take shots of DSOs. (I am easily pleased).

I thought I would post the results in case anyone was considering an ST102 and was wondering what a relative beginner could do with it.

Thanks for looking

Ian

[Imd]

I think the small smudge next to M101 is NGC5477, either that or its just a smudge

[Gina]

It's real - imaged it myself

[andre808]

With you their, cant afford expensive gear, to many hobbies. I got this with a £120 80mm F5 achromat the other night. From heavy light pollutted area. 60x40 sec +21 darks. EQ5 with RA motor and Cannon D350. If clear tommorrow gonna get about 90 minutes worth, and see how much improvement there will be.

[Superdavo]

Awesome! Certainly will get better with more data

[Imd]

I like the pic Andre, there's lots of colour and plenty of detail for such a small scope.

[Coco]

Well done! onwards and upwards