Okeydokey Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 I have a EQ1 mount, my scope as detailed in the sig, I have a finder and can fit an az tracking motor to the mount. But... I also have a Pentax K-m camera...How far am I from getting started in imaging effectively? The current camera lense is 18-55 so I know I wll have to spend, but I have variously read advice on going for a 200mm fast camera lense (below f4) and an Astrotrac? and forgetting about the scope. I don't mind this idea, I can use the scope for eye work only.I would like to take DSO's in the future but fancy a go at some lunar stuff on the way! I have not discounted the scope option for imaging but seems most expensive.Any input appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs001 Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 You should be able to get a rough polar alignment, with the EQ1, you could even fit an RDF or simple finderscope to improve on it. Then 2 to 3 minutes with the EQ1 at short focal lengths (18mm) should be achievable. Beyond that, you're either looking at a heavier EQ mount (HEQ5 or so) and you can use your scope on it at a later date, with guiding etc, also lunar. Or, you can look at the portable options. Vixen Polarie, iOptron Skytracker or Astrotrac. The Astrotrac has a greater load capacity, and has a lunar tracking rate, so far though, I've not used longer than 50mm and at 50mm, 5 minute exposures is easy.Have a look at Steve's book also... http://www.firstlightoptics.com/books/making-every-photon-count-steve-richards.html before laying out any large sums of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okeydokey Posted September 19, 2013 Author Share Posted September 19, 2013 Many thanks John, I think that was where my instincts were leading me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs001 Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I found this in my library... It was shot mounting my 450d on an EQ1, I'd bolted a standard 6x30 optical finder to the mount to get a better PA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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