Nexstar 8SE and DSOs...

[danccat]

I've got my new mount and camera (AZ-EQ6, modded Canon 1100D) but only have one scope at the moment which is more ideal for planetary viewing - the Nexstar 8SE.  Ideally, I'd like to try and get some shots of DSOs... although limited, which sites do you guys recommend I attempt?  Would m42 be a good target? or the andrometer galaxy? Or would neither be suitable??

Thanks guys, clear skys.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

M42 would be my first target, but it would be best to get a reducer. Visually the 8SE is fine of DSOs (same optics as my GP-C8), but for imaging, an EQ mount is really required.

[danccat]

I'll be using my Sky watcher AZ-EQ6 mount

My main concern was of the scope not being able to image these objects 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

On an AZ-EQ6 with reducer it should be possible (although not easy). Without reducer guiding becomes hard, and exposures need to be long.

[danccat]

but possible? Okay, thank you.. will need a reducer then... add that to my list!  

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

With a load of patience, imaging at F/10 is possible, just not that highly recommended. The 0.63x reducer can often be found second-hand for a very reasonable price

[davedownsouth]

M82 would be my first target.  It is nice and bright and should be just about the right size for your scope, you might even get M81 in the field of view as well (well, maybe not)?

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

M82 is certainly a good target, but M42 also fits nicely in the FOV of a DSLR if a reducer is used. I think M42 has the higher surface brightness

[Leveye]

A lot of times i use Stellarium to compose before i image. In settings you can put in the size of the sensor of your specific camera and the focal length and aperture of all your scopes. You can then go to the DSO of choice in the program and it will put a red rectangle around the objects showing you whats covered. You then will see how much the sensor will cover and can rotate and compose before you actually image that night.

[danccat]

Can you connect wirelessly to Stellarium? I've got it on my pc, but not used it much