My first little setup

[Woody]

Have been playing with my new toy, a HEQ5 Syntrek and a Skywatcher ST80. Pictured with my 500d and 100-400mm L zoom and Lenova netbook.

The scope can't sit very central on the mount at the moment because of bolt heads being in the way, but a very generous SGL member has offered to make me a better suited dovetail,Cheers Peter.

Thanks for looking

Jeremy

[zhgutas]

you can do a whole lot with that setup Jeremy!

clear skies!

[MrsR]

I am jealous - have fun x

[Psychobilly]

It will soon be sorted ... the bits are on my desk so I dint forget to do it in the morning...

I personally wouldn't trust lump of an L series lens to the bush on top of the standard ST80 rings... its highly likely that you will get differential flexure between the camera and the ST80 guidescope...

Peter...

[Woody]

Peter - Yeah it is a bit iffy. I have seen a photo of Steppenwolf's piggy backed setup with a dovetail bar and manfrotto quick release so will aim for that.

[brantuk]

Looks nice Jeremy - very capable setup

[Psychobilly]

Having dropped a Nikon D200 and Nikkor AF-S lens to the deck from the top of a scope onto concrete I now dont take risks...

Thank God for "pro" insurance... although they repaired both rather than replacing under the new for old ...

Peter...

[RogerTheDodger]

Nice Woody. Are you using the lappy to steer the scope?

[Woody]

RogerTheDodger - yes, a EQDIR to the mount and using Stellarium. I actually haven't used any of it in anger yet due to rain, clouds, light pollution.... Hopefully up to Suffolk next weekend to a dark site.

[Ad Astra]

Looks like a lovely astrograph - Can't wait for your first light report.

We're even clouded out here in the desert - clouds and rain solid for the last 8 days or so.

Dan

[Neilius]

Lovely set up - Functional and no nonsense. Hope the sky clears for you (and us!)

[collangm]

Hi Woody,

Just out of interest, where in Suffolk did you intend going to? I live in Suffolk and am just starting out in Astronomy and am keen to identify good dark sites to visit, even with my old 10X50 bino's to get me started whilst I decide on which scope/equipment to buy?

Thanks,

Gary

[Woody]

G'day Gary. I am actually at my brother-in-laws place at Onehouse (a bit outside Stowmarket on the way to Finborough). Last night turned out to be very good weather wise didn't it! Had first light with my little ST80 and was quite impressed with such a small scope. I will never forget seeing Saturn. Problem is now...I need a bigger scope!

When I am next in suffolk I will give you a shout.

Cheers

[collangm]

You're right about last nights sky, especially as it had been raining all-day long! Quiote a treat when taking the dog out for his last pee before his bedtime

Gary

[helios99]

i will be going the same way soon nice