Thinkin' about quitting...

[codemonkey]

I'm not getting much use out of my equipment these days. My last image was 2 months ago; and that was 2 months after the one before that. Got a few in September, but that was after a 4 month hiatus.

The forecast had been looking good for tonight and tomorrow night, but once again has changed for the worse. Soon winter will be here and with it the fog that rolls in from about 9pm.

Looking back at the 5yrs, 7months I've been into this hobby (which I have enjoyed greatly for the most part), I've averaged about 1 "keeper" image every 2.5 months.

Thing is, I'm getting to the point where I don't really miss it any more...

I could just put all my equipment in storage and wait until I catch the bug again, but I'd estimate there's about 20k worth of equipment there... I could sell most of it off and put it towards other endeavours, maybe get back into "normal" photography. It's a lot of money to leave in storage for a 37yo with a mortgage. I don't mind spending some money, but I need to be getting value out of it...

If I do sell the gear off it'll be at a loss... most of it was purchased new from overseas; it's not like I purchased it second-hand here and I could sell it with minimal loss. If I did want to get back into the hobby it'd be pretty much impossible to convince the wife to let me buy another Mach 1.

I had thought maybe there's a compromise; sell my current gear and get a D810a and chuck it on Star Adventurer or similar for super wide-field stuff but it doesn't look like there's any filters that could be used to make the D810a suitable for daylight photography. Anyone have any suggestions on that front?

[Slawomir]

Hi Lee,

Once or twice similar thoughts crossed my mind recently, so I think I understand how you feel. I thought of going totally visual, as well is selling all gear and putting funds towards an access to a remote site.

I think you could quickly get bored with imaging super wide fields, but I might be wrong. If it is really only the lack of clear nights that is getting in the way, then two possible solutions would be hiring a spot for your rig in a remote observatory or paying for accessing remote telescopes with some top skies.

I'm truly sorry that you are not getting much use of your equipment, particularly after significant recent investments. It has been about 5 months since the last time I took the scope out - I accepted that imaging in NQ is only possible for about 4-5 months / year, so I got a tinny to keep myself busy during the wet and humid season :fishing:

[sharpiel]

Sorry to hear this Lee. We’ve been IIS members for about the same time I guess, tho not sure if we’ve spoken.

Perhaps I could help...I will personally mind all your equipment for you here and return it to you when you’re ready to get back into things. And to make sure it’s always in good condition I’ll ALSO regularly use your equipment.

All this for you my IIS buddy... FREE. OF. CHARGE. :D

[skysurfer]

Hi Lee,

Selling your gear, you will regret.
I live in a country with a much worse climate in the sense of both cloudiness and light pollution. Winters are much colder, not as bad as e.g. Russia or E Europe, but colder than the coldest places in Australia. And in summer it gets barely night due to the high latitude. Sometimes there is a 2-3 month interval between two astrophotos when at home.
I am in the lucky position I can make yearly trips to South Africa or Australia (I am in the latter right now) help me continuing this hobby, which I have been doing over 50 years. This allows me to see real dark skies and the southern skies.

Get a decent DSLR e.g. the Nikon Z6 which is lighter than its D750 predecessor, mirrorless and mounts all Nikon F mount lenses and a lightweight travel scope + mount or, what you say, a Star Adventurer which can carry a Nikon DSLR + 300mm lens.

[glend]

Lee, been there mate, although my re-evaluation was brought on by health issues. In my case i realised there were other things I wanted to do, and having completed the Southern Hemisphere nebula imaging i was losing inspiration anyway.
I have sold off most of my scopes, kept just the CGX in the Obs, an my APO, if the inspiration returns. I do not regret selling my scopes, well maybe the MN190, briefly. With some of the money from selling scopes I am able to fund new hobbies.

There are plenty of potential interests/hobbies for a youngster like yourself.:thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

Lee,

I recommend storing your gear away somewhere and spending some time on regular photography. If you want a new challenge, try imaging something really small, really close - try insect macro.

I'd be willing to bet you will want to come back to astro after giving it a complete break for a while.

[Wavytone]

Hi Lee, you’ve pretty much summed up why I do not do photography anymore - not enough time in dark skies to make it worthwhile. I do a bit of visual just for fun these days.

If you have kids it just gets worse until they’ve developed some independence - 10 years at least - by which time the electronics will be well and truly obsolete - if they work at all - and in this respect I’d suggest consider parting with the cameras.

A good mount and scope are worth keeping though if stored so they don’t grow fungus - as they don’t really become obsolete provided the electricals work.

[JimsShed]

Sounds like you need a new direction in the hobby, or a new hobby. Regardless I’d suggest you start by selling some surplus bits that you just don’t use anymore, and consider going visual for a while (you must have at least one good eyepiece) as this will help you overcome the “output quota” mindset, then see how you feel.

[xelasnave]

Maybe cash it in and go for a smaller set up. A HEQ5 and a camera, even an 80mm triplet is not that much of an investment..run short subs unguided..make it more like fun rather than hard work.
And if its simple you can drag it out or put it on away with less effort and therefore less disappointment if the weather lets you down.
I have been doing widefields the last couple of days because the weather threatened clouds and moisture...but with the simple set up ( old mount with no dec just a ply plate to mount the camera) and low fl so polar align is not critical it has been fun. 30 second subs so no guiding, no lap top and pack up just put the camera away.
Tonight I set up the 80mm guiding lap top narrow band camera poper polar align with pole master and it was too moist to really do anything...lot of effort no result...so I wished I had gone the widefield tonight also...
You are a young person so give it a rest downsize to get the odd night out....but one keeper every two and a half months is good going really.
Alex

[Ukastronomer]

Act in haste repent at leisure

[pmrid]

That pretty much sums up my past year or so. When it isn't overcast, its a full moon, blowing a gale or so hot that the CCD can't reach anything below zero. Then there's the usual malaises that go with long gaps such equipment playing up, forgetting how to configure stuff, and so on.

I have not processed an image in almost 18 months now and that's another skill that is slipping away. Not that I ever had much of it to start with pf course.

I've decided to give this winter a final go and decide after that whether to persevere with this hobby. It's a shame but sometimes, you just have to say enough.

Peter

[ChrisV]

Sorry to hear this Lee. For one, your thread on tilt in your newt got me to think about my setup and got me on the path to sorting it out. I was getting rubbish images before I followed that thread. Now, they are a bit less rubbish - but at least the tilt and coma artefacts are greatly reduced.

The pressures of mortgages etc do make it difficult to justify expensive hobbies. I'm lucky I'm of the age where mine is nearly done with.

[multiweb]

Interests come and go. Don't sell anything in rush though. You never know, you might be missing it when it's gone. Hobbies are like life. The more diversified the better. Obssession is not good for one's mental health imho, whatever your drug is. But you have to admit looking up with a reclining chair and a pair of binoculars sipping on some port never gets old where ever you are.

[Spartacus]

Hi Lee,

Most of my enjoyment from this hobby has not been measured in keeper images, although it's great for all the "stars to align" so to speak. The most enjoyment has been from meeting technical challenges inherent in the hobby and the camaraderie from getting together with like minded people. You can still do this and have a great evening with no images but time spent sharing experiences and tips etc.
You don't live far from the Maleny Golf Club astronomers. They have a great dark site up there (plenty of power too) and although you still get the mist it's high enough that it is not a problem every night. Plenty of people of all sorts of abilities so lots of opportunities to share. Look them up on Facebook if you are interested. This can be a way of getting your mojo back.

Regards,

Mike

[alocky]

You could always take a new direction as others have suggested. Why not get involved in variable star observations through the AAVSO, or even get into asteroid occultation measurements? Your gear could add a great deal of data to science.
As for the D810a I shoot one during the daylight and it doesn't need any filters. Some pros even prefer it for portraiture as it does give a slightly warmer cast to skin tones, but I'd challenge anyone to pick it unless they were looking for it. Happy to share heaps of daylight images with you if you need to be convinced.
cheers, and hope you hang around the hobby a bit longer.
Andrew.

[xelasnave]

Sorry I did manage something after my post last night so it was not a total loss.
The D810a (download in camera and avoid a lappy or desk top) an 80mm on an unguided heq5 simple but I would expect one would get satisfying results.
alex

[Shano592]

I think the longest I have gone, with consecutive clouded-out new moons, plus work commitments, was 18 months a few years back.

I recall sitting with the scope afterwards, reminding myself how it all worked.

It would be a rare person who doesn't go through what you are going through right now. The QLD weather of late may not be helping, either... My advice would be to stick with it, at least through the cooler months that are coming. Hopefully, the weather steadies for you (and me!), and you pick up that desire that you have presently misplaced.

[cometcatcher]

I've been able to do very little imaging since I got my new 183. But I accept that living in Mackay comes with long spells away from astro.

I've just taken on a mortgage here too so will have very little for any new astro gear. So I'm keeping everything and while cloudy get into cloud photography. If you can't beat em, join em. ;)

Have I been missing astro? Yes and no. It's hard work. Rewarding though.

Take up another hobby but keep your gear. That's my advice, from a hoarder. :)

[glend]

While it is great that so many folks want Lee to stick around, at 37 he is at an age when many folks do make some changes. Family, work, mortgage, and other commitments are all important, and mid-career decisions are often made in the late 30's to early 40s. It is, i believe, fairly common that men put aside some of the hobbies and distractions of younger years to dedicate themselves, and their time, to things that are just more important. It happened to me, and others I know well. This does not mean Lee's astronomy interest is gone forever, just sublimated by more important aspects for some time. Many of us have returned to astronomy in retirement, or picked up other interests which we could not explore (or afford) in more demanding times of our lives.
I think Lee deserves our support in making the decision which is right for his circumstances at this time.:thumbsup:

[Nikolas]

it was a clear evening night in melbourne but the smoke haze from the recent fires killed it

[RobF]

Wise words Marc :)

This hobby and others can get obsessive. No need to feel guilty about time out, as long as the nights it all comes together are still fun and with good company from time to time. :thumbsup:

[Slawomir]

Just went outside and wow! - a clear sky and so many stars! It's been a while since we had a clear night. Forecast says min 21C tonight, so we might get the coldest night this year so far. Might put my act together and build that long awaited obsy before winter comes.

[Atmos]

A lot of people here have made a few good suggestions. For me the main one would be to keep the Mach 1. It can be used for wide field and it can be used for visual if you feel like going down that path for shorter viewing sessions (if visual interests you). It is also the most difficult piece of kit you have to replace. If you're feeling disgruntled with astronomy as a hobby in general at the moment (more so astrophotography) it could be good to see how you feel at the end of this up and coming winter period.

I know myself I go into an astro hiatus over the summer period due to astronomical darkness not hitting until I should be in bed and twilight again beginning around the time i should be getting up to go to work. November - Feb is also my busiest time of year at work so apart from occasionally sneaking in a bit of rare occasional visual I don't do anything astro for a solid few months but I do try to make up for it in Winter.

If after this Winter period you're still not feeling it anymore, selling everything but the Mach 1 could be a good idea. If after another year or two you still don't find yourself missing it or using it at all, then maybe it'll be time to go. Come January I do personally start getting a bit disgruntled myself as I don't have any time to get out and do anything at night but that'll all start changing around now until October/November when I'll go through this again.

[skysurfer]

You live in northern Europe ?
There (where I live) is indeed the case that it twilights almost all night long. And the daylight "savings" time makes it worse.

[Atmos]

I’m in Melbourne, Australia.

Darkness hits at 10:30pm and twilight beginning at 4:30am in the height of summer.

[codemonkey]

Thanks for all the input guys, I do appreciate it. I've been mulling over the responses here and I think for now I'll hang onto my gear and see how I feel when I finally get some clear skies; maybe that will get the fire started again. No sense in rushing a decision here.

In the meantime maybe I'll take a leaf out of Suavi's book and try to learn how to fish.

[skysurfer]

That means plenty of dark sky in a summer night.

[N1]

Don't know about Melbs, but over here, summer is mostly crap for a number of reasons, reduced dark hours just being one of them (and nights are even shorter here). Nothing like a crisp, clear, steady winter's night

[Atmos]

Wasn’t suggesting there wasn’t a good amount of hours,more so that imaging and getting enough sleep for my 10-12 hour work days during that period isn’t great.

[glend]

Haha, talk about trading off one frustrating hobby for another.:rofl:

[Slawomir]

Great to hear about your decision to hang onto your gear. Maybe we could try another project together one day, like we did with the Cent A?

As for fishing, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth trying IMO. I used to fish regularly (read: almost daily) back in the days, but now mostly do it for being one with the sea and only on a good day. It's kind of similar to stargazing me thinks.

Glen: Funny comment, but strangely enough- I am never frustrated about fishing nor astro. Just wish I could do both more often :)

[sil]

Lee,

I understand the dilemma. Got over $15k in a scope but since my stroke 5 yrs ago I can't use it and since i'm not getting much support towards treatment never likely to be able to use it in the future. Got mortgage too. But still its a good rig and represents a solid chunk of cash i could badly use but selling I wont likely get even 10% in return. and if i do get treatment support I'll never have the money to buy a replacement in the future if i sold. So i hang onto it in storage in hope people might help me with treatment though clear they won't. In the mean time I was able to repurpose smaller gear to continue my interest in astrophotography which is good but also frustrating knowing I've got gear sitting gathering dust to take my efforts to the next level.

I guess you have to decide if you need the money bad enough in the short term or not. If you sell will you be likely to afford similar or better gear later? Or just downsize with gear suited to your lifestyle and put efforts into different skills you do enjoy. Look honestly at what prevents you getting outside? Can you change the negatives so they dont exist anymore?
Dont complain about the situation though, you have choices, be thankful you havent had a stroke destroying your life forever but leaving you alive to suffer.

[Octane]

I feel your pain.

I'm going through a trial separation at the moment, with the hope of reconciling. I've moved into my own new apartment and haven't touched any of my gear since August last year, as it's in the observatory at the missus' place. My balcony faces due west. I've ended up in a h0ughy situation -- I am opposite a Bunnings and the orange floodlights are wonderful.

I think about all the projects I was working on, and, what I had hoped to work on, every single day. It hurts.

I haven't set up my computer as I don't have a desk yet. There's gigs upon gigs of data waiting to be processed.

Having said all that, I just can't even begin to think about parting with my FSQ-106N, nor the FS-60CB. The rest of the gear can go, but, not the scope.

I'm glad you decided to hold on to your gear; the regret and remorse after selling it would have made you miserable. While the skies may be crappy, you still have your gear. The best time of year is coming upon us quickly, and, I hope for your sake that you're able to get out and enjoy it again.

H

[glend]

H, not to depress you, but you know those Tak's are assets in relation to any eventual financial settlement. I was forced to sell my wooden boat to clear a debt during the wrangling for $. Maybe they should have come with you, even if they are just in the closet. They can be held hostage. People get really nasty when lawyers start pulling the strings. Good luck.

[astronobob]

Thats is exactly what I've been through last couple years, finally made the decision to put my time, energy & $ into something with atleast some returns, both dollar wise & practicality ! Also admittingly, I am not the type who enjoys sitting at a lappy for hours, let alone learning progs & Narrow-band to image from the Burbs, just not my cup-o-tea ?

Sooner play mechanics, tools & workshop steel stuff, restoration etc

Am still keeping my Star Tracker and/or a small eq5 mount for a fix when camping, always attracts interests within the camp grounds !

That said, everyone's choice is totally their own, and no one has to do a particular hobbie till the end of their days...
Also, I have decided to sell most of my gear now, which is not a real lot & definitely not expensive kit, tho atleast get something back ?

Just my Bob's worth - Lee

Kind Rgrds

[JimsShed]

Do they even have fish at Kilcoy? :)

[Octane]

Hey Glen,

We've gone through the hassle, time and expense of getting legal agreements drawn up already; all my astro stuff is mine, if the worst should happen.

Day-by-day things are getting better, so, I'm hopeful that it all resolves for the best. :)

I'm sorry you had to sell your boat. :(

Also, I hope your health is better after last year's scare.

Cheers.

H

[leon]

Gee H that is not good mate, and i an so sorry to here that news, hang on to the Taks mate at least, I know how good they really are.
I hope things improve mate, but not to be a stick in the mud things will never be the same, although you would like that to be the case, I have been there myself.

Leon

[PCH]

Hey H,

I'm really sorry to hear that news mate, especially as it doesn't seem that long since you guys got together. Hope you get things sorted in a way that allows you both to be happy matey :)

[Shiraz]

good.

your images are excellent and you seem to get enviable seeing at times - be a real shame to have a bit of future sky goodness up there and no-one making use of it.

[codemonkey]

haha. Thanks Ray.

Yeah, hasn't been a good run in that regard lately. Even in September when I managed three images, the seeing was some of the worst I've seen.

I *did* manage to get 2.5hrs on NGC 2997 a couple of months ago with some of the best seeing I've had (1.5" FWHM in luminance), but then the never-ending poor weather rolled in so I've been unable to finish it.

[garymck]

I think the frustrations of this hobby are getting to many, and I am also almost ready to chuck it in. When I first started imaging in the mid 90's with a homemade Cookbook 245 camera I could count on 2-3 nights to image a week. The climate seems to have gotten steadily worse and now I'm lucky to get 1 night a fortnight worth imaging.

My location in Geelong is s a POS. Light pollution is unbelievable (at least Bortle 8, more likely 9)- I have a small section of sky to image from due to it and neighbours second story additions. That and the high mist that seems to come in at around 11pm every clear night and ruins transparency.

If I had my time over, and knowing what I know now, I would never have spent the money I have on this hobby (even though my Mesu mount is absolutely awesome). If I thought I could recoup 2/3 of what I have spent I would sell it all. Unfortunately even good gear, well priced is having trouble selling and I won't fire sale it... I haven't touched my gear since I spent 6 hours of time on a relatively bright object (IC2944) and could barely stretch out any nebulosity.

My only hope is that I can persuade my partner to buy a country property when she retires - if I'm still alive, which may be doubtful as I've had a heart attack at 59, and bypass surgery at 66 :-(

In the meantime I'm going to teach myself to play the ukulele, do some airbrush art, a bit of woodwork (finishing an 8" dob), and possibly do some air rifle target shooting.....

May even dismantle my obs and pack everything it away.

Bit of a rant but the frustration gets to me when this has been pretty much a lifetime hobby ...

Gary

[silv]

ouch.

I calculated that I get 2 nights per good month, 3 nights if I count a moonlit night.
Good months: mid Feb to mid May, mid Sept to mid Nov. The rest of the year is either summer on 54˚lat or winter on the coast of the Baltic Sea with a river mouth close by = permanent cloud cover, no exaggeration.

Total of max 15 evenings per year. And that is still littered with disappointments from uncertain forecasts and sudden, unplanned for clear spells.

I'm in the observing lane. So I listened to my heart to find the answer what it is I actually like so much about looking with both eyes into serene beauty and into what I know is eternity and a distant past that's unimaginable.

Now here comes: why not get my hands/eyes wet on a stereo microscope and look at sands and crystals and other old stuff that my beach has aplenty. Quickly browsing through a microscoper forum, apparently I can even do imaging and "stacking".

So if fishing is not quite the answer, maybe fishing and a stereo microscope is. They even come in achromats and apos!

[silv]

Here's a microscopic image of sand from Alice Springs
https://www.mikroskopie-forum.de/pictures009/225301_54172779.jpg

and German sand, polarized
https://www.mikroskopie-forum.de/pictures009/225301_34868631.jpg
almost like M42, no? And the best thing: it's older than M42, much older...