As far as I can go without an EQ mount

[pluto]

Some pics I've taken with my 5DmkII and the 5DmkIII from my work.
All taken on a photographic tripod, no tracking but LOTS of stacking!
The one of M8 and M20 is 107 lights (and about 100 darks) at ISO25600 on the mkIII!!

Getting out and shooting these have made me realise that I've definitely caught the astronomy bug so I've finally taken the plunge and ordered an ED80 on an EQ5.
There are quite a few more, as well as info for each shot, on my blog: www.hughca.com (http://www.hughca.com)

[silv]

Great pictures! :thumbsup:

So understandable that you simply HAD to get a scope and a mount.
Looking froward to your future imaging adventures. :)

[Astro_Bot]

Outstandingly sensible, unlike me who jumped in with an EQ6 Pro as first mount.

[jjjnettie]

:) Welcome to the dark side Hugh.
Have you investigated to see if there are any star parties held close to you? You'll get a wealth of information from them, especially now. Being able to see first hand what is involved with setting up for astro imaging, and being able to ask questions in person can be very important.
I'm looking forward to watching your progress. :)

[pluto]

Thanks everyone!
@jjjnettie - I was planning to join the ASNSW and I'm keen to get along to the next Astro Camp at Wiruna. It would be great meet other astronomers and learn from those who have been through it all before but I must admit I find half the fun is working it all out!

[jjjnettie]

:) The learning curve is definitely fun. In a tear your hair out sort of way. LOL It's just good to know that guidance is there when you need it.

[rolls05]

G'day Hugh. Took a look at your pics on your site and have to say wow man. You can work a camera. Made me think how lazy I've been getting. Really have to start getting into it big time. Thanks for the inspiration. Tho My camera wont get near those iso numbers. Mmmmm! maybe an upgrade lol.

[multiweb]

We have an Astro Imaging meeting this Wednesday. Tag along and come have a chat. It's at the epping Creative Center (http://www.asnsw.com/node/10#ecc)at 19:30.

[pluto]

@rolls05 Thanks! Nice to know I'm giving a bit back a bit of inspiration after all that I've taken from the people on this forum :-)

@multiweb Thanks very much, I'm ridiculously busy for the next 2 weeks at work (of course that would happen just when my new scope is arriving) but I'll try my best to come along. If not I'll make it to the next one.

[bazaud]

Hi Hugh,

Great images, what location were they taken from?

Barry

[pluto]

Hi Barry,
The first one was taken in Vaucluse in Sydney and the other 2 were taken in the Royal National Park just south of Sydney.
I've posted a couple of panoramas that I took in these 2 locations here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=95858

[Poita]

Lovely stuff. Time to build a barn door tracker?

[pluto]

I'm diving straight in and getting an ED80 on an EQ5, can't wait!

[Geoff45]

The next one is this coming weekend (15 September). It's a great place to come and pick up tips.You don't have to be a member to come, but camping is MUCH more expensive--$7.50 per day rather than $5.00 per day.
Geoff

[Regulus]

Hugh these are great and I'm looking forward to seeing your tracked images.

[pluto]

Thanks Trevor :-)

Geoff, I'm really keen to come on the 15th but I've got a crazy job on at the moment and I'll still be chained to my desk so I'll have to wait until next month unfortunately. I'll be thinking of all I'm missing when I'm stuck at work next weekend :-(

[naskies]

Congrats! The first time you see the Milky Way pop up on the back of the camera after a long tracked exposure is magical.