hi shaun,
when it comes to mars it is all about timing and seeing. forget seeing anything if its not near opposition. speaking of which 2018 is the best martian opposition for the next 15 years or so. so you've got time to prepare for that.
here is my best from last year's opposition
https://www.flickr.com/photos/803366...ream/lightbox/
not as good as the 10 year old - so i'll blame the seeing
cheers
rusty
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/planetopp.html