Hi All,
Well after two nights of stuff-ups I finally managed to image M83 last night. I only got in 18mins worth of exposure before begin clouded out, and I'm not 100% happy with the image but thought I'd post it anyway.
I reckon I break all the rules of imaging, but rules are made to be broken
..
Rule #1: Guide at at least 1x, preferably 1.5x the focal ratio of the imaging scope.
Broken! I guide at f/5 & image at f/10. 0.5x!
Rule #2: Shoot in Raw mode
Broken! I shoot in jpeg and have yet to find a reason to go to Raw. I started with Raw, but it didn't make any difference.
Rule #3: Image in a dark sky.
Broken: Most of my images are taken in my light polluted back yard.
Rule #4: Use hartman mask or other focus aid.
Broken! I focus with the eye & trial and error with the camera screen until I get it close enough.
Rule #5: Take dark frames every time you image.
Broken! I took some dark frames ages ago at different ISO & time settings. These are the masters I use every time now. Seem to work ok.
Rule #6: Do a flat field..
How can I break a rule if I don't even know what in means!...
Anyway that's enough rambling. I guess my point is that you don't need to follow every rule in the book to produce images and experimentation is the key!