Thanks Raymo,
My main focus at present is mastering my EQ mount & getting my Alignment & PA as tight as I can without becoming totally obsessed; I agree, obsession ruins enjoyment.
I use the all star polar align that is part of the Celestron options in the handset. Once I have that as good as I can get it, I may move on to the Sharpcap application to further refine. I have the software, I haven't used it as yet.
At present, I just want to see improvement.. I don't really have and end state in mind but, I don't plan to go overboard on expenditure either. I will probably purchase a reasonable (Read: TS Optics or similar doublet) 80 - 100mm APO within the next 12 months as I know the little Orion will produce false colour that I probably won't want to deal with. I know a triplet would be better but, the price becomes too much of a factor. I want to go the refractor path largely because it is compact, easy to transport & if I'm modest in my aperture then when we do travel I can pack it easily along with a bigger scope for visual work.. dependant on mode of travel.
I still intend to continue imaging with my SCT; it has limits being a fork mounted AZ/Alt but, as long as I work within those limits I can produce acceptable results & benefit from larger aperture, just shorter exposure times.
Camera wise; having seen your results, I will probably stick with my unmodded 1100d; the results you have produced & displayed here would satisfy me no end to be honest.
Definitely not a genius.. that's why I have paired back my approach & am just trying to take small steps & identify errors in one part of the process & correct before moving on.
My first goal is to produce some sharp images, short exposure with no trails; when I can achieve that, I will examine what my next step will be & probably seek further advice here.
On this note, is it worthwhile trying to find a 'bhatinov mask' for my dslr lens; I have seen them available on ebay fairly cheaply.. I already have one for my SCT & when I decide on what size APO, I will definitely get one for it. I have already learned that trying to focus by eye without a focus mask is pretty much a recipe for failure.
As always, thankyou for your input.. You are keeping me grounded & I really appreciate that..
Cheers
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo
My suggestions gleaned from many years of AP.
Fix one thing at a time, so that that thing works every time, and soon becomes second nature.
Start with focus; tight stars and sharp features look good, and encourage
you to persevere.
Polar alignment, needs to be as good as you can get it without being
obsessive about it. Obsession with any part of AP robs you of enjoyment
and your sense of achievement, and just ends up with frustration.
Add bells and whistles one at a time, and get used to them before adding
more.
Don't try to walk before you can run[unless you are a genius].
Don't expect the road to fine images to be easy[unless you are a genius].
Don't get tunnel vision regarding techniques/ hardware/software. If you
are really happy with something, by all means stick with it, but keep your eyes open, technology is moving forward quickly.
Decide whether you are going to aim high and eventually produce high
quality results, or aim for mid level quality, or perhaps not much more than stick your toes in the water, and produce mediocre results which never the less satisfy you.
This decision is important, because it will guide your equipment purchases,
and it will make you think about your budget. To produce very fine images
is a costly exercise.
Tell us what method of focusing you are using, and ditto with PA, and
somebody will help you with those things if necessary.
raymo
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