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That's a lovely m104 Martin well done!! Great detail in the dust and those background galaxies look wonderful too! This is one of those targets that greatly benefit from longer focal length (and good seeing) and your new newt is really performing well. I've hit the sombrero a couple of times with my c14 and was amazed by the different results between good vs average seeing.
Guiding at 0.6-0.7 is still pretty good, but on nights of good seeing your rig could certainly be a bit tighter than that probably down to 0.4-0.5 easily. My eq8 is one of the first gen models and nudging 20yrs old and has HUGE dec backlash. But even though I've adjusted the RA backlash I've never really felt the need to fiddle with the DEC as with a good 3D balance my DEC error is very good even with 35+ kg load. I suspect these eq8s can be a bit inconsistent depending where on the worm you are sitting and I certainly find the same thing and as you did, put it down to sub-par QC. Also, be very careful if you adjust things in warmer weather or during the day cause mine seems to tighten up when it's cold... I've had it binding during the night even though fine previously. From what you describe, if I were you I wouldn't touch it.
Can't wait to see some pics from those other projects!!
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