Thanks to everyone for the comments and kind words, I must say I'm very happy that I have been able to retain an imaging setup, regardless of how small it might be.. This way I can still enjoy doing what I love through these tough times....
Dennis - Funny you should mention enjoying capturing this image.. After the first sub downloaded from the camera, I took a look at the expansive field of view and got a rather big smile across my face. I dare say I'll really enjoy capturing wide fields for a while until I can get back into a longer focal length setup... As you say... I'm still young, and theres plenty of time for me to build up a big setup again in the future..
Clive - Yes it still catches the photons, and faster than the RC did too..
There sure is a lot of stars in this image for rather short 1 minute exposures.. Given the polar alignment I could probably have gone 2~3 minute subs, although I had to process out quite a few blooms in this image as it stands, so 3 mins would have made things quite difficult.
Doug - No need to drop a bundle you know.. Sure things are tough at the moment, but struggle is natures way of strengthening.. Just got to go with the flow and do the best with what you've got... I agree the 70ED seems to be a very capable scope, the optics look very nice... before drift aligning last night I took a close look at antares, alpha centauri, and Jupiter.. all seemed colour free and very sharp.
Frank - The 70 does appear to do a good job.. I'm sure when I flatten the field it will do better too! Colour will be the big test.. although from what I could decern visually the CA is very well controlled in this image and correction seems brilliant, even inside and outside of focus... Yes I can guide the HEQ5 pro, and have organised all the bits and pieces required. Next weekend I should be guiding, and taking much longer exposures with the colour camera..
Renormalised - Change is as good as a holiday in many respects.. Im taking a very positive stand point on my having to downsize... It gives me a chance to image targets that were not very appealing with the narrowfield imaging setup.. In time, I will build up a big rig again, and possibly keep this rig running too..
David & Barb - Thanks, I am very happy to be able to continue astro-imaging, and to be able to continue posting..
Thanks again everyone,
Your support is very much appreciated.
Alex.