Hi Lem,
I've also recently gotten into astrophotography. I'm using the good old Skywatcher 8" + EQ5 Mount. The way I went about astrophotography was to simply buy the dual-axis hand controller and modified it to accept ST4 guiding. I have attached a link detailing what ive done and have sample images from both my 8" and 80ED
Perhaps by reading it you might get a better idea of whats involved.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=88981
Im also going to be selling my 8" set up soon and Im in Melbourne so if you ever have questions or consider buying my Newt, im happy to help out
just send me a Pm with your qs. Clear skies!