Accessory recommendations and progres

Hemi · #1 03-01-2016, 01:05 AM

Dear members, ive had the c925 evo for 4 weeks and this forum and its members have been great....the skies in Darwin haven't so much! Had 7th light yesterday....it was awesome......Tuc 47, Orion Neb, crab Neb, aldebaran, sombrero Galaxy, and then Jupiter and its moons.....and then our own moon.....WOW. My seeing ability is getting better, and I fumbled with the dslr a bit and managed to work out what goes where etc. and took a few pics! I would like some advice on the following issues please.
1. Focus and shake.....do most people use an electric focuser? Is it a good solution?
2. Frequently changing between different eye pieces and between visual eye pieces and dslr at prime focus is a fiddle. Any alternative solutions eg quick release mechanisms instead of thumb screws?
3. Can anyone recommend a good electronic log for observations. iPad or Mac ideally.
4. A recommendation for a good observation chair that's height adjustable.
Cheers

rrussell1962 · #2 03-01-2016, 07:36 AM

Great to see that you are pleased with your telescope. To answer your points regarding accessories, based solely on what I use with my Nexstar 8SE, other people may have better suggestions:-

1. I have the JMI motofocus which eliminates focus shake. It's a very neat unit but with hindsight an expensive solution to something that was, at most, slightly irritating.

2. No suggestions from me on quick release items for cameras, not really my thing.

3. I use Sky Safari on iPad and Mac. You can use the built in object lists, create your own observation lists and enter notes when you observe. Get the Sky Fi wireless unit or the Sky Wire and you can control the telescope from the iPad. Having said that Sky Safari is primarily a Planetarium program and not a dedicated telescope control program or observation log. But is does work very well indeed.

4. I have the Skywatcher observation chair, comes flat pack self assembly, not expensive and so not the greatest piece of quality furniture. It has not collapsed though and I think is worth the money. I also have a height adjustable mechanics stool from Supercheap Auto that works ok but has somewhat limited adjustment, not enough adjustment actually to be honest.