After imaging with a webcam, I have decided to take the plunge into prime focus astrophotography. I purchased a Canon 400D in about 2006 with the idea to undertake prime focus imaging but didn't think seriously about it until recently. In fact, up until the recent lunar eclipse, I hadn't taken my telescope outside for well over a year. I guess having a baby limits the amount of time you have.
My current setup is an EQ6 with Astromeccanica motors. The scope I am currently using for imaging is my 8" Newt. I thought I wasn't going to be able to achive focus without cutting up my tube and moving the mirror, but I learnt that the 1.25" eyepiece barrel unscrews from the 2" adapter, which has a thread for the t-mount.
I spent a few nights, with many frustrating moments, learning how to drift align. Last night I thought I would quickly try imaging Omega Centauri. I didn't use any focusing software. I just took a shot and adjusted focus until I thought it was good enough. Obviously, this was quite hard as I was looking through the viewfinder. I only had time to take 3 shots (ISO 800, 45sec exposures, unguided) as high cloud was rolling in. Attached is a stacked image from DSS. I'm fairly happy with my first result. Obviously, I will need to get better focus, make sure polar alignment is accurate, take more subs (darks, lights etc but they can wait for a bit) and also learn what settings to use in DSS and processing techniques. But I think it's not bad image for a quick and dirty trial.
