I was out the other night taking some nice shots of NGC 5128 and was having a few minor issues getting my target into focus.
Equipment/Software
- HEQ5 Pro
- ES102 APO with ZWO EAF (pretty much this setup file:///D:/Installation%20of%20the%20ZWO%20EAF %20on%20an%20Explore%20Scientific%2 0ED102%20(1).pdf)
- Sequence Generator Pro
I am unsure if I am having a focusing issue or an issue with my mount tracking. Guiding looked to be fine so I can rule that possibility out. I had a look at the focuser today and notice a little bit of backlash but usually between shots I will get one that is really clear and sharp and the next one a tad blurry.
After a bit of tinkering I got a feeling it's my tracking on the mount as I had similar results a while back with another telescope and camera I used with no electronic focuser.
I have attached three consecutive photos of my target. You can see its sharp and in focus, then out of focus then back to normal.
Any ideas on what else I can test especially if I am having a tracking issue with the mount?
Chrys
Had a similar issue ( not quite the same ) 2 weeks ago with the same target NGC 5128 ( read my post in Beginners Astrophotography ) Had to refocus just over halfway through my subs ( only because I noticed it , if I hadn’t checked all my subs would have been slightly out of focus )
I put my problem down to the focus drifting caused by atmospheric diffraction / dispersion and Jetstream as the object ascends from lower altitudes ( 30 degrees ) up to higher altitudes ( 70 degrees ) ?
Doesn’t happen that often
Martin