Thanks, guys, for your encouragement.
David, the cold weather here in Canberra really does help keep the noise down. At around 8 degrees there is (so I'm told) four times less noise in the DSLR than at 18 degrees. Can't wait for the frosts to arrive - not...
The longer exposure (159 mins) has eliminated most noise. There's no noise reduction software used with this image.
Pete, the current all-up weight is about as much as I want on the LXD-75 mount. It's a tough little mount carrying the SN-8" scope, Orion 80ED, Canon camera, Mintron video camera, Telrad, dew shield, dew heater, cables, etc. with resulting images as shown. I think it's really at its limit though and I'm looking to downsize the guidescope to an Orion Short-tube when I can get an extension tube to suit it. Wish I could afford a Losmandy but I don't think it'll happen this year. Maybe next year, but the siren call of the Hutech 40D beckons...
Gary, yes the LXD-75 is basically at its limit with 812mm focal length. The periodic error is such that autoguiding is a must, but all in all, for the price it's a great little mount. Good bang for buck.
