20251120 Deep sky imaging with a telescope

Finally took the plunge to use a real telescope for imaging.  I have been locking myself in camera lenses, thinking that it's easier and faster (aperture).

This test shot blew my socks off.  The stars are so nicely taken, much better than those camera lens.

I did some planet observation with my daughter Almy using the 8" SCT, nice one.

I spent little time in the preparation, which wasted some of my time in the cool weather.  My 85mm scope cannot reach focus without a diagonal or extension tube.  I went back and forth cooling off my fingers.

I tried to put on the motor focuser on it but the mounting plate is not matching.

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On the next morning, I placed the motor focusing along with the SCT focuser and it reaches focuser without problem.  I can use autofocusing next time, expect better results.

I have aligned my guiding scope, fine tune and locked the drawtube in a good position.

I am planning to sell my Canon FD 300mm f2.8, I won't be using it.  I will keep the Canon EF 200mm f2.8 however, for other type of photography, and also some wider field imaging.

I have placed the SCT reducer on my Meade 8" for lower power observation.