Astro-photography

I've been using my Canon 60D for astro-imaging and general photographic work since 2010 and it's still going strong after over 98,000 clicks. 

Canon EOS 60D attached to Skywatcher Esprit ED120 telescope for astro-photography.

However, I decided that the Skywatcher ED120 Esprit refractor telescope which I bought last year had improved my astro-photography potential to a point where a new camera was warranted.

So I bought a ZWO ASI071MC Pro camera:

Here it is attached to the 'scope, after a couple of phone discussions with Bintel about attachment rings. The more I delve into astro-photography, the more baffled I become by all the different rings and screwed adaptors required!

The 071 mounted on the ED120 gives a theoretical  field of view of 116' (diagonal) or 96' x 64'.

Next up? I have to connect it up to the laptop and a 12v dc power supply, then learn how to use the Sharpcap software and see where it all leads me. I will also need to do a daylight check that the camera focus is ok with the rings provided. Then I have to practice accurate focusing, which I am sure will be a different procedure to what I am used to (but still using a Bahtinov mask).

With the Moon waxing, I have over a week to get used to all the new procedures before the first dark sky session.

Images copyright @ Roger Powell