Galaxy season dithering / drizzle ?

[GazAstro]

Hi all, so ... I,m very much an AZ-Gti / 72 ED user, narrowband due to Bortle 7 skies.

I do also have a C8 Edge that I dabbled with (usually for planetary) last year on smaller DSOs.

The image scale is around 0.55"/pixel on the C8/reducer and the HEQ5 really can't guide at that level of accuracy. It's also very heavy to set up for my 58 year old knees and back.

 

What would you do in galaxy season ?

Take a break / Try binning on the C8 - HEQ5 / Try drizzle with the AZ-GTi - 72 ED ?

Edited April 5, 2022 by GazAstro

[TerryMcK]

I like to take images of the circumpolar stuff at this time of the year as there is lots especially around Cepheus area. The only longish focus tube I have is the Dob which is like a sail on the HEQ5Pro. I'll probably get a SCT or similar long focus tube in the future but not too bothered for now.

You poll doesn't have an option for "Shoot around the Polar regions" otherwise I would have checked it 😉 

[GazAstro]

Cheers Terry, I thought tracking was harder near the pole ? or is that field rotation ?

Edited April 5, 2022 by GazAstro
added poll choice :-)

[TerryMcK]

When I say circumpolar it means the objects that appear to rotate around the pole but never set in the northern hemisphere. 

So they are quite an angular distance away from the pole but still well above the horizon. Think Cassiopeia or The Plough as those sort of asterisms that can be seen all night. 

 

It is true that if you try to guide on Polaris or the other stars close to the pole you may well have issues though.

[Padraic M]

You should be able to get your HEQ5 tracking at close to 0.55" with belt mod, re-greasing and balancing but binning 2x2 would be sensible anyway. You should be able to fit many interesting galaxies into your C8 fov. I don't know what your camera is. The larger galaxies will be too big.

Any reason you don't put the 72ED on the HEQ5???

[Demon]

As per above, if you put your very nice 72ed rig on your Rowen heq5 you've got a great wide field rig.

Also it's a cooled zwo so decent can and likely will bin nicely with the small stuff on the c8 also a winner. Just spotted its a 1600 so your well sorted.

Almost perfect rigs so lots of choice😀

But to answer your question I would go heq5 72ed wide field and go for areas with multiple galaxies...

Regarding weight and setup, I'd possibly concrete a post in for the az but maybe with a bigger wedge...

Edited April 6, 2022 by Demon

[paul]

I think binning is a good idea but perhaps even consider an 150mm (even 200mm) F4 imaging Newt for the HEQ5. That size of newt is very light weight and is a good match for the mount for imaging (I have an 150mm F5 for my "portable" HEQ5 and the combination gives me very crisp images and guiding isn't an issue). 

 

 

[GazAstro]

Cheers for the suggestions gents, the 72ED works fine on the AZ-Gti ( tracks guided at sub 2 arc seconds) so no need to hump the HEQ5 out for that.

My HEQ5 is re-greased by DarkFrame but I think is limited by my local seeing.

I feel a bit of experimenting coming on ... I do fancy the idea of a 3rd scope though 😂

Attached image captured on the AZ-GTI rig.

 

[Demon]

I'm sick of the poor seeing also. I'm doing stuff closer to zenith. But also trying lucky imaging. I've only got a cheaper cam so not much yet but it's interesting what others are managing to help with seeing.

P.s. Beautiful image

Edited April 6, 2022 by Demon

[Demon]

I think you've got a fantastic wide field rig and clearly producing fantastic results - envious.

I've been looking at smaller better quality short focal length newts and they are very interesting.

However whatever you go for my concern would be the very nice light tripod and azgti as the system get a little heavier.

I do think the heq5 is the obvious choice but as you say it portability is key then that's the bit I'd look at first - what will make using the heq5 easier i.e. A good trolley or shed etc. Then the world's your oyster especially with the gear you've already got and something with a bigger aperture but shortish focal length. Although even the c8 with your big camera can get a lot in - again just portability...

Good luck.