This was my first time imaging with a self-modified Full Spectrum Canon 6D which is a full frame camera. I have a review of the Canon 6D model, and it’s considered by some to be the best digital camera for astrophotography.
This was my second time out using a new Orion HDX110 equatorial GoTo mount and a 12″ Astro-Tech RC telescope. For lifting the heavy mount (55 lbs.) onto the pier and the telescope (50 lbs.) onto the mount, I used a small hydraulic lift table that I took with me. The tripod/pier weighs 65 lbs. and I used a large plastic container with wheels to move it to where I set up. Images through the 12″ RC were taken with a full frame format Full Spectrum Modified Canon 6D.
The EQMOD ASCOM driver was used to drive the HDX110 mount directly via a USB2EQ5 Interface Cable.
Equipment used:
- Orion HDX110 Equatorial GoTo Mount
- Astro-Tech 12″ Richey-Chretien Telescope at prime
- Widefield images taken with Nikon ED 180mm lens @ f2.8
- Full Spectrum Canon 6D for imaging
- Stellervue 70mm ED with 3X barlow Piggybacked – for autoguiding
- Starlight Xpress Lodestar autoguider
- PHD Guiding – Software used for autoguiding
- Canon’s EOS Utility for focusing and image acquisition
I found that the Orion SteadyStar Off-axis Guider/Adaptive Optics/Rotator unit that I had been using was designed for APS-C (1.6 crop factor) DSLR cameras and not for the larger full frame format Canon 6D sensor. I have decided to sell it; if you are interested contact me by email. I borrowed a Stellervue 70mm ED refractor from a friend and used it with a 3X barlow piggybacked for autoguiding. I have since been autoguiding using an Orion Short Tube 80mm as shown in the photo.
The Orion HDX110 mount was polar aligned by only using the polar align scope.
During this New Moon period we had 5 clear nights out of an 11 night stay.
