Haha maybe seeing a break in the weather might be up there! It’s been unbelievably bad recently hasn’t it! You had any chance for Astro this past month?
Nice going Russell, My best rush of excitement is seeing that first sub, particularly when I am not expecting much and when it comes in makes my eyes pop and for me to express an exciting WOW! ... that was better than I expected. Yep, that certainly gets the juices flowing.
Thanks mate, I do love that first sun appearing on screen. I might need to change my mind though to Olly’s suggestion of the first stretch of the stacks, seeing what you’ve got to play with is also fun!
I think my favourite part of Astro is doing the first histogram stretch after stacking and realising (9/10) that I’ve actually gathered more data than I thought 🤔
Great shot Russell mate! - Can't wait to see how you get along with the Pod! :-D (RE: most exciting part - probably that first sub like you mentioned haha!)
Cheers Luke. Cant wait to share a video from the pod, it should be my next video, I just need a break in this terrible weather we've been having. Have you managed to shoot much this past month?
Great image Russell. Yep the arrival of that first sub is certainly a favourite but also, as you showed, a bit of an indication on how much time you're need imaging a target😬. Bet you can't wait to be in the dome permanently.
Cheers Logan, yes it is such a great part of the astro process. The dome is up and running, my next video should be from the pod...it is very nice to just be able to open the dome and start shooting
Simply amazing image!!! Thanks for sharing the details of your Edge HD 8 imaging train. I'm expecting my Edge HD 8 next week after over 5 months of waiting time 🤔.
Beautiful image of the cave nebula Russell. Stunning! It has been snowing here for the last week so I decided to start learning PixInsight. It’s definitely keeping me busy! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks very much Brian. I hope you are getting on ok with PI, I know it's a tricky programme to get your head around. I've just purchased the BlurXterminator plug in from RC astro. It is absolutely fantastic, you should take a look 👍
Great result Russell! I can’t wait to start collecting mono data now I’ve got all my filters in and the mono camera connected, hopefully first light soon! Excellent target, nice job mate👍 Clear skies!
Stunning image of The Cave Nebula Russell. I still need to develop my Sh2-155 image....I captured around 36 Hours of data with my ZWO 294MM Pro. I hope to get my image developed the next few weeks. (I was unable to develop it, as I was shooting the Northern Lights in Norway for 2,5 Months). Keep up the good work man. Great Channel. Cheers, Hendrik
Thanks Hendrik, wow 36 hours is amazing, I bet your image will be superb. Shooting the northern lights is on my bucket list, I bet that was an amazing experience.
@@RussellsAstrophotography I am shooting the northern lights about 5 months per year. So I have seen a few 🤩 I shoot most northern lights from our house in Northern Norway. An amazing country. You definitely should get out to the north and shoot the northern lights. Deep sky is nearly impossible here. I took many WO RedCat with me and not used it for 10 weeks. Impossible with all that green in the sky!
Wonderful image and great video as always. Would you be able to share your EAF setting on the ASIair, I am still battling to get the EAF to focus well with this scope.
Hi Eric, thank you very much. I've not shot with the Edge for a while, but will try to find the setting for you. Are you on any other social media? instagram / Facebook etc? If so, could you message me on there and I'll get back to you. Thanks,
Thanks mate, this was filmed about a month ago, but I've only just got around to editing it. I do have the dome up and running and I'm loving it, my next video should be my first light from the dome.
Thank you Russell for all your videos, they're very encouraging and truly informative--most enjoyable. I've been using my Celestron SCT 8" (sometimes with Hyperstar) and recently I've decided to purchase an ASKAR FRA 600. My question is why would you go from your FRA 400 to an SCT? Other than it's native 2000+ mm focal length, why did you feel the SCT was a "necessary" adjunct to your 400?
Thanks Joe, so glad you enjoyed the video. The main reason was the additional focal length. This opens up a wide range of different images and targets that you can photograph. It definitely wasn't necessary, but it came on the market and was a very good deal, so was just too tempted to ignore. I'm also really looking forward to using it to photograph more galaxies in the future, something that the FRA400 really isn't great at. The FRA600 should be a great scope, I hope you get to use it soon. Clear skies
The cave nebula seems to be a popular choice Russell very nice result you've got there mate. I hope you don't mind me asking your edge HD how do you get on with the autofocus routine? I only ask as you have mirror locks on the rear the same as my RASA has, but mirror flop really does kill the autofocus routine on my scope. I'm actually thinking about going old school & manually focusing using a mask then locking the mirror afterwards it's so bad sometimes.
Thanks very much mate. The autofocus seems to work perfectly with the Edge HD, I've not had any issue with it at all. It produces a great V curve and the focus is always spot on. I wonder why you are having issues with the RASA? I hope you can solve the problem.
@@RussellsAstrophotography I think is because its the version one 11" the version 2 and RASA 8 don't suffer with it due to the redesigned focus system. Weirdly though when I first got it going the V curve was good but now it goes all over the place. Thanks for your reply anyway mate clear skies.
Hello Russell, as I've said several times before, I really enjoy your videos. Want to ask your opinion. Like you, I'm a big refractor fan. But I need something with a longer focal length. My first choice was a Celestron Edge HD 8". Since they're not available new until later this year, I choose the other brand SCT. Very disappointed in it's performance. Focus on planets is fairly soft and not sharp like a refractor. There is a constant stream of Edge HD scopes available on Astromart. I'm tempted to buy one. What has your experience been with your 8"? Is the focus sharp on planets? What about your DSO imaging? Are you as happy with the outcome as your refractor? Really need some advice please.
Thank you very much Mike and sorry for the slow response...it's been crazy with work and the holiday this end. Unfortunately, I've not tried the edge on an planets but I have been impressed for DSO. I would say it is slightly softer than my refractors, but this can be addressed in post processing. I always prefer reaching for my refactors because they are so consistent and easy to use, but for that extra focal length, the SCT of fantastic. The biggest improvement I have seen is when I collimated the scope properly, this really helped produce better images. I hope this helps?
Hi Russell, Great content on the channel. If you had to chose between the edge 8 HD and the Askar 80PHQ (or similar refractor) what would you recommend? Is the edge 8 easy to use and image with?
Personally, I think I would go for the Askar 80PHQ. The edge is great, but it's not as easy to use, with collimation required and I think the images from the Askar are slightly sharper. The edge is great for smaller targets though. I hope this helps 👍
Hi Russell, I've been looking at getting a new camera. I'd appreciate your views. I am considering the 294MC pro or the 2600MC pro. Or I can go mono with the 294MM. Mono would be a bit of a jump for me as I've only used OSC so far, but I'm ok with that. Any thoughts? Thank you for your help.
Hi Andy, sorry for the slow response, I've been really busy lately. My personal opinion is that mono is definitely the way to go. The detail you can get with a mono camera is fantastic. If you have images before with a OSC camera, you should be fine. Mono imaging isn't that hard and there are some great tutorials available online. I hope this helps?
@@RussellsAstrophotography thanks for your help. I got a 2600mc but I'm not massively happy with it. The cooling doesn't seem very good and it keeps hanging during focus routines, necessitating a pc restart. I think I'll be returning it. I know many people have raved about how good it is, but I'm not so sure. Perhaps I'm expecting too much. I am surprised how buggy the driver is. Anyway, thanks again for your help. Have a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2023!
This is not very faint nebula. It is “averagely faint”. Very faint is nebulosity around Andromeda, dust around Iris, dust in shark and embryo nebulae. A lot of sensitivity lost in the system: not optimal filters, exaggerated guiding numbers (this is ASAir does!), not optimal focusing. What is point in using OAG, when focuser moves primary mirror?
When you get a faint sub, do you think about increasing your sub exposure by 60 seconds? Do you use the magnitude of the object to increase or decrease your exposure times? I'm thinking about getting this scope for the galaxy season, if you bought the scope today would you still buy the asi294 camera or is there a better option (April 2023) at this time? Thanks
Hello, I need a tip for astrophotography I have edge HD 8 too and I want know what filters do you recommend for nebulae and galaxy for my asi183mm pro, one more question it’s safe left my telescope the rest of night to morning?
Namasté,, Ecoplasma Limaaa Luna Ki.,ng.,oe Sankriet Russel hahaha Thanks for your Work, bless is the world with Humble men. Chico Wizz Kid Lima Visnhoe is born Panamaaa Colombian Go Russel says Hump WE Are VAN!!! Turn you Head Go 15 Enkidoe Bless hahah Keep awake the hague Namasté
I really like that you show the data for each individual filter before the final image
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video. I try to do that on most of my video. Thanks so much for watching
The thing I find most exciting is when it’s actually clear! 😂 Seeing strong data come through is a close second.
Haha maybe seeing a break in the weather might be up there! It’s been unbelievably bad recently hasn’t it! You had any chance for Astro this past month?
I feel the same, it's been terrible here in Auckland for a number of weeks now
@@FAstroHD We need some clear nights soon!
@@RussellsAstrophotography just one night where I got two rigs out. Irritatingly there was a config fail and one camera had gain set to 10! 😱😱😱
What a great image 👏🏻
Thank you
Nice going Russell,
My best rush of excitement is seeing that first sub, particularly when I am not expecting much and when it comes in makes my eyes pop and for me to express an exciting WOW! ... that was better than I expected. Yep, that certainly gets the juices flowing.
Thanks very much Pat! It really is an amazing part of the hobby! I love seeing that first sun appear!
Wonderful image Russell! I'd agree the favorite part of imaging would be when the first sub exposure rolls in. Dome is looking good in the garden.
Thanks mate, I do love that first sun appearing on screen. I might need to change my mind though to Olly’s suggestion of the first stretch of the stacks, seeing what you’ve got to play with is also fun!
I think my favourite part of Astro is doing the first histogram stretch after stacking and realising (9/10) that I’ve actually gathered more data than I thought 🤔
Oh yeah that is a great part of Astro…might actually be my favourite part as well! Especially that Ha stack!!
Nice one Russell! That final image looks like a painting, love it!
washers for weights, great idea! And another fine video. Thanks.
Thanks Ian 👍
Great shot Russell mate! - Can't wait to see how you get along with the Pod! :-D (RE: most exciting part - probably that first sub like you mentioned haha!)
Cheers Luke. Cant wait to share a video from the pod, it should be my next video, I just need a break in this terrible weather we've been having. Have you managed to shoot much this past month?
Great image Russell. Yep the arrival of that first sub is certainly a favourite but also, as you showed, a bit of an indication on how much time you're need imaging a target😬. Bet you can't wait to be in the dome permanently.
Cheers Logan, yes it is such a great part of the astro process. The dome is up and running, my next video should be from the pod...it is very nice to just be able to open the dome and start shooting
Very nice image Russell , bet you'll be glad when that's scops on its permanent mount
Thanks very much Anthony, yeah can’t wait to get it on the permanent mount! Will be so nice!
Great result on a tricky target, Russell! Nice job! :)
Thanks very much mate
Great final image
Thank you
Believe or not, my favorite part about astrophotography are the incredibly gorgeous morning sunrises.
Simply amazing image!!! Thanks for sharing the details of your Edge HD 8 imaging train.
I'm expecting my Edge HD 8 next week after over 5 months of waiting time 🤔.
Thank you very much. You're very welcome, thanks for watching
Beautiful image of the cave nebula Russell. Stunning! It has been snowing here for the last week so I decided to start learning PixInsight. It’s definitely keeping me busy! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks very much Brian. I hope you are getting on ok with PI, I know it's a tricky programme to get your head around. I've just purchased the BlurXterminator plug in from RC astro. It is absolutely fantastic, you should take a look 👍
Fantastic capture Russell! That Cave Nebula is so tough and you nailed it. Excited to here the obsy is almost ready for action as well!
Very nice! Hope the dome works out well for you.
Thank you very much
Great result Russell! I can’t wait to start collecting mono data now I’ve got all my filters in and the mono camera connected, hopefully first light soon! Excellent target, nice job mate👍 Clear skies!
Cheers mate! Hope you get some clear skies soon! Mono imaging is so exciting, when you see those Ha subs pop up, it really is amazing!
Great image !!!
Stunning image of The Cave Nebula Russell. I still need to develop my Sh2-155 image....I captured around 36 Hours of data with my ZWO 294MM Pro. I hope to get my image developed the next few weeks. (I was unable to develop it, as I was shooting the Northern Lights in Norway for 2,5 Months). Keep up the good work man. Great Channel. Cheers, Hendrik
Thanks Hendrik, wow 36 hours is amazing, I bet your image will be superb. Shooting the northern lights is on my bucket list, I bet that was an amazing experience.
@@RussellsAstrophotography I am shooting the northern lights about 5 months per year. So I have seen a few 🤩 I shoot most northern lights from our house in Northern Norway. An amazing country. You definitely should get out to the north and shoot the northern lights. Deep sky is nearly impossible here. I took many WO RedCat with me and not used it for 10 weeks. Impossible with all that green in the sky!
Yes! That first sub is always special.. never gets old. :)
Great image! This target is actually a good one for LRGB too. CS!
Thanks very much mate, I might have to give it a go in LRGB...if we ever get another clear night.
Wonderful image and great video as always. Would you be able to share your EAF setting on the ASIair, I am still battling to get the EAF to focus well with this scope.
Hi Eric, thank you very much. I've not shot with the Edge for a while, but will try to find the setting for you. Are you on any other social media? instagram / Facebook etc? If so, could you message me on there and I'll get back to you. Thanks,
Nice, dusty image… that’s on my EDGE HD 8” target list now 👍🏻😀
Thanks very much mate 👍 it’s a great target!
Great video and image, why not using your new dome you installed…?
Thanks mate, this was filmed about a month ago, but I've only just got around to editing it. I do have the dome up and running and I'm loving it, my next video should be my first light from the dome.
Thank you Russell for all your videos, they're very encouraging and truly informative--most enjoyable. I've been using my Celestron SCT 8" (sometimes with Hyperstar) and recently I've decided to purchase an ASKAR FRA 600. My question is why would you go from your FRA 400 to an SCT? Other than it's native 2000+ mm focal length, why did you feel the SCT was a "necessary" adjunct to your 400?
Thanks Joe, so glad you enjoyed the video. The main reason was the additional focal length. This opens up a wide range of different images and targets that you can photograph. It definitely wasn't necessary, but it came on the market and was a very good deal, so was just too tempted to ignore. I'm also really looking forward to using it to photograph more galaxies in the future, something that the FRA400 really isn't great at. The FRA600 should be a great scope, I hope you get to use it soon. Clear skies
The cave nebula seems to be a popular choice Russell very nice result you've got there mate. I hope you don't mind me asking your edge HD how do you get on with the autofocus routine? I only ask as you have mirror locks on the rear the same as my RASA has, but mirror flop really does kill the autofocus routine on my scope. I'm actually thinking about going old school & manually focusing using a mask then locking the mirror afterwards it's so bad sometimes.
Thanks very much mate. The autofocus seems to work perfectly with the Edge HD, I've not had any issue with it at all. It produces a great V curve and the focus is always spot on. I wonder why you are having issues with the RASA? I hope you can solve the problem.
@@RussellsAstrophotography I think is because its the version one 11" the version 2 and RASA 8 don't suffer with it due to the redesigned focus system. Weirdly though when I first got it going the V curve was good but now it goes all over the place. Thanks for your reply anyway mate clear skies.
@@dumpydalekobservatory I hope you can find a solution 🤞
Hello Russell, as I've said several times before, I really enjoy your videos. Want to ask your opinion. Like you, I'm a big refractor fan. But I need something with a longer focal length. My first choice was a Celestron Edge HD 8". Since they're not available new until later this year, I choose the other brand SCT. Very disappointed in it's performance. Focus on planets is fairly soft and not sharp like a refractor. There is a constant stream of Edge HD scopes available on Astromart. I'm tempted to buy one. What has your experience been with your 8"? Is the focus sharp on planets? What about your DSO imaging? Are you as happy with the outcome as your refractor? Really need some advice please.
Thank you very much Mike and sorry for the slow response...it's been crazy with work and the holiday this end. Unfortunately, I've not tried the edge on an planets but I have been impressed for DSO. I would say it is slightly softer than my refractors, but this can be addressed in post processing. I always prefer reaching for my refactors because they are so consistent and easy to use, but for that extra focal length, the SCT of fantastic. The biggest improvement I have seen is when I collimated the scope properly, this really helped produce better images. I hope this helps?
Hi Russell, Great content on the channel. If you had to chose between the edge 8 HD and the Askar 80PHQ (or similar refractor) what would you recommend? Is the edge 8 easy to use and image with?
Personally, I think I would go for the Askar 80PHQ. The edge is great, but it's not as easy to use, with collimation required and I think the images from the Askar are slightly sharper. The edge is great for smaller targets though. I hope this helps 👍
@@RussellsAstrophotography thanks russell. I went for the sky watcher esprit 100 ED APO.
Hi Russell, I've been looking at getting a new camera. I'd appreciate your views. I am considering the 294MC pro or the 2600MC pro. Or I can go mono with the 294MM. Mono would be a bit of a jump for me as I've only used OSC so far, but I'm ok with that. Any thoughts? Thank you for your help.
Hi Andy, sorry for the slow response, I've been really busy lately. My personal opinion is that mono is definitely the way to go. The detail you can get with a mono camera is fantastic. If you have images before with a OSC camera, you should be fine. Mono imaging isn't that hard and there are some great tutorials available online. I hope this helps?
@@RussellsAstrophotography thanks for your help. I got a 2600mc but I'm not massively happy with it. The cooling doesn't seem very good and it keeps hanging during focus routines, necessitating a pc restart. I think I'll be returning it. I know many people have raved about how good it is, but I'm not so sure. Perhaps I'm expecting too much. I am surprised how buggy the driver is. Anyway, thanks again for your help. Have a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2023!
This is not very faint nebula. It is “averagely faint”. Very faint is nebulosity around Andromeda, dust around Iris, dust in shark and embryo nebulae.
A lot of sensitivity lost in the system: not optimal filters, exaggerated guiding numbers (this is ASAir does!), not optimal focusing. What is point in using OAG, when focuser moves primary mirror?
When you get a faint sub, do you think about increasing your sub exposure by 60 seconds?
Do you use the magnitude of the object to increase or decrease your exposure times?
I'm thinking about getting this scope for the galaxy season, if you bought the scope today would you still buy the asi294 camera or is there a better option (April 2023) at this time? Thanks
Nasty ampglow...Is it easy to calibrate away ?
Yes very easy to cancel out with dark frames 👍
Hello, I need a tip for astrophotography I have edge HD 8 too and I want know what filters do you recommend for nebulae and galaxy for my asi183mm pro, one more question it’s safe left my telescope the rest of night to morning?
Namasté,, Ecoplasma Limaaa Luna Ki.,ng.,oe Sankriet Russel hahaha Thanks for your Work, bless is the world with Humble men. Chico Wizz Kid Lima Visnhoe is born Panamaaa Colombian Go Russel says Hump WE Are VAN!!! Turn you Head Go 15 Enkidoe Bless hahah Keep awake the hague Namasté
Very nice image Russell , bet you'll be glad when that's scops on its permanent mount
Thank you and yes, can’t wait to get it on the permanent mount