New guy from Florida

[bashbrook]

I am new to deep space astrophotography, but have been photographing the Milky Way for several years. We have a lot of light pollution in FL but we do have a few spots where the MW is visible. I also made several trips out west to enjoy the dark skies and photograph the MW. Then COVID, a couple of other things happened and haven't been on a photo trip for a couple of years. I have always enjoyed looking at the stars, using astronomy apps and photographing the eclipse back in 2017. Sitting at home, I thought I would try a couple of other lenses (90mm macro & 200mm f4) to see what was possible. I was able to get a small version of the Orion Nebula and thought that was pretty cool. Unfortunately my tracker, iOptron Skytracker Pro has a lot of play and could not reliably track with the 200mm. So then the research and the rabbit hole began. I found a used Orion EQ-G mount for a very reasonable cost only a couple of hours from me and it came with a 10" reflector. So I made the plunge and the crazy journey has begun. I will say it has been a bit challenging starting out with a 10" (lots of coma), finding targets, plate solving, tilt, light pollution and other challenges. I have gotten to know APT and have got it to work with my Sony a7s and finally figured out how to plate solve, but still working through other little things. Have started to play with NINA in which I like the interface much better.

Looking at the near future, looking at the Askar V, possibly the AM5 for portability (we have an RV and another location), portable power station and possibly a dedicated astro camera.

Looking forward to learning more with everyone.

Brad

[helicon]

Hi Brad and Welcome to the Forums! We're glad you're here!

[messier 111]

welcome in , nice pic .

[Ylem]

Welcome to TSS Brad, thanks for joining us

That is a gorgeous photo!!

[Butterfly Maiden]

Hello Brad and welcome to the Forum.

[Makuser]

Hi Brad. It's great to have you join us here on TSS and that was a very nice introduction and MW image from you too. Welcome to the forum Brad and the best of wishes on your astronomy and astrophotography adventures from a fellow Floridian.

[Bigzmey]

Welcome on board Brad. Beautiful shot!

[smp]

Hi Brad, and welcome here to the Forum!

smp

[Juno16]

Hi Brad and welcome to TSS! It's great to have you here!

[JayTee]

Hello Brad,

Welcome to TSS. Glad you joined us.

Cheers,

[JSBach1801]

Welcome aboard! Glad to have you.

[starfield]

Welcome, Brad

[Unitron48]

Hello and welcome aboard! Great image!!

Dave

[Thefatkitty]

Welcome to TSS Brad, nice intro and great pic as well!
Nice to have you here and all the best,