Astro imaging has been the one aspect of amateur astronomy that I enjoy doing the most. It has remained as an obsession since the summer of 1977 when I first started. Here is my present collection of imaging systems and setups.

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Celestron Origin Mark II

​My primary imaging rig now is a Celestron Origin RASA smart scope. I recently sold my C8/EQ6/Hyperstar setup and have decided to strictly focus on using the Origin as my primary rig because it is a RASA scope working at f/2.2, and is capable of delivering excellence in a quick setup.

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For post processing images if I so choose,  I use both Deep Sky stacker with PhotoShop, and Astro Pixel Processor. As of September 2024, I have switched entirely to using Pixinsight for my processing, and I will stay with it for its many powerful features, but I do use other tools when needed such as Photoshop. The scope is equipped with the Celestron SSAG as well as the Giotto flat panel.

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Seestar S50

​I am also now using a Seestar S50 in addition to the Origin. I actually bought the S50 to collect the Messier catalog for fun.. It's my quick and dirty lazy imaging rig, fun for those nights when I just want a simple and quick setup. The S50 can do some amazing things. It is also my grab and go for nights at the Observatory.

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Explore Scientific ED80 on a ZWO AM3

​My Explore Scientific ED80 APO in my collection is a nice imaging refractor that I have set up with an SA-100 grating to do spectroscopy. It has been equipped with an ASI Air Plus and a ZWO EAF. In addition, it can be seen doubling as a nice deep sky stand-alone imaging rig depending upon the camera used. The ES ED80 also with a barlow can be used as a plentary imaging and viewing scope. The rig is all set up for guiding as well. Very versatile and high quality little setup.

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Lunt 50 on a ZWO AM3​

My Lunt 50 allows me to image the sun in hydrogen alpha using a multitude of cameras. It is a high quality scope designed specifically for this purpose.

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Cameras for imaging

My ZWO camera collection includes the following gear. Color cameras: ASI533MC Pro, ASI462MC Pro, Monochrome cameras: ASI120MM mini, ASI290MM mini. My Canon camera collection includes Canon T7i, Canon Xs

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