The Observatory Gear
OTA
My primary instrument is the Sky-Watcher 130 PDS. This versatile telescope is perfect for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate astrophotography. Its resolution is truly impressive for its size. Featuring a 130mm (5") aperture and a 650mm focal length at f/5, it has proven to be a reliable workhorse.
Mount
My tracking setup centers on the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 Pro. I sought a reliable GO-TO mount and found a true treasure. Acquired for a bargain at £300, the unit had been expertly tuned by its previous owner to eliminate common gear friction and backlash issues. As a result, it achieves incredible sub-arc-second tracking. I have since removed the hand controller to operate it entirely via NINA and EQmod, creating a streamlined and highly responsive digital workflow.
Guidance
Auto-Guiding System: Secondary optical train ensuring perfect star alignment by correcting minor periodic errors in real-time during exposure. The source of my biggest headache, but actually incredibly necessary. From left to right. the ZWO ASI 120 mini camara, The SVBony 220 30mm mini scope, the whole thing connected to an AngelEyes carry handleÂ
Camera
When I began my journey in astrophotography, I relied on a 17-year-old stock Canon EOS 40D. Recently, I transitioned to a specialised astronomical camera, and it has been a transformative upgrade. Standard DSLRs typically filter out hydrogen-alpha light, making vibrant nebulae nearly impossible to capture. Navigating this shift over the last six months has been a demanding yet rewarding experience.
I have integrated an SVBony filter drawer onto the camera, allowing me to swap between a UV/IR cut filter and a dual-band filter depending on my subject.
At the end of the imaging train sits my Baader Mk3 Coma Corrector. My experience with it is bittersweet; while it performs excellently as a corrector, I originally purchased it second-hand under the impression it was a Sky-Watcher 0.9x reducer. I had hoped to achieve a wider 585mm focal length at f/4.5, but the seller had obscured the identifying Baader branding. Despite the misunderstanding, securing such a high-quality piece of optics at half its retail price remains a significant win for my rig.
Accessories
Listing every single accessory would take far too long! Instead, I have compiled a selection of the most vital components for anyone looking to follow a similar path in astrophotography.
Featured here is the system's brain: my NiPoGi mini PC. This lightweight, low-vibration computer clamps directly to the mount tray arm. It integrates all my hardware using EQmod, NINA, and PHD2, allowing the entire rig to sync seamlessly and granting me a bit more rest during long imaging sessions.
Another essential tool might seem trivial, but it saved me from endless frustration: the Lynx Astro FTDI EQDIR cable. This specific cable enables flawless communication between the mount and EQmod software. Before I acquired it, my mount simply wouldn't connect; I wasted time on three generic cables before realizing that this specialized link was the missing piece of the puzzle.
The final key accessory is my SVBony dual-band filter. This piece of glass is transformative, allowing me to capture stunning planetary and emission nebulae by filtering out the heavy light pollution of my Bortle 5 skies. It is an absolute necessity for urban imaging.
Honorable Mention:
The SVBony SV241 Power Box — this is a fantastic tool for cable management, significantly reducing the number of wires trailing from the rig. While it simplifies the electronics, it did introduce some minor challenges with declination balancing that I had to carefully fine-tune.