I am just a beginner and frankly my equipment is mostly entry level, but I do enjoy astrophotography.
Above: Select an imaging setup to view.
Below: Some of my astrophotographs.
Planetary imaging with my 150mm Mak-Cass.
This is a light weight setup and critical tracking is not neccessary so the CG5-GT mount works fine with a decent polar alignment. Using a fast web cam means autoguiding is not required either.
Widefield imaging with my 80mm APO scope.
Tracking is important so I am using the EQ6 mount. This side-by-side setup autoguides with a DSI Pro on a 66mm guidescope. The total payload on the mount is about 11kg (24 lbs).
DSO imaging with my 132mm APO scope.
Tracking is important so I use the EQ6 mount and autoguide with a DSI pro camera on a 66mm guidescope. The total payload on the mount is around 14 kg (31 lbs)
This is my current instrumentation. It includes a number of mounts, telescopes and cameras for different purposes. There is no 'one size fits all' in astronomy. Each type of instrument (telescope, camera, or mount) is better suited to different things.
Generally I have three types of setups: for imaging, for serious visual use, and for quick spur of the moment viewing. The latter is commonly known as a "grab-n-go" setup.
I enjoy public outreach so I use my grab and go setup for sidewalk astronomy (i.e. setting up the telescope at a local mall in the evening with other geeks ... I mean astronomers). This is always well received by the public.
