My Wide-Field Astrophotography Rig: Nearly Complete and Worth Every Penny
After a previous post garnered interest, I'm sharing the details of my current wide-field astrophotography rig. This setup represents a significant investment, totaling $8200 new, but one I feel has brought me to the cusp of completeness, with only a rotator being a potential future addition.
The Core Components:
- Telescope: William Optics Pleiades68 (260mm f/3.8)
- Main Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Guide Scope: ZWO 30mm f/5 Guide Scope
- Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Computer: ZWO ASI Air Mini
- Focuser: ZWO EAF
- Filter: Optolong L-Ultimate 2”
- Filter Drawer: ZWO 2” Filter Drawer
- Power Distribution: Pegasus Astro Power Box Mini / Pegasus Dew Zap Controller
- Mount: ZWO AM3
- Tripod: ZWO TC40 with 160mm Pier Extension
- Battery: DJI Power500 (for remote use)
- Losmandy Plate: Apertura Brand x2
- Dew Straps: Generic brand
- Counterweight: Orion/Meade liquidation 11lbs
- Weatherproof Cover: Heavy-duty waterproof ripstop fabric (nautical grade)
- Cable Management: Generic brand cable management sleeve
The Counterweight Revelation:
While harmonic drive mounts like the ZWO AM3 are often touted as counterweight-free, I've found that adding an 11lb counterweight has dramatically improved my guiding performance. My guiding accuracy has gone from around 1'50" to under 50", which is a substantial improvement and makes it feel like a necessary component for my setup.
The Rotator Debate:
The only potential addition to this rig is a rotator. While some argue they are unnecessary, especially for German Equatorial mounts, others find them invaluable for capturing multiple targets with different rotations or for semi-remote setups where flip flat panels are also highly beneficial. For now, I'm content, but the possibility remains.
Power and Portability:
The DJI Power500 battery provides an impressive 18 hours of runtime, making it excellent for camping trips and extended remote astrophotography sessions. The Pegasus Astro power distribution handles all my power needs efficiently.
This rig represents a significant financial commitment, a fact acknowledged with a bit of self-deprecating humor from the community, but the results and the reliability of the components make it a worthwhile endeavor for any serious astrophotographer.
