Messier M51 using ATIK 4120EX OSC and IDAS D1 LPS Filter

[Testgear]

This is about 2 hours of 300s subs. Taken between January and March 2017 from my garden in the UK.
Camera: ATIK 4120EX
Filter:  Hutech IDAS LPS - D1
Scope: C11
Mount: NEQ6 Pro
Guide Lodestar X2
Guidescope: Celestron 80mm
Processed in PixInsight.

Enjoy 
Messier M51

[Iria-Atik]

Such a great shot!

And especially from UK (please, more clear skies!)

Iria

[Testgear]

Thank you Iria.
I am glad you think so

[harriscmiv]

Very nice looking.  Do you have any experience with lesser autoguiders?  I am wanting to get rounder stars like yours.  Here was my effort around the same time frame as yours on my Edge 8" with an Orion Starshoot autoguider..

[Testgear]

Hi Harriscmiv,

Sorry, I opted for a longer focal length guide scope because I had read it was better when imaging with long focal length. I also find the Lodestar X2 a very sensitive and capable guide camera.
I did make sure the mount was balanced and PHD2 was calibrated and running with a very small wave in its graph. Below +/- 1. If the graph gets too big, this can cause larger or egg shaped/oblong stars as the mount is moving around. If you are using PHD2 you could check that.
Sorry I cannot help more. I am still learning AP myself (16 months ). I think the ATIK 4120EX just takes great pictures

[harriscmiv]

Thank you much.  I will research that...
take care..