My Equipment - Updated


Introduction

I use several setups for astrophotography and visual astronomy. This page begins with complete imaging rigs, including sample images and capture details, then provides a component-by-component reference for my mounts, cameras, optics, and accessories. I update the page whenever my equipment changes.

Start with the rig sections for a complete picture of how each setup works. Use the component sections when you want specifications, acquisition dates, and notes about a particular mount, camera, telescope, lens, or accessory.

How to use this page

  • Click any category in the quick links to jump to that section.
  • Each rig follows the same template so you can compare specs quickly.

Last updated: 2026-09-28 — Ernie


Wide-field Deep Sky Rig (As of July 2026)


My current Wide-field Deep Sky Rig

Tech Details:

Why I use it: I built this rig around the Askar FRA400 because I wanted better optics and mechanical construction in a compact wide-field telescope. Paired with my dependable EQ6-R Pro, it is well suited to targets spanning roughly 1–3°.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Mini PC to mount directly onto the rig
  • Smaller / lighter weight mount - like a harmonic mount
  • Motorized Flat Panel
  • Rotator

Sample 1: NGC 6960 (The Witch's Broom)

  • Date: 07/23/2026 & 07/24/2026
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure:140×180s — Total 7 hrs.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 1: NGC 6960 from 07/23/2026 &07/24/2026.


Sample 2: WR 134 and Surrounding Nebulosity

  • Date: 08/15/2026
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 284x60s — Total 4 hrs. and 44 min.
  • Filter: None


Sample 2: Barnard's E


Sample 3: WR 134 and Surrounding Nebulosity

  • Date: 08/20/2026, 08/28/2026, & 09/06/2026
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 74×180s plus 85x300s — Total 10 hrs. and 47 min.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 3: WR 134 and Surrounding Nebulosity


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Ultra Wide-field Deep Sky Rig (As of May 2025)


Ultra Wide-field rig (mount not shown).

Tech Details:

  • Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
  • Optics: Askar FMA180 Pro
    • Aperture: 40 mm
    • Focal Length: 180 mm
    • Focal Ratio: f/4.5
    • Design: Sextuplet Air-Spaced APO
  • Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
  • Filters: Optolong L-eXtreme & L-Synergy (2") + ZWO Filter Drawer
  • Guiding: Player One Ceres C + SvBony SV165 30 mm f/4 Guide Scope
  • Electronic Focuser: ZWO EAF
  • Power/USB Hub: Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advance Gen 2
  • Other: N/A

Why I use it: I wanted a purpose-built telescope near the 135–200 mm range for targets that need a wider field of view, and the Askar FMA180 Pro was the right fit. It currently rides on my EQ6-R Pro—far more mount than this lightweight setup requires, but the only equatorial mount I own. This rig is ideal for targets spanning roughly 3–7°.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Mini PC to mount directly onto the rig
  • Smaller / lighter weight mount - like a harmonic mount

Sample 1: The Cygnus Loop

  • Date: 07/03/2025
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 79×180s — Total 3 hrs. 57 min.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 1: The Cygnus Loop from 07/03/2025.


Sample 2: A Wide-field Look into the Sadr Region of Cygnus

  • Date: 07/23/2025
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 103 ×180s — Total 5 hrs. 9 min.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 2: A Wide-field look into the Sadr Region of Cygnus.


Sample 3: M31 (The Andromeda Galaxy)

  • Date: 09/19/2025
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 111 ×120s — Total 3 hrs. 42 min.
  • Filter: None


Sample 3: M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy


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Retired Wide-field Deep Sky Rig (June 2020 - July 2026)


My retied wide-field deep sky rig

Tech Details:

  • Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
  • Optics: Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air Spaced Triplet (June 2020 - Aug 2024); Askar FRA600 (July 2024 - April 2025). Note: The Askar FRA600 was on loan from a friend.
  • Camera: Canon T6i Ha Modified (June 2020 - Jan 2023); ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (Jan 2023 - July 2026)
  • Filters: IDAS LPS D1 Clip in filter (June 2020 - Jan 2023); Optolong L-eXtreme  + ZWO Filter Drawer (June 2022 - July 2026)
  • Guiding: ZWO ASI224MC + Orion Deluxe 50 mm Guide Scope
  • Electronic Focuser: ZWO EAF
  • Power/USB Hub: Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advance Gen 2
  • Other: ADM Accessories V style dovetail bar

Why did I use it: This was my original deep-sky imaging rig and the setup with which I learned astrophotography. I bought the Explore Scientific ED80 used at NEAF in April 2020 and ordered the EQ6-R Pro that June. I began with a Canon T6i DSLR, purchased used in 2018 and modified for H-alpha in 2021, then added the ZWO ASI2600MC Pro in January 2023. In July 2024, a friend loaned me an Askar FRA600 while recovering from shoulder surgery. The rig worked well for targets spanning roughly 1–3°. After I acquired the Askar FRA400, I reassigned the ED80 to visual observing; it now complements my 8-inch Dobsonian with a much wider field of view.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • N/A - This rig is no longer in service

Sample 1: NGC 7000 (The North America Nebula)

  • Original Configuration (Canon T6i plus ED80 mm APO)
  • Date: 06/18/2026
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 28×300s — Total 2 hrs. and 20 min.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 1:NGC 7000


Sample 2: The Lagoon Nebula (M8), The Trifid Nebula (M20), & the open cluster M21 

  • Second Configuration (ZWO ASI2600MC Pro plus ED80 mm APO)
  • Date: 07/06/2024
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 114×60s — Total 1 hr. and 54 min.
  • Filter: none


Sample 2: M8, M20, & M21


Sample 3: The Tulip Nebula (Sh 2-101)

  • Third Configuration (ZWO ASI2600MC Pro plus Askar FRA600)
  • Date: 07/26/2026
  • Location: Eden, NY
  • Exposure: 25×180s — Total 1 hr. and 15 min.
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme filter


Sample 3: Sh 2-101


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Mounts & Star Trackers


Primary Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro


Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro

Tech Details:

Why I use it: The EQ6-R Pro is my only mount for deep-sky imaging. Because I could initially afford only one mount, I chose a model with enough capacity for a future, larger telescope. It has been a dependable workhorse since 2020—although it seems to get a little heavier every time I lift it.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Replaced original saddle with ADM saddle


Star Tracker: iOptron SkyGuider Pro


iOptron SkyGuider Pro

Tech Details:

  • Type: Equatorial Star Tracker (tracks in RA only)
  • Capacity: 11 lbs. (5 kg)
  • Acquisition Date: circa 2018

Why I use it: An astronomy friend gave me this SkyGuider Pro in 2018 after upgrading to a model with a built-in polar-alignment camera. The tracker was not working when I received it, but I repaired it after taking it apart. I used it while learning astrophotography, then rarely returned to it after assembling my deep-sky rig in June 2020 because its polar alignment is so fiddly.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • I would like an improved wedge with better polar-alignment locks and adjustment knobs.


Alt-Az Mount (For Visual): SvBony SV225


SvBony SV225 Alt-Az mount

Tech Details:

  • Type: Altitude- Azimuth (Alt-Az) Mount
  • Capacity: 22 lbs. (10 kg)
  • Acquisition Date: May 2026

Why I use it: I converted my Explore Scientific 80 mm refractor from an imaging telescope to a visual telescope in May 2026, so I needed a capable alt-azimuth mount. The SvBony SV225 is well made and offers good value.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Better connection to the mount for the slow motion knobs.


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Cameras


Imaging Camera - ZWO ASI2600MC Pro


ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Tech Details:

  • Type: Dedicated Astronomy Camera  - Cooled One Shot Color (OSC) 
  • Sensor: Sony IMX571
  • ADC: 16 Bit
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 6,248 x 4,176 pixels
  • Pixel Size: 3.76 micron
  • Acquisition Date: Jan 2023

Why I use it: The ZWO ASI2600MC Pro is my primary deep-sky imaging camera. It took me several years to save for it, but it has been worth the investment. I chose a one-shot-color camera rather than a monochrome system because clear nights are infrequent in Western New York, and I want to use that limited imaging time as efficiently as possible.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Maybe upgrade to a mono camera someday


Guide Camera (Wide-field Deep Sky Rig) - ZWO ASI290MM


ZWO ASI290MM 

Tech Details:

  • Type: Planetary/Guide Camera  - Mono (not cooled)
  • Sensor: Sony IMX290
  • ADC: 12 Bit
  • Sensor Size: 1/2.8"
  • Resolution: 1,936 x 1,096 pixels
  • Pixel Size: 2.9 micron
  • Acquisition Date: Circa 2023 or 2024

Why I use it: I bought this camera used from a member of my astronomy club for two reasons. First, a monochrome camera is better suited to guiding than the ZWO ASI224MC color camera I had been using. Second, moving the ASI290MM into the guiding role freed the ASI224MC for other uses without disturbing my imaging setup.


Guide Camera (Ultra Wide-field Deep Sky rig) - Player One Ceres-C


Player One Ceres-C

Tech Details:

  • Type: Planetary/Guide Camera  - Color (not cooled)
  • Sensor: Sony IMX224 
  • ADC: 12 Bit
  • Sensor Size: 1/3"
  • Resolution: 1,304 x 976 pixels
  • Pixel Size: 3.76 micron
  • Acquisition Date: Mar 2025

Why I use it: My goal is to make each astrophotography setup as self-contained as possible so I can swap one rig for another with minimal reconfiguration. I accidentally ordered the color version of the Player One Ceres-C and noticed the mistake too late to make returning it worthwhile, but it still serves effectively as this rig’s guide camera.


Camera/Planetary Camera - ZWO ASI224MC


ZWO ASI224MC

Tech Details:

  • Type: Planetary/Guide Camera  - Color (not cooled)
  • Sensor: Sony IMX224
  • ADC: 12 Bit
  • Sensor Size: 1/3"
  • Resolution: 1,304 x 976 pixels
  • Pixel Size: 3.76 micron
  • Acquisition Date: circa 2018

Why I use it: This was my first astronomy camera purchase. I got it to take pictures of The Moon, Jupiter, & Saturn. When I got bitten by the deep-sky bug, it became my first guide camera. I like to use it now with the All-Sky lens, especially during meteor showers.


Canon T6i DSLR


Canon T6i

Tech Details:

  • Type: DSLR Camera
  • ADC: 14 Bit
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 6,000 x 4,000 pixels
  • Pixel Size: 3.72 micron
  • Acquisition Date: circa 2018

Why I use it: The Canon T6i was my first camera upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera. I initially used it for nightscapes and Milky Way images, then made it the imaging camera for my first deep-sky rig in June 2020.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Ha modified in 2021


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Lenses & Telescopes


Imaging Telescope - Wide-field Deep Sky Rig - Askar FRA400


Askar FRA400

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Apochromatic Refractor (Quintuplet Astrograph)
  • Aperture: 72 mm
  • Focal Length: 400 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/5.6
  • Focuser: 3" Rack and Pinion
  • Acquisition Date: May 2026

Why I use it: The Askar FRA400 is a well-corrected astrograph designed specifically for astrophotography. Its relatively light weight and wide field of view make it easy to use, while its optics produce strong image quality. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • I added Askar f/3.9 Full-Frame Reducer for the FRA400 and FRA500. This 0.7x Focal Reducer will shorten the focal length to 280 mm, creating an f/3.9 system.


Guide Telescope - Wide-field Deep Sky Rig - ZWO 30 mm Mini Guide Scope f/4 


ZWO 30mm Mini Guide Scope f/4

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Refractor
  • Aperture: 30 mm
  • Focal Length: 120 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/4
  • Focuser: Helical
  • Acquisition Date: May 2026

Why I use it: Simple guide scope that was provided with the Askar FRA400. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • N/A


Imaging Telescope - Ultra Wide-field Deep Sky Rig - Askar FMA180 Pro


Askar FMA180 Pro

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Apochromatic Refractor (Sextuplet Lens / Astrograph)
  • Aperture: 40 mm
  • Focal Length: 180 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/4.5
  • Focuser: Helical 
  • Acquisition Date: Christmas 2024

Why I use it: Before buying the Askar FMA180 Pro, I had no optics between 50 mm and 480 mm in focal length. I wanted something near 200 mm that was purpose-built for astrophotography. The FMA180 Pro fills that gap with sharp stars across my APS-C sensor, good detail on deep-sky objects, and an excellent ultra-wide field of view.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Added the EAF Kit - Allows use of an Electronic Focuser


Guide Telescope - Ultra Wide-field Deep Sky Rig - SvBony SV165 30 mm f/4 Guide Scope


SV165 30 mm f/4 Guide Scope

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Refractor
  • Aperture: 30 mm
  • Focal Length: 120 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/4
  • Focuser: Helical
  • Acquisition Date: May 2026

Why I use it: Simple and affordable guide scope. Good fit for Ultra Wide-field Deep Sky Rig. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • N/A


Guide Telescope (Retired Wide-field Deep Sky Rig) - Orion Deluxe Mini 50 mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser


Orion Deluxe Mini 50 mm Guide Scope w/Helical focuser

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Achromat Doublet Refractor
  • Aperture: 50 mm
  • Focal Length: 162 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/3.2
  • Focuser: Helical
  • Acquisition Date: Circa June 2020

Why I use it: Simple Guide scope that mounted in a Synta/Vixen style mounting bracket. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Added ADM rings and Vixen bar for more stable mounting.


Rokinon f/2.8 14mm lens


Rokinon f/2.8 14 mm lens

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Ultra-Wide Focal Length Camera lens
  • Focal Length: 14 mm 
  • Max Aperture: f/2.8
  • Min Aperture: f/22
  • Focuser: Manual
  • Acquisition Date: Circa 2018

Why I use it: Great for Milky Way / Nightscape shots. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Added a slider for square filters (not shown).


50 mm lens (The Nifty Fifty)


Canon 50 mm lens

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Camera lens
  • Focal Length: 50 mm 
  • Max Aperture: f/1.8
  • Min Aperture: f/22
  • Focuser: Manual
  • Acquisition Date: Circa 2018

Why I use it: Great for wide-field star / constellation shots. 

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • N/A


Visual Telescope - Orion XT8 Classic 8" Dobsonian


Orion XT8 Classic 8" Dobsonian

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
  • Aperture: 203 mm
  • Focal Length: 1,200 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/6
  • Focuser: Crayford
  • Acquisition Date: circa 2012

Why I use it: This is my primary visual telescope, and I use it often for outreach. I also enjoy observing with it while my imaging rig is harvesting photons.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Howie Glatter Parallizer
  • Dual Synta Shoe
  • GSO 8x50 RACI Finder 


Visual Telescope - Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air Spaced Triplet


Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air Spaced Triplet

Tech Details:

  • Optical Design: Apochromatic Air Spaced Triplet Refractor
  • Aperture: 80 mm
  • Focal Length: 480 mm 
  • Focal Ratio: f/6
  • Focuser: 2" Rack and pinion
  • Acquisition Date: April 2020

Why I use it: The Explore Scientific ED80 served as the imaging telescope in my wide-field rig from 2020 through 2026. It now complements my 8-inch Dobsonian as a wider-field visual telescope, although I occasionally attach a DSLR to photograph events such as lunar eclipses.

Upgrades/Wishlist: 

  • Added the Rigel QuikFinder

Smart Telescope - Coming Soon (hopefully)


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Accessories & Misc


IDAS LPS D1 Clip in filter 


IDAS LPSD1 Clip in filter 


Optolong L-eXtreme (dual narrowband - Ha/Oiii)


Optolong l-eXtreme filter


Optolong L-Synergy (dual narrowband - Sii/Oiii) 


Optolong L-Synergy filter


ZWO EAF (Electronic Focuser)


ZWO EAF


ZWO Filter Drawer Gen 2


ZWO Filter Drawer Gen 2


Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen 2


Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen 2


PrimaLuceLab Sesto Senso 3


PrimaLuceLab Sesto Senso 3


SvBony SV241 Pro Astro Power Controller


SvBony SV241 Pro


Explore Scientific 2-room Pop-up Observatory


Explore Scientific 2-room Pop-up Observatory


Rigel QuikFinder


Rigel QuikFinder


GSO 8x50 RACI Finderscope


GSO 8x50 RACI Finderscope (right)


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