Starry Atlantic Pleiades

Observatory Setup

Gear & Setup Help

This page shares the astrophotography gear I currently use, why I chose it, and how each part fits into my imaging workflow. My setup is built around portability, simplicity, and creating detailed images of the night sky without making the process feel overwhelming.

Askar backfocus setup

My current Askar 103 APO imaging setup and backfocus configuration.

1. My Main Deep-Sky Rig

My main deep-sky setup is built around the Askar 103 APO, ZWO AM5 mount, ZWO ASI2600MC Pro camera, ASIAIR Plus, and ZWO EAF focuser. This setup gives me a balance of portability, image quality, and control.

2. Mount & Tracking

The ZWO AM5 is my main equatorial mount. I also use the Benro Polaris for portable and wide-field planning. These tools help me work from different locations without making every session feel overwhelming.

3. Cameras & Imaging

The ZWO ASI2600MC Pro is my cooled astronomy camera for deep-sky imaging. My Nikon Z8 is used for nightscapes, Milky Way scenes, star trails, and wide-field work.

4. Filters

I currently use the Optolong L-Pro and Antlia ALP-T Dualband 5nm filter. These help with different sky conditions and targets, especially emission nebulae.

5. Former RASA 8 Setup

I no longer own the Celestron RASA 8, but it was used for my Orion Nebula and Horsehead Nebula images with the ZWO AM5 and ZWO ASI2600MC Pro. It was extremely powerful and captured strong results with only about one hour of integration time.

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