EdgeHD 8 Imaging Train | Dream Astrophotography Setup

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

That's a great scope, congrats!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks so much Chuck!

[@alexanderwagner9524]

I had the same weight problem with my back-heavy 6" RC and I decided not to put on more weight. Instead I drew a sketch of the dovetail with the necessary holes, made it a bit longer than the original one and got it CNC machined from an aluminium bar. Now I can push the scope forward until it is in balance.

[@dalilama2000]

You've got a killer setup for galaxy season Joe. Enjoy that light bucket!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks dali, just need some clear skies and I’m in business!

[@robertarmstrong9406]

Hello, I have almost the same setup. Just no filter wheel. I'm shooting a one-shot color. I have the same problem with weight. I was all the way to the end of the dovetail. But the great guys over at Starizona. (here in Tucson) set me up with a double weight that screws to the top of my telescope and the dew shield slides right under and you just tighten it down. Make for a much better balance. If you would like, I'd be happy to show you a picture of what it looks like.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Robert, I already ordered a Losmandy dovetail counter weight, but still like to see the picture of yours as well (in case I like it better) lol

[@jakebozman9130]

Can you share the picture of the double weight on top?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

@@jakebozman9130 Hi Jake, you can see what it looks like in the next video I did after this one called “First Light”

[@robertarmstrong9406]

@@jakebozman9130 Hi Joe, I have no idea how to post a picture in this format. You can test me if you like at 540-219-5191. I have also just purchased an ADM saddle for my EQ6R pro. Be trying that tonight. It is larger and heavier. Will be interesting to see if I still need the top weight or not.

[@CaptRescue2]

Congratulations Joe!! Cant wait to see what you produce!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Cap, tonight may be a good night!

[@johnellsphoto]

Nice description of details. Very useful as I consider going this route. Thank you.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks so much John!

[@michaelasbury5473]

I just re-watched this video. I just got my ZWO EAF for my EdgeHD and will be putting my 2600MM and filter wheel on my Edge. I was noticing how you had your image train to achieve back focus. It looks easier than I thought.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Mike! I am actually working on a video for connecting the ZWO EAF to the EdgeHd now. My back focus actually came out to 108mm instead of the 105mm. When I did 105mm I had star issues. I think the reducers protrudes inside of the OAG adapter and when I measure it's on the outside, but not sure. Either way, my outside measurement is 108mm from reducer to camera sensor.

[@michaelasbury5473]

@@JoesAstrophoto I got my EAF connected and working. It started WAY out of focus (probably from the installation). I used your image train as my example of setting mine up and it actually works pretty well for me, so far. I’m trying bin 2x2 with my ASI 2600MM. According to the telescope/camera calculator it would be a little over sampled otherwise. My first target is the Wizard Nebula. So far, so good!

[@SimonT65]

Hi Joe, I think that you have the main cover for your filter wheel the wrong side up. It looks like the screws that hold it in place are sticking proud. If you turn it over the screws holes are countersunk making them fit flush

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Simon! I actually purposefully flipped the cover because my Astrodon filters were too tall for wheel. They get caught on the ribs on the cover, but by flipping it over they work. Great catch though!

[@HogarthsAstrophotography]

Fantastic Joe.. I literally bought an EdgeHD8 yesterday as well.. not got all my bits for it yet. Looking forward to seeing your images.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Hogarth, so far I'm very please with the couple test subs I was able to do before the clouds came in.

[@Steve_The_Ignorant_Astronomer]

Sweet scope , I have a Meade LX200 10in. F6.3 1600mm FL. But thinking of going to the scope you have.... But like I said have to think about it ... Good luck with it

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Steve, I was looking at Meade as well, nothing wrong with them at all. I just went with Celestron because it seems like there is more information on the Internet to research about them and I'll need help in the beginning I'm sure.

[@OlliesSpace]

Looking forward to seeing the upcoming videos Joe very exciting.👍

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Ollie, looking forward to it myself!

[@bernielindsey8387]

Thank you Joe. Your videos are always informative. I see you are approaching the 1K KZbin milestone, so hopefully you keep reaching more amateur astronomers.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hey thanks Bernie! I’m excited to continue to see this community and channel grow as well as the hobby itself!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Congrats on the new scope Joe, looking forward to seeing your images

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Russel!

[@andyweeks2216]

Hoping to pair this scope with my 294mm next year! Thanks for sharing Joe.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Andy, I think they will make a good pairing.

[@wooddogg8]

Congratulations on the new gear, Looking forward to some new videos 👍

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Joe, I've already got so many video and capture ideas.

[@RigoFromSpain]

Waaaauuuuuwwwww, finally, hope you will enjoy it if it's not snowing

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Rigobert! Snow is not out of the question in May where I live, but we'll keep it quiet and maybe it won't.

[@astrocarone9671]

Cool scope! Can't wait to see the results!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Caleb!

[@michaelasbury5473]

I can’t wait to see what you do with this setup. I love my EdgeHD 800.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Michael, really looking forward to some clear skies to try it out!

[@michaelasbury5473]

@@JoesAstrophoto let me know how you like your EAF. I’m definitely considering getting one, although my Bahtinov mask seems to work well.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

@@michaelasbury5473 Will do Michael, I'll try and make a video about it soon. Getting the backlash and step size sorted now.

[@Astrobloke]

I am now suffering from severe scope envy. What a lovely piece of kit and I know you will get some superb images with it. Look forward to seeing them.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Many thanks Glenn, hope you get your new scope soon as well!

[@JoeJaguar]

congrats on hitting 1k

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Joe!

[@stresspro4085]

Great OTA. Been using since 2014.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks, now I know who to go for for some help if I need any 😆

[@altair2027]

Hi. I am using the same scope and I love it.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

That great to hear Jae-Gon, thanks for commenting!

[@davidf9494]

Great video Joe! I have the same setup as you with a few differences; ASI1600MM imaging camera and Celestron motorized focuser. I have a Mini PC, USB hub and Pegasus power box on a plate attached to the top of my EDGE HD 8, which also helps with DEC balance that you mentioned but also means a single power cable coming down mount. With the ability to switch from F/7 to F/10, it's a very versatile scope. I've just bought a Hyperstar (f/1.9) and just waiting for some F/2 filters. Enjoy your new SCT!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks David! It sounds like you have an awesome setup. I would be curious to see how you get on with the Hyperstar and the filter wheel. I was concerned that the filter wheel would block too much of the light so was only thinking going Hyperstar if I ended up with a OSC as well. Please let us know how it does because if it works out, I may go down that route with the mono cam.

[@davidf9494]

@@JoesAstrophoto You're right Joe- any EFW is too big for the 8" and will block too much light. I bought a Starizona filter drawer and extra slide mount so I can quickly interchange filters - mostly NB. With Supply chain disruptions everywhere, I''m patiently waiting for them as well as a new GEM45 mount. My Celstron CGEM mount is not good for DSO imaging.

[@lukesastro2380]

Congrats on the new scope Joe. Happy hunting!!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Luke, with any luck maybe tonight!

[@JonnyBravo0311]

Nice setup, Joe! I've been looking at the EdgeHD 8 as well. Obviously I'm now going to have to live vicariously through you :). Looking forward to the images you're able to capture with it!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Jonny, I'll be your test rat 😁

[@siegfriednoet]

Great setup Joe, congratulations I also ordered the ADM saddle a month ago, still waiting for delivery to Europe, but I choose the round one, that's a bit larger as well

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Siegfried, I’m finding this one very well built and my scope feels more secure and it’s easier to slide in and out. If the one you are getting is anything like this one, you won’t be disappointed.

[@siegfriednoet]

@@JoesAstrophoto Yes I hope so, it's exactly the same but with rounded corners and a bit longer

[@JaspreetSingh-jm3lu]

Hey Joe can you please make a video on Flat calibration for 294MM pro, like what ADU to use for the narrowband filters. Thanks

[@JoesAstrophoto]

I'll add it to my list for sure Jaspreet! The 294MM and C both have very finicky flats even though they have different sensors. Maybe it's their pixel size? I'm not sure, but I know there are times I have to redo my flats for various reasons, especially the Sii filter for some reason.

[@JaspreetSingh-jm3lu]

@@JoesAstrophoto Yes joe i have the 294MC pro and want to get 294MM pro and have heard it have the same gradient problems in flats. i still haven't figured out what adu to use for S2 filters :(

[@SimonsAstro]

That’s an awesome scope Joe with a lot of reach! Looking forward to seeing your first images with it!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Simon! Me too, now just need the weather to cooperate for a night or two and I'll be in business

[@nocturneastro2539]

2000mm+ focal length, man I am envious! Congrats on the purchase! 🙂 Also, I ordered the same ADM saddle plate for my HEQ5 Pro, I'm looking forward to it.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Angus! Those ADM saddles are really nice, I’m glad I grabbed one now with this scope.

[@AstroQuest1]

Awesome video Joe! Congrats on the new scope and am glad they are finally releasing them. Still have some of the galaxy season left. - Cheers Kurt

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Kurt, I hope you get yours soon as well!

[@AstroQuest1]

Hey Joe, When did you your new scope arrive? - just curious.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

@@AstroQuest1 last Tuesday, I searched around until I found one in stock at a lesser known but reputable telescope shop.

[@monteroder2708]

Do you have any issues focusing with an sct and an eaf. I sure do. I'm assuming you cannot lock down the mirror with the eaf to prevent movement. So I was just wondering how your focus is. Thanks.

[@astroboy00]

Hi Joe, great video. I was wondering if you could enumerate the components/attachments/adapters you have beteeen the reducer and EFW to achieve your current 108mm?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thank you Mark! I can give it a try from memory as I'm not in person with it at the moment. SCT Adapter (25.3mm) OAG (29.0mm) M42 male (12.5mm) Spacer (1mm) T-thread spacer (11.5mm) Spacer (1mm) Filter wheel (20.0mm) Camera ( 6.5mm) Total 106.8mm measured on inside (108mm measured on outside with calipers) The reason the it's longer on outside is because the reducer extends 1 -2 mm inside of the adapter that connects to the OAG. Hope that helps!

[@astroboy00]

@@JoesAstrophoto it does immensely! Thank you!

[@lukomatico]

Congratulations Joe! - I'm so pleased for you both with your lovely new scope finally getting here and for reaching 1k subscribers! (well, I'm maybe a day early at most but what the heck :P) I'm sure your counterweight you've ordered will do the trick and balance out the rig 👍👍 Can't wait to see more! Keep it up mate 😊 Luke

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Many thanks Luke! Congrats to you as well on 1k subs! I really appreciate all your support and comments.

[@Bogfra1]

He Joe Good luck with your new addition; I've been dreaming about this for a while, maybe by the next Galaxy season and then it's just a question of whether my HEQ5 can handle this because buying a new mount and a new Celestron then one is not going to be happy; always had a little regret that I got rid of my old one but this is also 25 years ago you are young and want so many other things and then you have to sell it one for something else.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Bog, I hear ya, this hobby is not a cheap one by any means. I'm always struggling on gear to buy that suites my budget.

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

I'm VERY impressed. I am also very interested in that Celestron OAG. (I will click on your link to it and if I buy it, you will get the credit). The forthcoming dew shield will help with the balance. I have learned to balance the scope WITH the dew shield on. It does make a big difference both in weight and torque.. Plus, this scope is excellent for planetary capture. (I use Sharpcap Pro to planetary). Excellent video Joe. I am looking forward to your images from the scope.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Pat, that's so much appreciated! I may come asking for your help on planetary this summer as well!

[@penguin272]

why OAG? f10 it may be difficult to find stars. a normal guide scope does the trick as well, combined for eg with an asi224

[@DSOImager]

Congratulations! The 294mm pairs up well with that scope :) I have the same exact losmandy weights that you ordered. That along with the dew shield & dew strip allows mine to balance perfectly. That OAG looks really nice.. I went with the zwo because I was concerned about back focus distance but it looks like its going to work for you.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks DSO, I have lots of testing to do for sure!

[@jimb7931]

Hi Joe. I also have an Edge HD 8 on order. Looks like a great setup. What is the back focus for the Celestron OAG 93648? Thank you.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hi Jim, I’m excited for you! The back focus from the scope is 133mm and from the reducer its 105mm. The OAG will come with all the adapters to help you reach that. Hope that helps! Let me know how it works out.

[@haythrower]

Great video Joe, you mentioned star shine and the fact that the dew shield helps to reduce this. I've not heard this term before - is it something common to any telescope or just the SCT design?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks so much Don! I’ve had issues before with my refractor as well. even with the dew shield on, if you image near the star Rigel, in Orion, there is a good chance you will see some in your image. I’ve had to extend my dew shield with some black poster board or some other material.

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Cool rig, I like your ADM saddle, did you get the ADM knob tightening tool too for it, or are you able to tighten those knobs tight enough without cramping your hands up? Thanks!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Chris, luckily I’m still able to tighten the knobs by hand, but I may look into that tool for the future as I noticed loosening them can be a little difficult.

[@gijello]

Question on the monochrome camera. Do you get vignetting on the 4/3 sensor being that the 0.7 reducer is optimized for the APS-C sensor. I have the edge HD8" on order with reducer and 1.25" T adapter hardware for the DSLR. I'm thinking of getting the ZWO 2600MM to take advantage of the APS-C. I'm almost wishing I would have got the 9.25 version to keep a full frame sensor, 2" image train.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hi Angelo, I don't get any vignetting with my 4/3 sensor with the reducer. That being said, if you can afford the 2600MM and "good" filters for it, then it's a no brainer to go that route. I love this 294MM, but the 2600MM is a much better camera. My problem is I hate dealing with halos which means I need Chroma or Astrodon filters and I can't justify the expense of them at 36mm or 2". Filters and camera would run me about $5200, which is why I'm sticking to 4/3 sensors for now because the 1.25" filters are somewhat more reasonably priced. I also considered the 9.25" but only because of the longer back focus to add more to the image train, like a crayford style focuser, but since ZWO's EAF works on the mirror, I went for the 8" to save money and payload weight, although you do love the ability to stop mirror flop in this configuration, but I haven't had any issues with that so far. Hope that helps.

[@sreeshab4093]

great video Joe. i just bought an Edge 8. and 2600MM with zwo 2 inch EWF and optolong 3nm 2inches SHO and LRGB filters. I also have 0.7x reducer. and 174mm mini guidecamera. need some help for guiding setup. i need clarifications for the following: 1) which OAG is better suited zwo OAG-L or Celestron OAG? 2) would the new camera 2600MC DUO work well for Edge 8? Pls advise.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks, I have never used the OAG-L, but I do love the Celestron OAG with the 174MM mini. I never have a hard time finding stars to guide on. I have also not had the opportunity to try the 2600MC Duo, but I know that with the reducer, I get a pretty bad vignette, so not sure it would work for guiding or not. To be honest, if you have the OAG and 174MM mini, I don't see a good reason to use the DUO.

[@sreeshab4093]

@@JoesAstrophoto great, thank you.

[@srikanthmeg]

I have almost exactly the same setup including the exact same counterweight. Although, I do need to replace the saddle bar on eq6-r pro. It is tricky to place the scope on original saddle BTW, is that a 11.55mm spacer between filter wheel and oag?

[@gregsleap4909]

Following this question! I am building basically the same setup and the backfocus requirements are super tight with the reducer and EFW! Awesome video Joe, thanks for showing your config!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks 007! It's a great setup, glad to hear others have it as well. That ADM saddle is awesome, I can't recommend it enough. It's not a game changing upgrade or anything, just one of those little quality of life improvements. I do have the 11.55mm spacer in there. I wanted to use a smaller one, but the oag overlaps the the reducer somewhat and I wasn't getting the correct back focus with the shorter extension.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

@@gregsleap4909 Thanks so much Greg, it is tight, no room to really add anything else. The OAG is taking up a lot of space in the imaging train, but I feel it's worth it for me at least. I almost went with the ZWO OAG and ASI290mm, but I'm so glad I went with Celestron OAG and ASI174 afterwards. It makes it so much easier to find guide stars and on some galaxies, even with this setup I can only find a couple stars. It's nice not having to worry about looking for stars to guide on when framing up my target image.

[@tombock336]

Hi Joe - for the weight to go on the front of the dovetail, so that u can better balance....which one did u end up going with? And how much weight? I am struggling to get mine to balance and I am sure the same issue is going on here. So I definitely need to add that small weight to the front of the dovetail. Awesome video, really helped me a lot with my own set up!!!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks so much Tom. Here is a link to the exact weight I got. I love this thing, it's helped on some other configurations I've done as well. I've even used it to add a little weight to the Z81 I have on my EQ6 as I've noticed it guides a little better heavier. bit.ly/3kDP3VS

[@tombock336]

@@JoesAstrophoto Thank you Joe! This is perfect and exactly the recommendation I was looking for! Clear skies!!!

[@chriscausseaux4793]

Just wondering if you're binning 2x2 or 1x1 with that focal reducer on there? Looks like it would put the res @ .67"/pixel which is right on the over-sampled cusp if Binning at 1x1... Definitely contemplating this setup with the slight difference of using the 183MC-Pro to start and binning 2x2 with would put me at .67"/pixel. Hence, the reason I ask... Thanks in advance!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hi Chris, I can go with either mode, but mostly use Bin 2 when the object fills the frame because I like the 14bit, higher HDR, and full well capacity offered by using Bin 2. I do however use Bin 1 mode when shooting something that I will need to do a healthy crop on to get that high MP resolution. Be careful trying this with method with other CMOS cameras as the binning is done in software after the fact and not in the camera as with the 294MM Pro specifically. Hope that helps.

[@chriscausseaux4793]

@@JoesAstrophoto Thank you!

[@edjones3390]

Nice scope! Looking forwards to see what you can get with it! It would be interested understand how you decided on the edge HD, were there other scopes you were considering ?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Ed, I looked at a few different scopes, but in the end, the EdgeHD made the most sense in so many categories, price, clarity/image quality, weight, focal length. The Meade was close behind but weighed more and was less used by others. I figured if I was going to struggle with an SCT I'd want the one that had the most info out there on the Internet about it to research as well. The Newtonians that had the same focal length would be too heavy and a triplet of the same fl would be way too heavy and expensive for my mount and budget. Lastly, the EdgeHd is so versatile, as I can image at 2032@f10 and 1422@f7, or even go with Hyperstar, which I probably never will but the option is still there.

[@edjones3390]

@@JoesAstrophoto Love the idea of the edge with the hyperstar - Expensive but worth keeping an eye out on secondhand astro sites!

[@mikebenengtouncry3613]

Congrats :)

[@mikebenengtouncry3613]

Oh wait

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks! I'm very excited to start imaging!

[@mikebenengtouncry3613]

@@JoesAstrophoto anytime and good luck with it. Clear skies ;D

[@anthonygraham6449]

Wondering if you use and asiair and if so how is the tracking and plate solving with the OAG?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hi Anthony, I use a PC and NINA, but I love the Celestron OAG paired with the ZWO ASI174 mini guide cam. It makes OAG guiding very easy and I’m currently getting .3 - .4 total rms error after rebuilding and tuning my mount. I don’t think it would be much different with the ASIAIR

[@anthonygraham6449]

@@JoesAstrophoto thank you sir

[@OutlandishJourneys]

Hey Joe, great video and I just took delivery on my Edge 8 HD last month! If you don't mind, I was wanting to ask you about the ZWO EAF and how you are getting on with it? I was looking to get it, but according to many of the sites, it states that the ZWO EAF is NOT compatible with the Edge models, just the 'standard' SCTs? You're obviously using it to great effect, so wanted to ask if you had any issues fitting it at all, or in operation with the Edge? Thanks for your time and keep up the great work! :)

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks OJ, I've had no problems at all with it. Before ZWO came out with the adapter for the Celestrons they didn't work, but now they do and they work very well in my opinion. I don't have any issues getting great focusing. I did have to get the extra adapter from ZWO to make it fit, but it works great for me.

[@OutlandishJourneys]

@@JoesAstrophoto Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, Joe! Much appreciated and glad to hear the good news on the ZWO EAF with the Edge 8HD…will go and grab one now, they’re back in stock here in the UK! Anyway, thanks again and best wishes from Scotland! 😀👍🏻

[@brucemullis479]

Thought I saw a plate that is taller and longer that would enable better balance

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Bruce, I think I’ll be updating that dovetail bar sooner than later.

[@CaptRescue2]

Where you get that spiffy constellation tapestry

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Amazon lol, it wasn’t as big as I envisioned even though I new the size, but wow does it hold up in the wind.

[@Dudleydogg]

I would like to know the image train for when using a OSC camera with no filter wheel?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Hi Dudley, I for a osc most will still use a filter drawer that is 21mm (about 1mm longer than the EFW). If you don’t plan on using any filter at all, you would replace the filter with the 21mm spacer that comes with many ZWO cameras.

[@Dudleydogg]

@@JoesAstrophoto I will use filter always for Light pollution thanks for the reply

[@winnershandbook1069]

Hi, i am new to this and I was going to buy my first telescope. i am a bit confused and i was hoping you could guide me. Redcat 51 Ed 80 / FOT 86 MM celestron edge 8 which one should I get for astrophotography? i wanna shoot both wide and zoomed in field. or is it a good idea if I buy redcat 51 and then i buy 100 mm refractor for zoomed in pics? thank you

[@JoesAstrophoto]

If it were me just starting out, I'd go with the Redcat 51because its much more forgiving when just starting out. You won't have to worry about a reducer/field flattener, guiding will be way easier, and eventually it's a scope you'd probably want even after you become a pro at astrophotography. The EdgeHD 8 is an amazing scope, but it's gong to be much more of a challenge learning astro on that for so many reasons. In time you will probably own both scopes anyway or scopes similar to both of them. Good luck in whichever way you go.

[@winnershandbook1069]

@@JoesAstrophoto Thanks a lot for replying!! Do you suggest me to get a redcat51mm or z73?

[@glennsmooth]

Going all ZWO.. Where is the ASIAIR Pro/Plus?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

I love NINA too much or else I probably would use an ASIAIR. Still may someday, I see they just added a ton of more features to it.

[@glennsmooth]

I just got a EHD 8 but not using the focal reducer. The process is still the same with f10 vs f7. Still need dark skies and a lot of exposures. I notice when I rotate the OAG I will get a huge vignette in the lower right corner of the imaging camera. Word of caution. Be careful if you’re rotating the image or guiding camera. I also have the ZWO OAG-large. Which doesn’t seem to have this issue. spending the day testing both of them.

[@robertarmstrong9406]

Hello Joe; Just watched this again great job. I'll have the guys at Starizona order me the Edge HD. Replacing my 8se. You ask for a picture of my set-up. would love to send you one. but have know idea how to send it in KZbin.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Robert, I think you’ll really like it. If you want to send me anything at all my email is under the “about” tab on my channel.

[@dgdave2673]

Can’t you also use a longer dovetail?

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Absolutely! That would also easily work. I do really like this little counterweight though. I use it way more than I thought I would on most of my configurations. It really comes in handy for a quick balance helper.

[@GarnettLeary]

Very useful. Ty

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Garnett, I’m hoping to have more in-depth videos on it in the future!

[@bobbeanbags]

how did the counterbalance work!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Thanks Robert! The counterbalance is amazing. I'm still using it on my new mount as well. I'm thinking it's almost a must unless you purchase a very long losmandy plate or have a very long saddle on your mount.

[@bobbeanbags]

@@JoesAstrophoto can you reply with a link to this counterweight, I think I will have the same problem with my CGEM mount. BTW, no one has a good video of columnating edge HD’s for native, .7x and Hyperstar configurations. I would welcome this!

[@JoesAstrophoto]

@@bobbeanbags Sure Robert, here's the link. bit.ly/3ha738D I'll try and put something together, it's a great idea.

[@alanjoseph7350]

ALAN