ZWO ASI 178MM Monochrome Imaging Camera unboxing and imaging the Sun and Moon

Learn more about the ZWO 178mm monochrome imaging camera during my unboxing and subsequent imaging of the Sun and Moon.
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Website: astrophotography-at-bortle-5-...
Astrobin Images: www.astrobin.com/users/erikgi...
SOLAR GEAR:
Telescope: Lunt 40mm f/10 B600 Dedicated H-alpha Solar Telescope
Mount: Sky-Watcher SolarQuest Alt-Azimuth Solar Mount
Camera: ZWO ASI 174MM Astrophotography Camera
Controller: ZWO ASIAIR Mini
Software: ASI VideoStack and Adobe Photoshop
ASTRO GEAR:
Telescope: William Optics RedCat 71
Mount: Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro Equatorial Mount
Camera: ZWO ASI183MC Astrophotography Camera
Filter: Optolong L-Pro Light Pollution Telescope 2" Filter
Controller: ZWO ASIAIR Plus
Guidescope: William Optics UniGuide 50mm Guide Scope
Guidescope Camera: ZWO ASI 290MM Mini
Software: Deep Sky Stacker and Adobe Photoshop
KZbin GEAR:
Canon EOS R10 Camera
MUSIC CREDIT:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/dope-cat/diffuse
License code: BO0OQTHERNRFTW8R

[@mdees88]

How are you liking the 178 so far? It appeared you used the asi 220 in your eclipse video. What made you use that one over this one? I'm considering getting a lunt 40 to shoot the total eclipse, and I'm trying to narrow down my camera options. Thanks.

[@astrobortle5]

I did use the ASI220. I can't get the full sun in video mode on the ASI178. This has been the struggle I've had in solar imaging. Finding a camera that can get the whole sun using the Lunt 40. It may be where I need to upgrade my Lunt Solar telescopes to a larger size. I do like this one because it is portable and I want to bring it on the airplane when I travel next year for the eclipse. The 220 worked great for the eclipse. I lose some finer details on the solar surface. The 178 gets better details, but I have to take two videos and then stitch them together in photoshop. Not ideal for an eclipse.

[@markplacek6657]

I have a lunt 50mm and asi178mc and i can't focus it help please

[@astrobortle5]

If you can't focus it with the normal focuser, it could be a back focus issue. Try unloosing the screws on the diagonal. Move the astrocamera out a bit. Not so much where it becomes unsecure from the diagonal. Does the focus get any better? You also have some travel distance where the diagonal meets the Lunt telescope. If all this still doesn't work, you may need some spacers. Also, on the 178mm, be sure to have the standard nosepiece attached, and not the 2.5mm all sky lens. Lunt customer service is great.. Give them a ring if none of these options help. Good luck!

[@markplacek6657]

@@astrobortle5 thanks for the advice I will try that I also have a hello find I just love it just push the button and go

[@Sabadoctor]

@@markplacek6657 Were you able to figure out the focusing issue? I just got a Lunt 50 and was considering buying the same camera. Thanks.

[@tuhkathri9126]

Where did you find the 178? I'm having a hard time finding it. It's out of stock at ZWO

[@astrobortle5]

Interesting! Try High Point Scientific. Its where I get all my astro-gear. www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7755489.66ed8e

[@crappie050764]

When imaging the sun in H-Alpha and the 178mm, did you use flats or not in fire capture ? Did you got any bayer grid raster on your picures without doing flats ?

[@astrobortle5]

I have not used flats but will try. I definitely get that Bayer grid pattern most of the time. Trying to figure out how to get rid of it permenantly!

[@fernandorivera2395]

Did you see the total solar eclipse 🤔

[@astrobortle5]

Absolutely!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWnWlYxsbNmCY5Y