Resolve... to save

So I've been struggling with choices. I've sold (via the forums on cloudynights.net) several pieces of equipment and amassed a little over $1000 towards my ultimate goal of having an imaging setup. Playing w/ the DSI 2 (last post) has given me a taste of what imaging would be like and I like it (for the most part). The learning curve is steep to say the least, but I think with the right equipment I'll be able to get it figured out.

I spent a bunch of time considering smaller mounts and trying to talk myself into compromising (like the V6 instead of the Hemi) and it looks like this time I'm going all in and getting the big one. I'm looking at the Orion Atlas Goto Mount and even though I have to save up to get it I'm confident it'll be the last mount I need for a long, long time. It's 76 lbs fully assembled, so it's a beast and from the online reviews looks to be awesome for photography.

The other items I'll need are as follows:

- Deep Sky Imager (probably one of the PRO versions that has a mono camera and uses filters on a slide or wheel)
- Electronic Focuser (so I can get it aligned and completely control it remotely)
- Bahtinov Mask (a nice one instead of my cardboard one so I can get the focus nailed)
- Possibly a nicer focuser (I'm using the stock Crayford single speed that came with the scope and I bet a feather touch or two speed would be nice)
- Guide scope (I might repurpose the little 70mm we have for this job w/ some piggyback rings and a small imager)

So... probably $1000 more beyond the mount and I'll have a respectable imager, but it looks like between now and then I can play around with my big scope and maybe grab a Planetary Imager ($99) to do some small stuff with.

Either way I'm on the road to full on astrophotography and I'm trying not to buy any throwaway items. :)

* * * (Orion's Belt)

I did pull the big black 10" out last night and right before the clouds set in got some looking at Orion's Nebula. I forget how badass that scope is until I whip it out (uncollimated even) and it shines. I'm glad to have the aperture (and to be working out regularly so I can carry it around).