Better focusing or guiding?

[ennui2342]

It's my second year of astrophotography, and I'm considering what's next to take it to the next level. I have a decent mount (HEQ5), got to grips with Pixinsight, and I'm still learning to get the most from my 6 inch f/8 Tal-2 (need to figure out flats!), but the two things I think I should consider next is to be able to computer control focussing through Ekos (I'm not sure I get the best from the manual focusing with my DLSR on the Tal-2), or buy a Skywatcher startravel 80 and CCD for guiding. Which would you guys advise as the next step to get the most improvement for my DSO images? You can see some of my shots here: https://500px.com/markcheverton

Thanks!

-Mark

[magnusl]

Hi!

Do I get it right that you only so far have taken unguided images? Then guiding is in my mind the next step. I use a guidescope and PHD2 combined with Ekos. Guiding allows you to take far longer subs, reaching a totally different level of signal and detail.

Best,

Magnus

[John_Gill]

For guiding I use a ZWO 270mm guide scope and a ZWO 120 mono camera.  I also purchased a Bahtinov mask for focusing and it works great.  After that, I guess the next step is DSLR to CCD and filters, either LRGB and/or NB.

Look up
John