That guy on CloudyNights told me to try a Bahtinov mask and I wasted 2 hours

Was out at a dark spot near Moab last month trying to get Orion nebula sharp. Someone on CloudyNights swore by those Bahtinov masks for focus. I spent 2 hours fiddling with that plastic thing in 30 degree wind, never got a clean spike pattern. Turns out my telescope is a SCT and the mirror flops around, so the mask didn't help at all. Anyone else find those masks are useless on certain scopes?

2 comments

2 Comments

emma_murray4926d ago

Did you try taping the mirror down before using the mask?

the_logan26d ago

I mean, I tried taping it down and ended up looking like a very confused mummy for an hour. The tape just wouldn't stick and I gave up, so now I just hold the mirror with my foot like some kind of contortionist. Maybe it's just me, but I think the mask is winning this battle.