I have not collimated my scope since I bought it, and didn't really think it needed it. I thought I was getting pretty good images. Recently, I did notice that my images were getting fuzzier then they were previously. So, after extensive reading, I ordered a Chesire collimator.

Waiting for the collimator to arrive, I got brave and removed the primary mirror for cleaning.

I basically washed it with soap and dish detergent and rinsed it with distilled water. I got pretty good results.

The collimator arrived, I carefully collimated, and decided to try for some 30 second exposures, which is the limit for my Alt-Z mount. I chose the Veil Nebula because I knew it would be a challenging subject, but is pretty far away from the Celestial Pole, so I thought field rotation would be at a minimum. 

So, here is a piece of the Veil Nebula (East).

lothar22:

I have not collimated my scope since I bought it, and didn't really think it needed it. I thought I was getting pretty good images. Recently, I did notice that my images were getting fuzzier then they were previously. So, after extensive reading, I ordered a Chesire collimator.

Waiting for the collimator to arrive, I got brave and removed the primary mirror for cleaning.

I basically washed it with soap and dish detergent and rinsed it with distilled water. I got pretty good results.

You are a braver man than I. I know if I even thought about taking my mirror out a great catastrophe would befall my beloved scope. Glad it went smoothly for you, and a nice pic as well.

Nice picture.  I bet from now on collimating your scope will be easier and not so scary when you can now see the benefits!  I too was intimidated when I got my first large reflector back in '76 but with the collimation tools available now and a little practice it has become a lot easier.

Thanks for sharing,

L

You got a lot of detail there for a short shot.  Nice!

I will check the collimation before every stargazing session from now on! 

 Another piece of the veil.

I used an OIII filter on this one, which definitely gives it a greenish hue, but overall, I think I got a good shot.

84x30sec exposures

 
Overprocessed?

After looking at the initial post of this image, I thought the background was still too 'bright'.

I cut into the histogram 'hill' just a tad on the black point, but it's the final cut before 'publishing', so I figure, what's the harm in cutting into the histogram if it improves the visual quality, right?

Any opinions or comments?

Before 

After