I am trying to keep my equipment set up light and portable, I use an Rainbow Astro RST-35 mount, Redcat 51 scope and the ASI1600 MM pro as the main Camera. I guide with an ASI290MM on a SBIG FR237 eFinder lens assembly. which is basically a 100mm f4 scope. So now, I want to use what I have but replace the Redcat with a DSLR and Lens, my question is as follows.
If I select the ASI290MM as my main camera, will I be able to use the ASIAIR PRO's alignment routine to achieve polar alignment? My calculations show a FOV or 109.1 x 192.8 arcminutes. The scope being 100mm focal length with a 25MM aperture at f4. When I look at the FOV in degrees I get 1.82 by 3.2 degrees, is that enough for the ASIAIR Pro to plate solve and polar align?
I read the minimum FOV for a plate solve is .4 degrees so I think my calculations would indicate that it would work. I was hoping someone who has a more analytical mind and experience could verify if my thinking is correct?
I want to use the different set up to take milky way pics, essentially, mount a 50MM f1.8 lens on my Nikon D810 with a ball head, take a 10 minute exposure of the landscape at ISO64, turn on the mounts tracking after that and take another 10 minute exposure to get sharp stars and then blend the 2 pics. With the 50MM lens, guiding is not an issue even with the mounts random and sometimes large PE but a good polar alignment would help prevent star trails and limiting my gear to essentially the same portable setup is desired, do not want to add a pole master and a PC.
Thank you for your advice in advance - Chris
