Wido's AstroForum Podcast

Strain Wave Mount vs Classic GEM: My 8-Year Verdict | From AVX & EQ6-R to AM5N

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:26:08 GMT

Are you trying to decide between a modern Strain Wave (Harmonic Drive) mount and a classic German Equatorial Mount (GEM)? In this video, I take you on an 8-year trip down memory lane—from my beginnings in 2018 with the Celestron AVX, to upgrading to the heavy-duty Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro in 2020, and finally transitioning to the ZWO AM5 and AM5N strain wave mounts. We break down the real-world pros and cons of both technologies, look at the staggering price differences in 2026, and discuss why "putting your money where your mount is" matters more than ever. Whether you want the ultra-lightweight portability of a strain wave mount or the rock-solid, budget-friendly performance of a traditional GEM, this video will help you choose the perfect platform for your astrophotography journey.

🌌 READ MY COMPLETE 2026 MOUNT BUYERS GUIDES:

👉 Top 10 Beginner AP Mounts (1k–2k range): https://astroforumspace.com/best-beginner-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/

👉 Advanced AP Mount Guide (15+ mounts compared): https://astroforumspace.com/best-advanced-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/

👉 Strain Wave Telescope Mount Guide: https://astroforumspace.com/best-harmonic-drive-mounts-for-astrophotography/

Best Beginner Telescope Mount for Astrophotography?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:05:52 GMT

In this eposide we discuss Wido's 2026 guide for beginner astrophotography mounts, which you can find here: https://astroforumspace.com/best-beginner-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/

In this podcast, we argue that a stable tracking mount is the most critical investment for successful long-exposure imaging. In 2026, Beginners must navigate a technological divide and choose between traditional German Equatorial Mounts (GEMs) and innovative harmonic drive (strain wave) mounts. This guide discusses solid astrophotography mounts that have a minimum 10 kg payload capacity and computerized GoTo tracking capabilities.

Traditional mounts offer reliable stability and value. The Celestron Advanced VX is highlighted as the "Best Buy" for budget-conscious users, providing a 14 kg capacity. The Sky-Watcher HEQ5-R Pro is recommended as the best overall GEM, featuring a native belt drive, internal cable routing, and an upgraded 15 kg capacity.

Conversely, harmonic drive mounts like the ZWO AM3N and Sky-Watcher Wave 100i provide extreme portability. These lightweight units often require no counterweights for standard setups and can fit into airline carry-on luggage. The AM3N specifically features a powered hub for clean cable management and integrates seamlessly with the ASIAIR ecosystem. Modern software solutions have also simplified polar alignment, and make high-precision tracking accessible without complex manual adjustments. Ultimately, the choice depends on balancing budget against mobility needs.

Amazon satellites are blinding our telescopes!

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:37:12 GMT

IN this podcast we discuss the recent launch of 36 Amazon Project Kuiper satellites aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, marking a major expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellations. This growth introduces a significant "twilight penalty"; because Amazon’s satellites orbit at 630 km—higher than Starlink—they remain illuminated by the sun much longer after sunset, creating persistent bright streaks in astronomical images.

For amateur astronomers, these satellites are described as an "inconvenience fixed by math". By using shorter sub-exposures and pixel rejection algorithms like sigma-clipping, hobbyists can mathematically remove satellite trails from their final stacked images.

In contrast, professional astronomy faces a structural threat. Sensitive facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory suffer from sensor saturation and "ghosting" that ruins data. Also, space is no longer a sanctuary; simulations suggest that once these constellations are fully deployed, nearly 40% of Hubble Space Telescope exposures will be contaminated, while next-generation wide-field missions could see contamination rates exceeding 96%.

You can read the full article here: https://astroforumspace.com/what-the-new-amazon-leo-mega-constellation-means-for-amateur-and-professional-astronomy/

Clear skies!

Understanding Telescope Focal Length & F-Ratio

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:42:49 GMT

In this podcast episode, we take a deep dive into telescope physics. We break down how focal length and f-ratio influence your stargazing, from determining magnification for visual observers to optimizing image scale for astrophotographers.

Learn the practical trade-offs between different telescope designs and access interactive calculators for field of view and light speed in the original article here: https://astroforumspace.com/telescope-focal-length-f-ratio-explained-for-astrophotography-and-stargazing/

Subscribe, follow, or join Wido’s AstroForum to ensure you don’t miss any updates on astrophotography and backyard astronomy.

Budget Smart Telescope Showdown: Seestar vs. Dwarflab

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:42:45 GMT

Which budget smart telescope is the best fit for you in 2026? In this episode, We're putting the Seestar (S30, S30 Pro, S50) and the DWARF (3 & Mini) head-to-head.

We analyze pricing, technical specs, and actual real-world performance to see which smart scope wins the budget crown. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a portable unit to your gear, this comparison will help you decide.

Chec out my side-by-side photos and guide: https://astroforumspace.com/dwarf-iii-vs-seestar-s30-vs-s50-best-budget-smart-telescope/

Keep looking up!

Wido.

Aperture: Is a Bigger Telescope Always Better?

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:38:15 GMT

n this tutorial, we explain why telescope aperture matters, but also why just buying the biggest aperture telescope tube out there might not be the best thing for you. The tutorial explains what aperture is, how it relates to light-gathering power and resolution, and we briefly discuss the various telescope types that could deliver such a large-aperture view of the night sky, along with their pros and cons.

Enjoy and keep looking up!

You can find full blog on telescope aperture here: https://astroforumspace.com/telescope-basics-explained-aperture-beginner-tips/

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