ASTRO: wide-field centered on Scutum star cloud

Image with Canon Rebel DSLR and Tamaron 28-200mm lens on an Orion EQ-1
mount. A five minute exposure taken at Indian Lake NY on Aug 13, 2006. West
is at the top and the area starts at the left with northern Sagittarius and
runs right (north) thru Scutum, and Serpens Cauda into southern Aquila.

If anyone is considering getting one of these cameras for similar imaging,
note that the original full resolution images are notabley better than this
compressed version. The 'advantage' of this set-up over a 'normal' astro CCD
camera is no need for PC (while imaging) and both the camera and mount work
on small batteries and you can carry the whole rig in one hand. The other
advantage is cost. Of course a CCD camera and small APO on a high quality
mount will give better results, but at more cost and more difficulty in
taking to a remote wilderness location. For example taking this image
required that I walk a short but steep and rugged trail to get to the
observing area. (When the bears show up in involves *running* on the
trail!!)

George N