Jim, what is so much to like about the portable iOptron SkyTracker is the fact I carry it with me, along with my portable tripod (Linhof...25-lbs, portable?) and camera on nights planned for visual work. If I see an image that looks pleasing it's a simple matter to position the camera to capture a dramatic composition. Yes, I still have to polar align but it is surely better than setting up a 200-lbs telescope/EQ mount.
I agree it's a shame all those "grainy" stars got in the way of the brighter Orion stars. Darn. Can you spot Bernard's Loop? Amazing to pick that up in a 91-second exposure. Digital beat film in almost every regard but I seem to recall photographing Bernard's Look with high speed Extachome slide film quite easily and the red color jumped out at you!
