For equipment, I brought a Canon T6i, a 115mm f/7 Astro-Tech triplet, a Spectrum full-aperture solar filter, a set of 10x50 Celestron binoculars and my eyepieces.
Plan was to use the AT115 for visual use during the partial phases and then hook up the T6i at prime focus prior to totality and pop the filter off 15 seconds prior to second contact to get the diamond ring. Since I didn't want to be worried about exposure settings, I shot in video mode.
Many things did go right. In fact, by looking at the camera's Live View screen (and thus not through an optical viewfinder) I was able to safely see the Diamond Ring effect in real-time. I'll simply never have the words for that.
Naturally, I made a few tactical blunders that I hope to correct in 6-1/2 years' time (or 21 months if a nice lump sum inexplicably falls in my lap):
(1) I should have been more diligent in focusing the camera. I got the camera's focus close, but not quite perfect. The absolutely infernal summer heat from Cross Plains, TN, played a role in that, though, and that will likely not be a factor next go-around (unless I'm in Texas, where it can still get blazing hot even in April). The slightly defocused result can be seen here (along with all us going nuts at second contact):
https://www.youtube....h?v=AHxTKnXKCWE
(2) Whether binoculars or telescope, whatever I use for visual observation next time during totality will be mounted. I had more difficultly than usual holding a pair of 10x50s steady, though watching something that buries the needle on the Freak Meter will do that. Next time, I'm thinking a smaller scope on a tripod.
(3) Definitely less focal length. I thought about getting the 0.8X focal reducer to clip the focal length down to 644mm, but then again, I'm admittedly not an imager. Heck I didn't even have a...
(4) ...tracking mount. If I'm serious about imaging a solar eclipse next time, I need to invest in one. I had to periodically nudge the scope to keep imaging the sun.
Clear Skies,
Phil