New scope, more testing :)

RickS (Rick) · #1 03-12-2018, 08:03 PM

I recently picked up a FSQ-85ED that has previously belonged to several IIS members. I plan to use it with a Tak 0.73x reducer but that will require some custom adapters so in the meantime here's a quick (47 x 120s) image of the Tarantula in Ha (ASI1600mm, 3nm Chroma Ha filter) at the native f/5.3.

I was hoping to get some Oiii as well but the weather has not been helpful.

Big version on Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/379187/?nc=user

Cheers,
Rick.

Peter Ward · #2 03-12-2018, 08:20 PM

They are a top-shelf little 'scope.

Took mine to Wyoming last year and it simply delivered in spades.

I'm sure you'll continue to enjoy using it.

LewisM · #3 03-12-2018, 09:15 PM

I knew you'd love it Rick - yes, that one sure has done the rounds

Just watch really large sensors with them, as they do get eggy at the edge of APS-C and beyond. The new flattener for them does the trick (a flattener for a flatfield is fun, but when you consider the image circle...) but it is an expensive flattener. With my APS-C sized M26C, I'd get VERY slight eggs that I cropped out.

Enjoy it!

Oh, yeah, nice spider!

RickS (Rick) · #4 03-12-2018, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

They are a top-shelf little 'scope.

Thanks, Peter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

I knew you'd love it Rick - yes, that one sure has done the rounds

Just watch really large sensors with them, as they do get eggy at the edge of APS-C and beyond. The new flattener for them does the trick (a flattener for a flatfield is fun, but when you consider the image circle...) but it is an expensive flattener. With my APS-C sized M26C, I'd get VERY slight eggs that I cropped out.

Enjoy it!

Oh, yeah, nice spider!

I'm hoping to use a full frame sensor, Lewis. I have seen excellent pics from someone using a KAF-16803 with 52mm diagonal so I know it is possible

Placidus (Mike and Trish) · #5 03-12-2018, 10:26 PM

All that in 1.6 hours? Unbelievable. Talk about reward for effort!

RickS (Rick) · #6 03-12-2018, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Placidus

All that in 1.6 hours? Unbelievable. Talk about reward for effort!

Thanks, M&T

I've given up on long focal length from home and for my occasional nomadic forays on new moon weekends. It's f/4 or better from now on

gregbradley · #7 04-12-2018, 07:36 AM

That is a very sharp and detailed image.

Congrats on the new scope. All roads lead to a Tak FSQ at some point!

Greg.

Andy01 (Andy) · #8 04-12-2018, 08:11 AM

Wide field NB can be fun from LP skies, and that scope looks like just the ticket you need, looking forward to seeing the finished image

RickS (Rick) · #9 04-12-2018, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbradley

That is a very sharp and detailed image.

Congrats on the new scope. All roads lead to a Tak FSQ at some point

Thanks, Greg.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy01

Wide field NB can be fun from LP skies, and that scope looks like just the ticket you need, looking forward to seeing the finished image

Just need some better weather, Andy

multiweb (Marc) · #10 04-12-2018, 09:05 AM

Awesome field. TAK sharp. Very cool little combo.

RickS (Rick) · #11 04-12-2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by multiweb

Awesome field. TAK sharp. Very cool little combo.

Thanks, Marc

strongmanmike (Michael) · #12 04-12-2018, 01:05 PM

Very nice Rick

Mike

RickS (Rick) · #13 04-12-2018, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Very nice Rick

Thanks, Mike.

troypiggo (Troy) · #14 04-12-2018, 05:52 PM

Camera lenses -> Borg -> FSQ85 - what a progression. Next you'll be going up to FSQ106 and big RC's. Oh, wait...

ozstronomer (Geoff) · #15 04-12-2018, 08:02 PM

Beautiful image Rick, loads of detail

I'll be interested to see a HOO version.

Atmos (Colin) · #16 04-12-2018, 08:04 PM

What are your thoughts on the Chroma filter?
In the future I do see myself needing to get another set of filters and with the sale of Astrodon there have been issues with QC in recent times.

RickS (Rick) · #17 04-12-2018, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troypiggo

Camera lenses -> Borg -> FSQ85 - what a progression. Next you'll be going up to FSQ106 and big RC's. Oh, wait...

Maybe I'm having my second childhood, Troy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozstronomer

Beautiful image Rick, loads of detail

I'll be interested to see a HOO version.

Thanks, Geoff. I'd love to get some Oiii when the weather clears!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atmos

What are your thoughts on the Chroma filter?
In the future I do see myself needing to get another set of filters and with the sale of Astrodon there have been issues with QC in recent times.

Hi Colin. I ordered the Chroma since nobody could tell me when Astrodon filters were going to be available and the Chroma had a lead time of a couple of weeks. Very happy with them so far and they seem comparable to Astrodon back in the Don Goldman days. There are strong rumours that Chroma once manufactured filters for Astrodon.