Well it is not my best effort but its a start.

[anthony2302749]

Well it is not my best effort but here goes, the weather in Melbourne look reasonable good yesterday morning so I decided to set up the scope for some deep sky imaging.

The whole effort was more a learning experience. It is the first time that I have setup the scope in this configuration. For autoguiding I used an ST-7/ED80 combination and a modified 350D with the Meade 10” SCT as the imaging camera. M83 was chosen as the target to image.

Overall, the experience was worthwhile even considering the increase in high cloud during the evening and the rising moon. Things I need to work on is autoguiding particularly using the ST-7/ED80 combination. I also need to build a light box so I can produce flat frame for post-processing of images. There was some vignetting with the 350D/SCT combination

Finally about the image: 10 minute exposure @ 800ASA with DSLR Focus, no dark frame or flat frame. Autoguide with ST-7. Cropped and rough processing with Photoshop so some detail is lost.

Anthony

P.S. It is only the second time that i have used the 350D since modifying the camera

[h0ughy]

very nice Anthony, I tips me hat!

[xstream]

With darks subtracted, I reckon it would be a pretty good pic Anthony.
Not a bad shot for a second attempt.

[davidpretorius]

that is very good, i was expecting a jupiter piccie!

well done!

[anthony2302749]

Hi David

I like all forms of astrophotography. The problem is not enough telescopes, I figure I need a 14" SCT for planetary and my old 10" SCT for DSI work. While the 10" is chugging away imaging DSI I can be doing planetary work on the 14". It would be nice to have two 14" SCT:prey: one for each imaging task.

Anthony

[spearo]

Very nice Anthony! Cant believe you're calling this a "start"!
Not sure I understand why you want to limit yourself to a 10" for DSOs and one 14" for planetary...there's usually at least a couple of planetary targets simultaneously up in the sky (not to mention DSOs) so perhaps a couple of 14" and a 10"?
:]
very nice pic, inspiring me to try out my luck on M83 soon too!
cheers and keep 'em komin'
frank

[Lester]

Very nice Anthony, I can see another one getting hooked, the addiction is irresistable.

[anthony2302749]

Hi Frank

I have been dabbling in astrophotography for 20 years now. I started in my teens doing star trails and wide field stuff with standard film. Did a little bit of DS stuff in the late 80's. Over the past six years I have finally gathered the gear to do some serious stuff which I am looking forward to once the weather clears.

The advance of technology particularly digital photography plus the availability of high quality telescopes has made it easy to take image of planets and deep space images. Something I could only dream about 20 years ago when I built my first telescope.

As for the 14" for planetry, better resolution and because of the larger aperture I will have a bright image therefore with the Lumenera LU075C camera I should be able to get a high frame rate then with the 10" and therefore more high quality image to process into a single image.

Anthony

[tornado33]

Stacking a few more shots, and dark subtraction will see amazing results I predict :)
Scott

[spearo]

Anthony,
I agree, the 14" sounds like it will be very good for planetary (and DSO too).
I was inspired by your post so had a go at M83 myself tonight but my polar alignment was so off it didnt pay off I'll keep trying.
And I love your motto "We learn by doing" spent a bit of time trying to explain that very concept to a friend today re astrophotography...which I'd remembered that motto then!
cheers
frank