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View Full Version here: : M14 ACF test on 3 DSOs


ChrisM
17-02-2013, 02:14 PM
Getting a clear sky last night after the disappointment of being clouded out for DA14 the previous night, and for something different, I tried the Meade 14"ACF with the D7000 SLR at prime focus on a few classic DSOs, mainly just to test the light gathering ability, and to get a feel for the FoV on the chip. All pics were unguided.

The targets were:

Eta Carina (central part only) - 89 secs at ISO 1600
Omega Centauri - 59 secs at ISO 1600
Tarantula nebula - 119 secs at ISO 2500

ICNR used on each picture, no cropping, minor adjustments made in LR4.

Known issues last night included seeing (especially at 3556 mm FL), focus, collimation and polar alignment. Imaging with this scope is not a priority for me, but if I sort out those issues one day, I think that it's got potential.

Chris

originaltrilogy
17-02-2013, 08:01 PM
Unguided at that focal length is very hard! What mount?

ChrisM
17-02-2013, 11:40 PM
Petr,
Mount is an AP1200. I don't have the factory-customised PEC turned on either. I normally use the M14 for visual observing.

Chris