Virgo Cluster

[Cimitar]

Galaxy Clusters are my favourite DSO so I was super keen to see how my first attempt would unfold. Now that I know the lens is capable, I'll lower the ISO and have a another go with longer subs.

I think I was able to count 26 galaxies in this one :)

Canon 250mm lens
21 x 90sec (ISO 3200)
Piggy-back on LX200

[Mickoid]

Great shot Evan, did you shoot this with the 55 - 250mm kit lens, or another 250mm prime?

[Cimitar]

Thanks :thumbsup: Yep, It was the 55 - 250mm kit lens, f/5.6

[vlazg]

That is very nice, uncomplicated. Love all the faint fuzzies. :thumbsup:

[Mickoid]

I have the same lens and am continually surprised by it's sharpness for such a cheap kit lens. The only thing to be wary of when using a zoom lens is its tendency to change focal length during an exposure if the zoom mechanism is a bit loose, especially if your scope is pointing toward the zenith. You can tape the lens barrel to hold it at the desired zoom increment to prevent it from moving.

[tim.stephens]

Great photo Evan. Can you tell us more about your setup and how you attach the camera to the mount? I've been thinking of doing the same with my Fuji xpro1 and a very sharp 120mm pentax lens that isn't doing much at the moment. Would be great to grab some larger FOV targets.

Another idea might be attach a CCD to the lens. That would require a separate adapter which is possible. Do you guide through the main scope?

Tim

[Cimitar]

Thanks George! :thumbsup:



Thanks Michael, your note gave me an idea! My lens doesn't slip at the moment which is good, however I often get stray light entering the lens. I have some plastic roll lying around that my Dad gave me years ago for another project. If I roll it up into a cylinder it will fit nicely over the lens and act as an effective dew shield & fix my stray light issues :thumbsup:

[Cimitar]

For this image I wasn't guiding, however I have in the past. When I do, I use a 1.25" reducer on my guide camera through the LX200. It works great and I never have an issue finding a star :rofl: . Mind you, I usually have to set the exposure to <0.05 sec so I don't overexpose :P

For mounting, I just use a Losmandy DVCM Camera Mount that I got from Bintel. It work really well and it simply mounts onto my Losmandy Dovetail plate.

[MichaelSW]

Evan,

G'day.

I do not do Astrophotography and the technical details go over my head, but I too love all those faint galaxies. The view you have captured is very humbling.

Showed my work colleagues. Many rounds of "Wow".

Well Done.

[Cimitar]

Thanks Michael, that's very kind of you to say. Really appreciate it mate :thumbsup: . I know what you mean about humbling. After my first image appears on the screen I often find myself sitting back in the chair for several minutes just pondering how big & amazing the Universe really is :)

Cheers, Evan

[LightningNZ]

Great work Evan. Looks excellent. Not sure I've seen many really wide-field shots of the Virgo cluster before. ISO1600 is probably the sweet-spot for the Canon 600D so don't feel you need to drop it too far.

Cheers,
Cam

[BeanerSA]

Nice shot! Are you using a wedge?

[astronobob]

Grouse Capture and an inspirational Image Evan - who'd of thunk all them fuzzies would show up so nicely with a lens and 90sec subs :cool2:
Must be enjoying the good dark skies out your way, and I assume you have rebuilt your absco obs :thumbsup:
Good going !!

[ZeroID]

Yes, excellent work and image. You've inspired me to have a go in a few months time when it clears my trees at a repectable time. And a fascinating area I must agree. Lots to see and find.

[Cimitar]

Thanks mate :thumbsup: Yeah, my last decent effort where I was super happy with the result was at ISO 800 with 10min subs for my Canon 600D. Hoping to try that again at new Moon


I was using the wedge at the time, however I'd imagine with only 90sec subs it probably wasn't necessary... It's just my default setup these days, takes a litter longer though :P



Cheers Bob :) The dark nights are great, I'm super grateful that I can manage 10min subs with my DSLR. Can't wait for the cooler weather to begin. Sorry, no absco obs for me just yet, you may be confusing me with someone else? :question: . Not to say I haven't considered it mind you :D



Cheers Brent :thumbsup: Yeah, can't wait to revisit the area again soon. Pretty humbling to know we're a part of that cluster :astron: .