LMC widefield

[Mickoid]

Shot this last night @ 200mm focal length before moonrise. Under good conditions, I wanted to test this old 50 - 200mm Sigma lens at f 8, my previous post using this lens was shot at f 5.6. What a difference one stop makes! Virtually no CA and pretty much round stars right to the edge. I think I've found it's sweet spot. The only drawback is it makes it rather slow but the result is worth it. A little extra care in obtaining good polar alignment so I can increase my subs to 2 mins or more and it's not a problem.


This is 20mins of 2 minute unguided subs on a RA driven EQ5 mount at 1600iso, all ancient stuff I know but it works. Canon modded 550d Darks and Flats applied. Processed in DSS, ST and PS.

[RickS]

Very nice, Michael!

[xelasnave]

You have nailed it.
There is often a best fl where it all works.
You can do so much when you get them doing their best.
Great work
Alex

[Mickoid]

Thanks Rick and Alex, it would have been better under darker skies but time didn't permit traveling further away from Melbourne. I also had work the next day. The test has at least given me the knowledge to choose the right settings. Next dark sky expedition - watch out! ;)

[raymo]

Nice job Mick; funnily enough I was out for the first time since doing some mods to my nano tracker last night, and took some subs of the LMC with my recently acquired Yongnuo 100mm f/2.
raymo

[Atmos]

Really nice wide field, especially for being stepped down to F/8!

[Anth10]

Excellent image Mick, a top result,very clean. Nebulae showing up nicely through the rich star forming region.
Cool.