Helix with 8" Edge SCT

[casstony]

Not a great photo but the aim last night was to test the 8" Edge and see if I could get it to work - first time I've taken an image through it.

I was surprised how well it worked after reading of all the potential issues with SCT's.

This was with the Celestron 0.7x reducer and T adapter behind the scope with a dslr.
I need to figure out how to get a light pollution filter into the train - any suggestions?

[casstony]

I tried a small target too and realised that 7009 is so bright it's more akin to imaging planets. This is just a single 2 min frame.

[iborg]

Hi


I think it's a great shot for the first one.


I would guess at least one of the adapters you are using will have a female thread for filters.


Philip

[Saturnine]

Hi Tony

Depending on what brand of dslr camera you use, you could put a clip in CLS filter above the sensor or a screw in light pollution filter in the front of your T adapter. There are several types and brands, moon & skyglow, broadband nebula filter etc.
Check out the filter makers like Baader, Astonomics, Lumicon, Thousand Oaks and more. There must be threads on here discussing the topic, do a search.

[casstony]

Thanks for your comments guys. I have an IDAS P2 filter 2"; the trick is getting it into the train on the SCT.

It did occur to me that I could try f/10 on ngc7009 since it's so bright and use shorter exposures to avoid burning out the centre.

[RyanJones]

I'm just going to come out and say it Tony. I a bit fan of SCT work. There's no doubt it has its challenges but there's something about it and it's need for 1/2 a million hours that I love. Nice work on helix :)

[casstony]

Thanks Ryan. I like the ease of using a refractor, but after this first play with the SCT I'm keen to keep trying on bright targets where the slow f/ratio won't be an issue.

I'll revisit the Saturn nebula when I get a chance and close-ups on bright parts of showpiece nebulae might be fun.

[RyanJones]

Give Tarantula a go too. I'd like to see what you get. I've currently got 6 hours on it. It's getting close to where I want it but it's not there yet.

I might give Saturn nebula a go too and see what I come up with.

[Camelopardalis]

Nice one Tony :thumbsup:

I need to give my Edge 8 some love...it's just a little more seeing-dependent than my short focal length refractor :sadeyes: