mono Mars

[Anth10]

Hi,
I've been busy building my observatory over the majority of this year and last night I had my first go setting up and having a go at some imaging which has been a while I must say.

This shot was my first real go at using a CCD camera (ZWO ASI290mm which I recently got last December for autoguiding really and haven't really started using to be honest) teamed with a Saxon 2X Barlow lens.

It was fun to get in and have a go and although the seeing following a very windy,wet&rainy Friday it turned out Ok.

Will look forward to October's opposition and do some work with the Canon DSLR for a colour image soon enough.

Cheers
Anth

[sunslayr]

Looks good, I think if you step up your Barlow to 4 or 5x you could get some real detail there.

[Anth10]

David you’re right in saying that- I can get away with say Jupiter but Mars needs more focal length agreed. I’ve been contemplating a 3x televue or 2.5x powermate as an all rounder. Undecided yet. The larger barlows may expose my scopes weekness with collimating the 1250mm FL can be trying at times.
The DSLR will do a better job with the larger sensor but you make a good point.
Your shots are fantastic by the way.
Anth

[Mickoid]

I'm heading toward David's advice as well, 2500mm is just a bit short for the smaller planets. You've got to find the sweet spot between OTA aperture and practicable magnification with your scope. A 3X Barlow, like you suggested, may be the better choice.

It's a nice start all the same and you've managed a fair bit of detail on the surface. I also like the shot you've added of the scope in your new Obs pointing at Mars.
Nicely done! :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Some really nice contrast and details on that shot. :thumbsup:

[Anth10]

Cheers Mick,
I may have left my shop for such a little late as opposition draws nearer. Postal services are dragging the chain a bit.
Thanks for the comment and advice.
Anth

[Anth10]

Thanks Marc,
I want to have another attempt weather permitting and look forward to better seeing conditions. I’m keen to get a Color image next. There have been some awesome examples already posted I have to say.
Mars has some interesting lava plains.

Anth

[multiweb]

Yes I'm extremely keen to do colour too when I receive the new camers. Meanwhile I have dug up an old filter wheel and will dabble with RGB

[Anth10]

Marc,
I had a look at that ZWO 462mc - looks pretty good, especially with the low read noise capability I’m sure you will be smashing out some classy planetary images with it.
Anth

[LostInSp_ce]

Nice work Anthony. Great pic of the obs and setup as well! :thumbsup: