Crux - M7 - Omega Centauri.. from a DSLR on a tripod..

[AlexN]

Hey...

Just toying around really, but thought I'd give this a fly...

All images 350D + 70-200F/4L @ 135mm f/4 3.5 sec exposure, ISO1600 on your standard everyday tripod.

Focus was out a bit, its hard to tell through the view finder..

Good to get any results at all considering the setup.

Alex.

[dugnsuz]

Well done Alex - it's a start!
Nice focus on the Crux pic...Acrux and Gacrux both resolved as doubles.
Did you Autofocus on the brighter stars?
Roll on the new mount.
Doug:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

Manually focused Doug. Thanks for the encouragement... I've got everything I need except the mount, even whacked together a home made side by side for the guide scope + dslr, someone has to kick the importer of skywatcher gear fair up the backside already!!

[leon]

Have to agree with Doug Alex, a great start, now the only way is up, nice effort, you actually captured some good detail for such short exposures.

leon

[dugnsuz]

No worries.
Try autofocusing on a bright star - it works for me!!
Leon gave me that tip, so you can blame him if it doesn't work for you!!!:lol:

[AlexN]

will give it a go... Its clouded over nicely to dampen my further attempts for this evening.... Will keep an eye on the skies and if it clears up I'll give it a fly... Would autofocusing on Jupiter the switching to manual focus do? or better to autofocus on one of the stars in my image?

[renormalised]

Nice shots Alex:)

I've got a couple of piccies done through a little Canon PowerShot A460, along similar lines, except a bit more wider in field.

[AlexN]

I've just been having a look see at a few peoples gallery (this means you two!!) and I think I could fall in love with this style of astro imaging! I'm waiting on funds to clear from an insurance claim recently, and when that goes in, I'll also have a 300mm F/4L and a 400mm f/5.6L to play with... :D

[Screwdriverone]

Aww, go on Alex, buy us a Dob will ya? Only $599 for the collapsible 10" Skywatcher from Andrews. I promise to love it and squeeze it and hold it tight.

I'll be your best friend, honest, I will!

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease :sadeyes:

Bugger, he didnt fall for it. (oops did I type that out loud?)

Chris

[AlexN]

lol.. Nice one Chris!

[Screwdriverone]

So thats a no then?..............

Crap. Plan B (go back to dreaming)

Chris

[AlexN]

Another few...
1. Omega Cent
2. Crux
3. Jewel Box

this Omega Cent. is 100% crop @ 200mm, so blur is alot more evident. but focus seems to be better despite the blur.

Crux @ 131mm, much better focus, both doubles alot more pronounced..

The Jewel Box is a 100% crop from the Crux image.. mainly to highlight focus.

I'm calling around every astro shop I can think of tomorrow... surely someones got an EQ6pro for me... I'll be telling them I'd even be happy with a ex-display providing it has full warranty..

Focusing on a bright star is the way to go! I got a shot of M20-M8, although 3 seconds was only enough to get a touch of M8's nebulosity, and no visible sign of M20... Also, it was taken at 200mm and without tracking, 200mm @ 3sec starts to show pretty ugly trails...

[Screwdriverone]

Andrews has em for $1499, Alex!

Chris

[AlexN]

yes yes - but do they HAVE STOCK. Nowhere else does... "On the phone as soon as I stop typing!"

[Garyh]

Hi Alex,
Looks like you will have a ball once you lay your hands on a mount ;)
Keep em coming!
cheers Gary

[Matty P]

Well done Alex, not bad for shots on a tripod.

Hurry up and get an EQ6 Pro already! :D :P ;)

:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

called andrews today. They have stock and mine was posted this afternoon! Oh the excitement.. Its intense! Should be set up and shooting by friday night!

[Tilt]

I purchased a EQ6Pro from Andrews today as well :thumbsup: Also for imaging with my 350D and Canon 70-200. Well also for my 10" newt that sorely needs go-to rather than the rocker box its currently sitting in :lol:

[AlexN]

Yeah mine is for all of my gear... the 6" achromat has been sitting in its box on the floor since i got it waiting for a mount... My planetary imaging is only going to get better and my 350D + slew of telephoto L glass is going to love it! :D

Couldnt be more excited...