Canon 5D Mark II

[issdaol]

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to get a new Canon 5D mark II at a good price.

I don't really do much photography anymore so was wondering if the unit would be of any use for Astrophotography??

Not really interested in comparisons of this Camera with other DSLR's as I already have an investment in Canon lenses. but I would love to hear comments or recommendations on suitability and short comings of the unit for Astrophotography??

Input much appreciated.

Cheers

[Octane]

You won't be disappointed.

If you get it modified for astrophotography (which, personally, I wouldn't do and spend the extra to get a proper dedicated CCD unit), it'd be an ideal system.

The camera has insanely good high-ISO low noise properties. Of course, the par for the course with astro-imaging is taking dark frames; taking dark frames for each object yields an even lower noise master dark frame.

I've taken a handful of images with mine.

They can be seen here:

First test image I took with it: http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/etacarinae.html

And, more complete renditions:

http://members.optusnet.com.au/mrozycka/Manar/Manar_20100515_Ptolemy%27s_Cluster. html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/mrozycka/Manar/Manar_20100817_Snake_Nebula.html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/mrozycka/Manar/Manar_20100817_Dark_Doodad.html

If you intend to use it for terrestrial purposes, have a look through the terrestrial image forum here where I've posted a lot of images.

H

[issdaol]

Hi Mate,

Thanks for the info. Looks good.

I would not be looking to Mod the Camera. I suppose I am just trying to gauge how much practical Astro use I would get from it as opposed to a cooled CCD.

I could potentially kill 2 birds with one stone by upgrading my old 10D. But as mentioned I dont do much photography anymore so if it was not practical for Atro work I wouldnt bother.

Do you typically find that you need to use ISO1600 settings??
How effective is it for singleshot Astro use?

Cheers

[Bassnut]

Have you looked at the new 60D?. Although the 5D MK2 is superior in every other respect, I saw a review that indicated the 60D was even lower noise than the 5D mk2.

[issdaol]

Mate,

Just checked out your terrestrial shots.

You are doing some excellent work there :thumbsup: Obvioulsy the raw data and composition is great:thumbsup: It looks like you are applying a PS mask to get that final effect??

Very nicely done.

Cheers

[issdaol]

Hi Fred,

Hmmm will have to investigate the 60d but will probably stay with the 5d unless the 60d sensor is heaps better noisewise.

Thanks for the suggestion

Cheers
[
QUOTE=Bassnut;646786]Have you looked at the new 60D?. Although the 5D MK2 is superior in every other respect, I saw a review that indicated the 60D was even lower noise than the 5D mk2.[/QUOTE]

[Phil Hart]

got a link for that review fred.. i'm always interested but i'd be surprised if the 60D really wins in astro work?

given that both sensors are very similar in age/technology, i'd guess that the significantly larger pixels from the 5DmkII have considerably better signal/noise ratio performance than the 60D which has quite small pixels by comparison. unless canon broke the laws of 'no free lunch' on the 60D but not on the 5DmkII :shrug:? but i'm biased cause i don't have a 60D ;)

of course, the 5D requires lenses or scope that can provide image quality across that size chip which is not always easy. depending on what people plan to image with, the pixel and sensor size of the 60D may be a better choice..

Phil