Imaging Lenses Widefield

[batema]

I have seen some truely amazing widefield images on this site and wondered if you could buy a great lens to attach to a Canon 400d or make an adapter and attach to a QHY-9 and price is under $2000 what would people suggest. Is this a too simple question. I have a nifty 50. I have seen some good reports of Canon EF 200mm f2.8 L II USM for about $1000. I look at JJJ's Ro Orphius? and also a lens that would frome that nicely.

Mark

[jjjnettie]

Hands Mark the latest Canon catalogue......;)

[batema]

Are you out imaging JJJ? I was going to have a crack at M51 with the supernova but I have lovely palm trees in the way. I have taken to my palms once before to get a clear shot but won't temp that action again soon. I managed to get away with it but my fence looked as if it had a bald spot.

[jjjnettie]

I have trees too. I'll have to go cultivate friends in high places, ie, the tops of mountains.
Going very wide tonight. Testing out the 18-55mm stock lens. Using it at 18mm. Fingers crossed.

[Octane]

Hi Mark,

These are from yonks ago.

With the 50mm f/1.4 USM:

http://members.optusnet.com.au/octane2asphyx/IISAC2006/IISAC2006_Crux_Eta_Carina.html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/octane2asphyx/IISAC2006/IISAC2006_Pointers_Crux.html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/mrozycka/Linden/Linden_20060916_Milky_Way_Centre.ht ml

And, one with the 200mm f/2.8L II USM:

http://members.optusnet.com.au/mrozycka/Cootamundra/Cootamundra_20091024_Sword_Belt_Ori on.html

Stopped down, both are excellent performers on a crop system.

Those look so horrible now compared to my more recent work. :)

H

[[1ponders]]

Come out and play one night Mark and see what you like :D. You'll find a lovely range out here. 17-40, 85, 100 (macro), 135 ;) Just what the bank account ordered :whistle:

[Octane]

Take the 135mm! It was created by Canon to capture Rho Ophiuchus. :D

H

[oosh]

Great images H! Mark - I'm no astrophotographer, but I noticed JJJ uses a Tammy 90mm, which is a very sharp and great value lens for general photography, so that might be worth a shot if you find your 50 is too wide for some things. Seen some great wide fields with a cheap 50mm. Also there's the Canon 100mm which is a little pricier than the 90mm Tammy, but still great. If you wanted something in the 200mm focal length range I'm not sure if there's much better on offer than the 200mm L that you're already eying. (and wow, looking at H's image I might be in for one of those soon too :P)

Again, these opinions are not coming from an astrophotography background ;)

[luigi]

The 135 F2 is great and if you add a 1.4xTC it becomes a 200mm F2.8. Almost two lenses at the price of one :)

[oosh]

Though then also reducing light gathering capabilities. Still, if you're willing to deal with the elongated exposure time it may be a cheaper alternative than getting both, and you have the flexibility of more focal lengths to choose from too :)

[jjjnettie]

It does a damn fine job on Corona Australis too. Fit's like a glove. :D