[avandonk]

I for a short time thought that when Hubble started finally producing stunning images after it got its 'specs' that it was pointless to image from the ground. How could we compete even with an 8 meter scope?

How wrong I was! Imaging has never been more accessible for the amateur.

I get the greatest enjoyment out of doing better with practice with the equipment I have. Not only am I trying out or developing better processing methods I am also having a lot of fun modifying 'cheaper' equipment to get it to perform better. I have no qualms about cutting 100mm from the tube of a 100ED. I think I would be shot at dawn for doing the same to a TAK 150mm APO! Although if I had one, and it would make it a better performer?

I have never entered any astro imaging competition as an 8x10" print does not do the sort of images I do (wide fields) any real justice. Even an A1 size print does not show the detail that is inherently there. So does that mean all entered prints should be A1 size?

By all means enter any competition as everybody is equally subject to the rules. All h0ughy was trying to do was get some sort of clarification of the rules.

I am sure that the choosing of the judges is far more important than the base rules. Any competition that was perceived to be unfair would soon wither due to lack of entries.

Meanwhile we should all keep practicing instead of quibbling. I know I need to!

Bert