Clive, I don't have a problem with what you are saying here but how does imaging non glossies with this scope test its abilities? I plan on doing NGC253 because:
a) people know what this looks like. Or more importantly should look like.
b) it can be compared to many other versions and that is important for testing and comparisons.
c) the detail is easily seen. You can tell instantly if the image is sharp or not and if there are defects in the optics.
Your complaint here really lies with what people are imaging and not with the telescopes. If you want to see variety maybe make a list and ask people to image them or maybe get into the list yourself.
The longer f ratio does not limit the scope it just means I have to go longer to get the background ADU up. Fainter objects take more time and I want to do the object justice. That is why the brighter objects get done first and then one starts being more selective. It can take years to get to this stage.
You will eventually see galaxies that don't get imaged much, but you might have to wait more than a couple of years. As I keep saying to people and as it was said to me. This hobby is not for the impatient.
Besides I spent over 12 months imaging with the RC8 and
only produced 15 or so images. Then I got board with that and went back to wide field. I have just sorted the issues with my PME and produced 12 images since last August with wide field. Not bad 27 images in 2 years. Not to mention the solar and planetary images I produce each year. Not enough time in the week to work.
Time you kept up Clive.
