The Trifid and Lagoon make a fabulous pairing in Sagittarius. So I shot this as I have imaged this before a few times before.
Taken over a few nights. This also has some O111 in it which I shot by mistake thinking the Ha filter was in the camera. It does add that much to the image but a bit of lightness around the Lagoon brighter areas which is pleasing.
The superb lens coatings and the fluorite do add a bit of an extra that I can notice. Its not a massive thing but definitely noticeable especially when processing. There is a richness of colour available.
The focuser was a bit of a problem in that it did not handle the Proline's weight too happily. I have since tightened the collet ring that enables the focuser to rotate and tightened up the focuser a bit so no flex there. The Proline and filter wheel with the flattener is above the specificed weight limit of the focuser. I haven't checked it since I did this tightening and I think it will be a lot better. I setup a support ring for the drawtube anyway so the issue is moot. This works and prevents flex and is a good idea for others who may be experiencing flex with heavy imaging trains. I'll post a photo of this setup. It works fairly well.
There was no flex issue with the Microline 8300 which is considerably lighter.
I replaced the TEC clamshell (nicely made but potential damaging to the scope and a bit weak for imaging with heavy cameras) with custom made rings.
Overall I am happy with this scope and the lens of course is a beautiful work of art.
Taken at my home observatory last week over several nights.
Not a very long exposure mainly because these objects are setting quite early now and I am happy it turned out so well considering how low these objects are and not in a good position to be imaged at all.
http://upload.pbase.com/gregbradley/...9061080/medium small
http://upload.pbase.com/gregbradley/...39061080/large regular
http://upload.pbase.com/gregbradley/...61080/original large
Greg.