Well, 2nd light, but first multi-image session on a single object. There are supposed to be candles in this neb I've heard that help calibrate new scopes
This year is the first time I've ever played with refractors to be honest. At dark sky sites I've frequently been amazed just what is visible in binocs even after staring at the laptop (e.g. Helix neb), so it has been in the back of my mind to do some vis in a smallish refractor (while the Newt images automatically in the background, theoretically never misbehaving).
Of course, imaging addiction meant I had to see how the scope held up with a camera in the back. I was really impressed - had no right to expect the MPCC to clean things up this well here too.
Data was 80:35:21:21:28
Colour image is LRGB (I'm just not getting along with Ha blends tonight )
Crop is top right corner.
WO Zenithstar 80 II on NEQ6, QHY9/MPCC, Guided with 50mm finder
I'm going off to sulk now. I know it's only a little sucker, but I was stoked with what this (well looked-after 2nd hand) little ED "APO" seems capable of. Thought might have been of interest to someone.
Great Eta, lots of etas...love etas..I want more eta's
Like the Ha version best
MIke
What can I say - I learned everything I now about "attention seeking behaviour" from my young kids
Thanks Mike - I really only expected to be shooting NB with it initially, but tried some LRGB and was pleasantly surprised. Takes a while to suck photons of course after 8" F5. I fired up CCD Inspector and found surprisingly flat for a bit of dodgey MPCC flattening - we're not talking Tak or AP here after all. An opportunity to play refractors and learn a bit anyway.
Besides, you don't see many Eta images these days......
Did someone mention Eta??
I reckon yours could do with a bit more contrast Rob.
See I said it, no one else was game enough because they thought you'd have another hissy fit. LOLOL
Did someone mention Eta??
I reckon yours could do with a bit more contrast Rob.
See I said it, no one else was game enough because they thought you'd have another hissy fit. LOLOL
WAAAAAaaaaagaaaggggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Hmmm - now my son wants to see the emoticon page again - what are those guys Dad? Suzy and Jen are going to want to know who used up all the emoticons at this rate - I better behave.
Good call re contrast though Jeanette. The room I process in is quite bright during the day, and I'm usually only at it at night (umm, processing..). They all look a bit flat in the thumbnail view in hindsight. Maybe I should do more imaging with the zenithstar?
(maybe I need a 2nd camera....?
that eta is only average at best. actually its pretty poo...
(did that tweak your nipple )
Good work newt converted man welcome to your back up plan! I reckon you should push the other etas a bit harder, a bit more contrast, possibly in PS run a high pass blended filter.
Great data but I think you could try to bring out lots
of different colours - more blue , more contrast,
a bit of selective sharpening.
I suppose some people spend a night processing & others a week.
It's up to you.
Fair call that the colour data could be pushed more too. I really hadn't expected to end up with such decent data, thus my excitement. After spending months getting my last (M42) somewhat right I wasn't in a hurry for mamoth processing effort, but will try to have a good go at it when time allows. Appreciate your thoughts.
Guess in general I thought someone might be interested in how the ZS 80 II can perform. Brendan - I think you'll have a ton of fun with that Megrez 90 too when the time comes. We can still be "Newt guys" though if that's where the bulk of our efforts go....
Welcome to the other side Rob.
You'll need one of these in a box to run the dew heaters
Actually Robin I invested in a Thousand Oaks controller and a small dew strap for Qld Astrofest last year in expectation of doing some DSLR widefield work (and just as well I did with the CCD troubles that eventuated). It is an extra degree of messing about after the Newt though. Still, must admit there is something a bit sexy about nice refractor rig
Quote:
Originally Posted by multiweb
Loved the first Ha. Nice and subtle details. Very cool.
Thanks Marc - I enjoyed shooting the wider FOV, even if it did feel like sucking photons through a straw after the Newt. Peter T has emailed about a pentax adaptor, so I MIGHT get lens imaging going eventually after all for some extra-widefield Ha action too.
Don't you worry Rob, I have had a refractor for a few years now. But never been serious about taking too many photos with them.
but here is me doing the needed set up mucking around to get it all purring. I need to get a field flattener for a start but something with more than 55mm of back focus either that or ill make myself a OAG. Ive already sourced the pick prisms and they are very easy to make.
Last edited by bmitchell82; 26-04-2012 at 12:19 AM.
Reason: damn auto correction.. retractor isn't a refractor....
Don't you worry Rob, I have had a refractor for a few years now. But never been serious about taking too many photos with them.
but here is me doing the needed set up mucking around to get it all purring. I need to get a field flattener for a start but something with more than 55mm of back focus either that or ill make myself a OAG. Ive already sourced the pick prisms and they are very easy to make.
I'll be expecting to hear updates on your OAG exploits Brendan. That and the Megrez when you get it cooking....
)
WAH!!!!
)
What can I say - I learned everything I now about "attention seeking behaviour" from my young kids 
