Had a go at M20 with my latest purchase - a Vixen VC200L.
I was interested in this scope due to its ability to handle a reducer and still give a flat field.
I've only very quickly processed these frames.
The first is 2hr of 5 min subs without reducer while obviouly the second is 1.2 hr with the reducer after a meridian flip. All shots with the QHY8 camera.
Too bloody cold to carry on and the moon came up.
Quite happy re the stars and with the thinned vanes - thanks Leinad (Dan).
The shot with the reducer was focused with a Bahtinov mask while the first was done by eye. I think the reducer shot is sharper. Im still getting used to this scope.
Comments welcomed.
Allan,
the scope is an imager's delight. I was stupid enough to sell mine, and have regretted it ever since. Once collimated (easy with a Tak collimation scope), they perform superbly. Good luck with it, and I look forward to seeing some new pics!
cheers
Gary
Thanks for the vanes and other assistance - when I finally packed it in it was 3am and thats why the minimal processing. Too tired.
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter_4059
Looking good Allan.
Could not have done it without your help, Peter. Many thanks as I would have been all at see without your assistance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by garymck
Allan,
the scope is an imager's delight. I was stupid enough to sell mine, and have regretted it ever since. Once collimated (easy with a Tak collimation scope), they perform superbly. Good luck with it, and I look forward to seeing some new pics!
cheers
Gary
Funny you should say that Gary, as you are not the first Ive heard that from.
I have marked up where I can see light in the corner (only on my laptop). You may have to increase the brghtness to see it on your monitor - but it could possibly be an out of frame star procuding the lighter corner?
Nonethless the image is fantastic. I just wanted to bring your attention to it just incase you ahdnt noticed it before.
I have marked up where I can see light in the corner (only on my laptop). You may have to increase the brghtness to see it on your monitor - but it could possibly be an out of frame star procuding the lighter corner?
Nonethless the image is fantastic. I just wanted to bring your attention to it just incase you ahdnt noticed it before.
Thought you initially said top right, thats top left!
I dont see it in the meridian flip so I dont think its a bright star just off screen but it could be a light leak as you suggested.
Didnt see it initially but do now - thanks for that.
It wasnt meant to be a pretty picture but primarily an analysis of the flat field with and without the corrector - so Im happy with this second hand scope. It may wind up being my main imager as its so versatile and a lot lighter than my 10" scope.
Thanks Terry, its always a gamble buying a scope second hand sight untested, so to speak. But Im happy with it as it will do what I wanted.
Just got fed up with seagulls.
Thought you initially said top right, thats top left!
I dont see it in the meridian flip so I dont think its a bright star just off screen but it could be a light leak as you suggested.
Didnt see it initially but do now - thanks for that.
It wasnt meant to be a pretty picture but primarily an analysis of the flat field with and without the corrector - so Im happy with this second hand scope. It may wind up being my main imager as its so versatile and a lot lighter than my 10" scope.
Allan,
yep I figured you wanted some "technical" feedback on the image thats why I pointed it out.
Very nice! I'm impressed how much of the blue reflection nebula you can get from your location. Would have thought the light pollution would have drowned it out somewhat. Gotta be happy with that.
Very nice first light here Alan.
Congrats on your purchase.
You have your colours spot on!!
A good way to go when focusing is to find around a 2-3mag star near the object you intend to image, set your binning to 2xs, focus the image a bit at a time till you see the secondary spikes get as sharp as possible, then check with a 1xs binned image.
If two of the spikes are nice and sharp but the other two are not, this will be collimation.
The secondary spikes do help no end to find if you are spot on with focus or not.
If the night is super clear, and you still find the spikes are lacking sharpness, then check your collimation.
All good though and have fun with the new purchase.
Both shots look great, looks like that scope is a winner
Thanks Geoff
Quote:
Originally Posted by multiweb
That first shot at native FL is a beauty. Scope's a definite keeper. Nice one.
Its easier to guide at f9 than at 2500fl, Marc
Quote:
Originally Posted by CoolhandJo
Allan,
yep I figured you wanted some "technical" feedback on the image thats why I pointed it out.
GReat priced scopes too!
Thanks for the headsup, Paul
Quote:
Originally Posted by troypiggo
Very nice! I'm impressed how much of the blue reflection nebula you can get from your location. Would have thought the light pollution would have drowned it out somewhat. Gotta be happy with that.
Im constantly amazed at what you can do with the QHY8 from the near CBD of Brisbane.
