New toy

[Peter Ward]

A sucker-hole opened up tonight just long enough for me to get first light with
the new Astro-Physics AP155 0.72x QUAD reducer.

Here is a 35 minute Ha image of Eta Carina

While I suspect there is a teeny bit of tilt in the system, the field and resolution is impressive...pristine stars to the edge....
but being AP I suspect the performance of this accessory was never in doubt

[JA]

WOW - f/5 is blazingly fast at ~800mm and with that resolution and contrast.... Power to ya

Best
JA

[alpal]

Great image Peter,
with tight little stars and not not a hint of field rotation
even with a 35 minute exposure so you have perfect polar alignment.


cheers
Allan

[gregbradley]

That's a powerful setup there. Impressive.

Greg.

[h0ughy (David)]

I thought it was me purchasing a plastic part for the telescope but I now see I was supertrumped by that lovely hunk of glass. The only tilting U noticed was my head, looking all over that image . Let's hope that it does eventually clear.

[Peter Ward]

Thanks for the positive comments.

I've played with the work flow a tad, and uploaded a 3k x 2k image at the
same URL.

Seems the Sydney weather has knobbled any further explorations with this delightful combination...I'll be champing at the bit for another run when it finally clears

[Startrek (Martin)]

Looks like your going to have some fun with this new scope
35min exposure Wow !!
Detail and resolution super impressive with pin point stars
Yep the weekend in Sydney gave us a sniff and now back to gloom again
I’m currently building a 10” CF newt for down south
Cheers
Martin

[multiweb (Marc)]

Absolutely beaute shot. I hope the painters take note.

So fess up... when did you buy that QUAD because it's been pelting on the east coast.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Absolutely beaute shot. I hope the painters take note.

So fess up... when did you buy that QUAD because it's been pelting on the east coast.

The QUAD reducer actually arrived a bit over a month ago....I've since been to the USA (and back) hence had nil opportunities to use it.

My AP155 had been "mothballed" for about 8 years...
...due it being very squeezy in the dome when bolted to the RC.

That said the 6" F5.0 APO combo is rather sweet.

...and indeed...no Topaz artifacts masquerading as details or pop colour palettes here....excellent data just doesn't need it

[AstroViking (Steve)]

A 35 minute exposure?? Bloody hell.

That looks amazing. Any plans to do all those other filters and make a colour version?

[LKD (Luke)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

The QUAD reducer actually arrived a bit over a month ago....I've since been to the USA (and back) hence had nil opportunities to use it.

My AP155 had been "mothballed" for about 8 years...
...due it being very squeezy in the dome when bolted to the RC.

That said the 6" F5.0 APO combo is rather sweet.

...and indeed...no Topaz artifacts masquerading as details or pop colour palettes here....excellent data just doesn't need it

Nice data Peter, also I agree with your comments. You cant beat good data.

For comparison I have attached a link to my Eta Ha masterRAW from my FSQ. Little overexposed in the core, but the the data is pretty good. https://www.astrobin.com/cehsmu/

[Nikolas (Nik)]

Great image from a magnificent piece of equipment, cant wait to see how this turns out!

[Bassnut (Fred)]

What!, round stars in the corners......oh geez, US$1767, OK, nuf said.

[Tilt (Michael)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

...and indeed...no Topaz artifacts masquerading as details or pop colour palettes here....

that’s gold.

Nice first light by the way.

[Peter Ward]

Thanks one and all for your comments.

Yep the AP QUAD reducer is not cheap...

...but, hey, if you want to make an omelette... you gotta break some eggs, even
if AP/Taka require the golden variety.

Looking at the forecast, a colour version seems unlikely this Eta season, but
thankfully, Ara and Scorpius are rising

P.S. I have imaged Eta before, maybe once or twice here but it's always nice to use it as a standard candle
for your new gear

[Meow (Dale)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Absolutely beaute shot. I hope the painters take note.

So fess up... when did you buy that QUAD because it's been pelting on the east coast.

“The painters” lol too funny 😂

[Paul Haese]

Looks good Peter, I do have a question for you though. Are you going to send one of those rigs of yours to Swan Reach Imaging? At least send one, it is a shame to keep imaging the same targets and not get one of those beasts to a real dark sky site where there are a multitude of objects to image easily.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Looks good Peter, I do have a question for you though. Are you going to send one of those rigs of yours to Swan Reach Imaging? At least send one, it is a shame to keep imaging the same targets and not get one of those beasts to a real dark sky site where there are a multitude of objects to image easily.

I agree there has been much subject matter repetition coming from my backyard, but for testing new gear it makes perfect sense, as it lets you compare apples with apples.

Remote imaging also means locking everything into one system...so yes you get great skies, but only one field of view/focal length. Bolting on a new accessory remotely is tricky. But If I were to send one system there, what would you choose?

BTW we are looking at attending the Barossa...err..make that ASSA Astrophotography awards dinner...still juggling calendars, but might see you there.

[Paul Haese]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

.........But If I were to send one system there, what would you choose?

BTW we are looking at attending the Barossa...err..make that ASSA Astrophotography awards dinner...still juggling calendars, but might see you there.

Well you could send more than one unit.

We are not sure if we are attending the annual dinner this year. As a life member there is often some expectation to attend the event, though the last 4 years have been well attended events and very successful.

When visiting the Barossa though, please ensure you visit Seven Hills (which is nearer to Clare) who produce an excellent and outstanding Shiraz. Very pricey but if you can afford a case you can drink one or two early on and then lay the rest down for several years. I have two left in my collection now which have been down for 15 years and approaching the right time to drink them.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Oh Paul, what are you thinking, you are going. Are you running a business or what.