A test for a 300mm f/4 Pentax lens.
A wonky connection to an ST-X10ME CCD and overcoming the lack of an aperture ring on the lens were issues requiring overcoming.
Still the 4 hr Ha exposure indicates the lens is a winner.
NGC 3199 is the bright arc like structure. The other bright patch to the right is NGC 3247.
Apart from engaging in the wonders of wide field imaging, I intend to use this lens and a 70mm pancake to do some surveying in NIR and NUV for potential imaging targets for my BRC-250 scope at these wavelengths.
The trouble with relying on the Internet for targets is that the reference objects are invariably imaged by satellite or at altitude with detectors optimized for the appropriate wavelength range. Unfortunately these references give no indication of the difficulties faced with amateur equipment at sea level.
A quick 10 minute exposure in NIR of the same field indicates that NGC 3247 is definitely a target for my BRC-250 or a deeper exposure with the Pentax lens.
