Hello all...
Last night was the first time in a long while that I've felt I've go into it!!
Canon 40D (modified)
Canon 70-200mm f4L lens, 70mm @ f5.6 iso800
Skywatcher Synscan EQ5 mount
Autoguided via PHD
Both images 12x300sec exposures, ICNR on
Stacked in ImagesPlus, processed in PS.
#1 - Head of the Scorpion
#2 - SMC and 47 Tuc
both a bit noisy, not as clean as I would like but let's face it anything you can get in a drought such as we have been experiencing (astro-wise) is welcome!!
I don't think it is the noise that is affecting these images but the jpeg compression, it's really noticable . You have invested some serious exposure in these too so it would be nice to see'em in higher res.
What can be appreciated though is the overall vista which is unique to a nice wide camera lens
The SMC looks like a little ghost floating in the sky.
Nice going Doug, F/5.6 dosen't quite get there dose it, but I do agree with Mike on the possible noise issue, it seems more of that dreaded compression factor.
However having said that I reckon you did a mighty fine job, I just love that wide field effect.
Well done mate, now I'll go and process last nights effort and see if I can get anything worth posting
They are fantastic Doug ... the more I see of this widefield stuff the more I get interested in it myself. I have the unmodded 40D with the standard 17-85 lens. Wonder how that would shape up ?? ..Guess there is only one way to find out.
Using Michael (Tilts) canon L series lens weve found it copes quite well at full aperture. Certainly worth a go.
Cheers
David
Cheers David,
I'm trying out my new Hutech LPS filter right now at f4!!
FYI Peter Tan is a decent, reliable guy to deal with - I was recommended him by other longtime IIS members. As I recall it cost me $238AU all up for postage/insurance there and back, replacement filter and modification itself - that was the cheapest I could achieve on the planet!!
Well worth an enquiry
All the best
Doug
a couple of nice targets that really need a W...I....D....E angle to cover them fully particularly the scorpio area. Good to see you at it with enthusiasm again.
They are fantastic Doug ... the more I see of this widefield stuff the more I get interested in it myself. I have the unmodded 40D with the standard 17-85 lens. Wonder how that would shape up ?? ..Guess there is only one way to find out.
Noice photos
I tried the kit 17-85mm lens for some widefields, but it didn't cut it for me Jeff. Great for daytime use though - good FL range.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty P
Lovely images Doug!
Perfect round stars and lots of detail.
Very well done.
Thanks Matty - I had my mount up for sale (it didn't sell), but I'm not really fussed as the Synscan mounts seem to respond really well to autoguiding commands and the EQ5 works nicely at these focal lengths.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drmorbius
Good stuff Doug
I love the widefield shots...
thanks - more on the way hopefully!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alchemy
a couple of nice targets that really need a W...I....D....E angle to cover them fully particularly the scorpio area. Good to see you at it with enthusiasm again.
Thanks Clive - just received a Hutech LPS filter yesterday so I'm gagging to try that out, and yeah, enthusiasm is a fitting word. It's funny how one's interest can ebb and flow in this hobby! Probably dictated more by the weather recently though!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RB
Hey nice shooting there Doug !
Well done.
I agree though, leave that lens at f/4 mate, it can handle it I'm sure.
It's just habit to stop it down I know but give it a go at f/4.
. You have invested some serious exposure in these too so it would be nice to see'em in higher res. 
