Lunar with a near 20 year old 4 inch refractor

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

I have been experimenting with exploring the Moon with a near 20 year old 4 inch refractor.

Vixen ED103S at F15.4 using a Televue 2X barlow to produce a focal length of 1590mm. ASI385 camera recording in monochrome.
SharpCap>Autostakkert>Registrax>iPh oto.

The Cassendi region and the Sinus Iridium - J Herschel region seem to have responded well.

[5ash (Philip)]

Nice pictures , remarkable how much detail you can see with a smalll refractor. Lots of detail in gassendi. Will be interesting to see further pictures from your project. Regards philip

[John W (John Wilkinson)]

Nice detail in those images Steve - well done.

[Dave882 (David)]

Great images. Lots of detail and well framed too. Nothing wrong with older scopes ay! My c14 is coming up to 25yrs old and going strong. Those young punk scopes think they know everything

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks, Philip, John and David.

Philip, I’ll post further images in this thread as the opportunity arises.

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

The scope seems to still work well, obviously haven't worn out the lens from too many photons. Takes nice photos regardless of age, though newer cameras help no doubt.

[MortonH]

Very nice images. Hard to believe that the ED103S is now a 'vintage' scope!

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks, Morton and Jeff.

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Yesterday's Super Blue Moon at 14.7 days, several hours past the centre point of the Full Moon.

Vixen ED103S at F15.4 using a Televue 2X barlow to produce a focal length of 1590mm. ASI385 camera recording in monochrome.
SharpCap>Autostakkert>Registrax>iPh oto.

Full resolution image at: https://www.astrobin.com/qkpvds/

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

More exploration of the Moon with my 4 inch refractor.

Vixen ED103S at F15.4 (1590mm FL) using a Televue 2X barlow. ASI385MC camera.
SharpCap>Autostakkert>Registrax>iPh oto.

[Dennis]

Lovely series, those Vixen Refractors really punch well above their weight.

Dennis

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks Dennis. The scope is delight to use.

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Amazing shots Steve!
You've now given me a spark of interest in pulling out my 80's Tasco 17TR purchased new late 80s (80mm refractor 900mm fl) and hooking up a camera. I haven't done that since 35mm film days and have no idea where those images would be.
My old Tasco has baffles I fitted long ago and a Vixen 80mm lens cell I fitted after I accidentally chipped the lens and the agents suggested the Vixen lens cell as an easy replacement. Insurance covered the lens cell..
I've also added an adapter for my WO DDG Synta focuser (those 0.965" eyepieces were never good for my eyes).

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks, Leo.

Definitely worth experimenting with your 80’s Tasco. I will be interested to hear how you get on.

Originally Posted by Leo.G

Amazing shots Steve!
You've now given me a spark of interest in pulling out my 80's Tasco 17TR purchased new late 80s (80mm refractor 900mm fl) and hooking up a camera. I haven't done that since 35mm film days and have no idea where those images would be.
My old Tasco has baffles I fitted long ago and a Vixen 80mm lens cell I fitted after I accidentally chipped the lens and the agents suggested the Vixen lens cell as an easy replacement. Insurance covered the lens cell..
I've also added an adapter for my WO DDG Synta focuser (those 0.965" eyepieces were never good for my eyes).

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Yep, cameras and telescopes to play with and miserable weather, typical.

[EpickCrom (Joe)]

Hi Steve.

You have achieved fantastic results with your 20 year old 4 inch refractor! Thanks for sharing

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks, Joe. Nights of good seeing help - unfortunately they are few and far between down here.

[flintzis (Phivos)]

Cool images! nicely done!

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Thanks, Phivos.

Originally Posted by flintzis

Cool images! nicely done!

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

More exploration of the Moon with my 4 inch refractor.

Vixen ED103S at F15.4 (1590mm FL) using a Televue 2X barlow. ASI385MC camera.
SharpCap>Autostakkert>Registrax>iPh oto.