Cozzy

Thanks for the info Alex

That makes perfect sense. If that's the same for the OVL FF and Canon adaptor I should be just 'fine tuning' my setup to alleviate the very slight curvature. If I get time I will try both the unmodded and modded Canon cameras (1000D/450D). Just wondering whether the filter removal in the 450D is playing a part in the slight curvature. looking like I may have a chance to test tonight. I'll feedback when/if I get the results. Tim

I unfortunately don't have sight of Horizons, I live at the edge of an housing estate. I can get focus with no problems, my issue is slight curvature, so my OVL FL needs to be a bit further away from the camera chip (according to CCD Inspector) OVL flattener at F5.5 to F6 should apparently be a perfect match for the ED72 F5.8, but hay-ho that's astronomy for you, you gotta love it. good luck with your search hope you find a fix soon.

I'm waiting for a clear night to try and get my spacing right for the ED72 -OVL FL to Canon 450D using the Delron spacers. Tim

Sounds like you need a thinner Nikon adaptor -if there is such a thing? Tim

Two very nice images you must be pleased with those. I have the same lens, could you tell me how much you stepped the lens down. I have used this lens wide open and got reasonable star shapes right to the frame edges. TIA Tim

The P/PDS. there have been a number of very good images taken using the 200P on an EQ5 mount it's just a tad bit more demanding of your time. see link below to one SGL member who used this very system for a number of years. http://astrocasto.blogspot.com

I've lost count of the number of times I've stopped the tracking on PHD and forgot to start it again when imaging, you can image my delight after an hour of imaging with lovely eggy stars. (No swear words honest)

And lastly, a festiveish one. If athletes get “Athlete’s Foot” What do astronauts get? Missile toe

Two atoms bump into each other. One says “I’ve lost an electron.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m positive.

A Higgs boson goes into a church and the priest says, ‘We don’t allow Higgs bosons here.’ And the Higgs boson says, ‘But without me there is no mass.

Thats a great start. tighten the focus up and sort the tracking, it'll all come together eventually, every day is a school day especially with imaging, just keep at it. getting plenty of data will certenly help. I use a 'Lord' focus mask for my camera which helps. good luck and dark skies. Tim

A very nice image, but not being familiar with the southern hemisphere could you tell me what it's designation is. TIA Tim

I too like Ian, fitted an old computer (PC) cooling fan, but I attached it to an vinyl LP (50p Car boot) cut it down to fit the base cut out for the adjustment screws and used velcro to attach. simples! Tim

Mick, if the camera is not a modded 1000D have you tried using 'in camera white balance' tick box. Tim