Space Oddities

Ah, I noticed the Quark as well, but couldn't remember how it was called... Thanks John!

I'll contact the website and report the ad, the more I think about it and the more obvious it is.

Hopefully this is just a fraud, and it wasn't stolen from anyone. I contacted the original owner, maybe he can get in touch with the buyer?

2 minutes ago, John said:

The scope was in the UK in 2015:

 

Intriguing! I also found the sale post, it's definitely the same scope and accessories:

Hello Stargazers,

I hope it is OK to post this here, otherwise I apologize  

I was browsing the french website Leboncoin, which is the #1 buy & sell website in France for virtually anything, when I stumbled upon this advertisement that caught my eye: https://www.leboncoin.fr/sports_hobbies/1846071753.htm

Basically, the seller is proposing a Sky-Watcher Esprit 120 for 1200€, "like new with no sign of use" according to the description. It also includes eyepieces, a diagonal, a finder and Bahtinov mask. 

The text, in French, seems to be translated automatically from English. As a native speaker, I can say that the translation is very sloppy... For instance, it says "Je prendrai bientôt ma retraite, donc son temps de vente", which means "I'll be retired soon, so its time to sell". Not it's, but its. I suppose the original text contained this typical mistake, but if you translate it to french including this mistake, you get a sentence that makes no sense whatsoever. No french person would ever say that.

A bit further in the description, he wrote: "I didn't use it with anger". Again, that's not something you would write in French! He also calls the "field flattener" an "applatisseur de champ". That's what Google Translate gives as a translation, but the correct word is actually "applanisseur", with an N. It could be a typo, but...

Funny enough, the seller calls himself Julien... That's a french name, and I know a lot of people named Julien, but none of them is even close to 65 and ready to be retired!

Last but not least... the pictures on the advertisement remind me more about UK than southern France... I mean, brick walls, white windows... Definitely not the type of house you find near Nice, where this is located! This, the fact that the diagonal is an Altair one (UK based), the poor translation from English... And I'm not even talking about the rainy weather... Everything points to UK!

Anyway, I'm not sure if I should report it to Leboncoin, but I thought I could at least ask on SGL. What would you guys do? Maybe this was stolen in the UK and ended up in France? Or perhaps it's not even in France, the person simply copy pasted this from an English website, and is just waiting for someone to pay upfront?

I made some screenshots just in case...

Thanks for your feedback! I read some additional reviews and it seems like a really nice little scope. I think I'll get one, to end the frustration I have of not imaging enough during winter time... I have a few lenses that I need to sell anyway, so this will finance that  

Sounds very tempting! I am thinking of replacing my Samyang 135mm with this small APO. The main advantage I see is the low weight compared to the Samyang. It would allow me to mount it to my AZ-GTi without a counter weight, and put that on my narrow balcony. The motivation to go out during winter is quite low, so that could be a nice way to still image some winter targets, from the comfort of my bed. And also to take it with me while traveling. 

Adam, have you tried mounting an OAG? I did the maths, and ZWO's OAG + EFW + 11mm spacer + ASI1600 = 54mm, which theoretically should be fine for the back focus of 55mm? That would make it a super tiny imaging platform to take everywhere!

I did some research and apparently a T2 connection seems feasible. There's a similar version of the adapter made by a Polish astrophotographer, as shown here. I was worried that the rear element of the lens would be too big, but apparently not  

Quote

So I decided to remove (unscrew) bayonet from the lens and put there custom CNC machined adapter ended with male T2 thread. It provides nice and rigid connection.

IMO T2 would be a more versatile option than M48, since you can always add a T2 to M48 ring if needed  

I'd love a T2 version, however I wonder if it is feasible?

Dear Flo, any idea when these little adapters will be back in stock?  

Thanks!

On 18/09/2020 at 14:29, mAnKiNd said:

Finished another project with this gem of a lens

Full details in the link: https://www.astrobin.com/g569tc/?nc=user

Cheers,

Minos

Minos, that's simply fantastic! Superb image, and great work! I spent a few minutes contemplating the details you captured, and like you I was surprised at these dark areas. Fascinating!

Superb! 👏

Minos, out of curiosity, how did you manage to attach the OAG with such a short flange distance?

Bonjour!

I just spent a couple weeks in the region Dordogne, in southern France. A lovely Bortle-almost-3 zone, and for once, with a garden. I realize what a luxury it is to have a garden with 360° view of the night sky! As someone who's living in a small apartment and having just a bike to drag all my gear to a public park... I could now literally image from my bed!  

Anyway, here is one of the targets I've been imaging. I wanted to test the Optolong L-eNhance with my daytime camera, the mighty little Fujifilm X-T3. I am really surprised at how well this stock camera handled the Ha! 

Here is a single 5 min sub, at ISO 1600, that I quickly processed with Lightroom on my iPad. The Moon was full!

My setup:

• Fujifilm X-T3 (APS-C 26mp IMX571)
• Sky Watcher AZ-GTi in EQ mode (with WO's awesome polar wedge)
• William Optics WhiteCat 51 
• Optolong L-eNhance 2"
• ZWO ASIAIR
• ZWO ASI120MM Mini, with 130mm f/4 guide scope

I captured about 4 hours worth of subs, but some of them need to be thrown away. I had the dither mode activated on the ASIAIR from previous sessions with my ASI1600, and since the X-T3 doesn't communicate with the ASIAIR, I believe the dithering happened while the camera was imaging. Luckily though, I'd say at least 75% of the subs look fine. I'll stack everything later and see what I got!

I also seem to have a slight spacing issue, I saw some elongated or weirdly shaped stars in the corners. I'm not sure I brought the right spacers and connectors. But well, as a beginner, that's really not a huge concern!

Pardon the poor processing, having only an iPad with me, I couldn't balance colors precisely. The final image should be more appealing! Still, I'd love to have your feedbacks!

Clear skies!  

Interesting, thanks for the clarification! 

Looks like it's the ASI294MM  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/zwoasiusers/permalink/1219912791701100/

Quote

So time for the big news: a new mono cooled camera is on the corner! As you can see in the picture below, it is #ASI294MM Pro, the mono version of ASI294MC Pro. 🤗

We invited Andy Ermolli to help us test it.
P2: M27 The Dumbbell nebula
P3: VBD142 The Elephant Trunk Nebula
There's a thread posted by Andy on CN about this new camera, just click it for more info and testing images of ASI294MM Pro!
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/726990-zwo-asi-294-mm-pro-first-impressions-and-test-images/

Thanks!  

On 28/02/2020 at 00:26, Ags said:

And I now have a C6 winging its way to me... 😜

Hi Agnes,

I'm also considering a C6 for my AZ-GTi, I found one at a good price. I would use it only for observing as well as planetary imaging.

Any feedback? 🙂

Well, there are lots of sensors out there... The last cameras ZWO released are either full frame, or color APS-C and 1" type (ASI533). What's missing in the mono department is indeed a replacement for the ASI1600, or perhaps the most wished for: a mono APS-C sensor. 

You can check Sony sensors on this page (click on "Products" to see the list of IMX sensors). Make sure you browse the different categories (automotive, industry...): https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/e/products/IS/automotive/

You should also keep an eye on QHY's cameras, they're usually releasing the same cameras as ZWO, sometimes before.

Sadly I cannot edit the original post, but Hutech announced a new filter, the IDAS NBX. It seems to be optimized to work with fast f/2 optics.

https://digiborg.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/new-idas-narrow-band-filter-nbx/

I can't edit the image, but the spreadsheet is updated!

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We proudly announce a new IDAS dual narrow-band filter – NBX, which is scheduled to be commercially available at following sizes early of August.

NBX-48 : $299.00

NBX-52 : $299.00

Features :

• 10nm bandpass for Ha and OIII respectively.
• IDAS-proprietary “flat-top”, “steep cut-off” and “off-center” design eliminates the emissions’ signal loss due to the spectrum shift until F2 speed.
• Available 48mm and 52mm mounted (2.5mm thickness)
• No IR blocker required

Spectrum shift at F2

Left : on-axis & Right : F2 cone

 

As shown above, NBX maintains original transmission rate even the spectrum shift occurs while the conventional design dramatically looses the emission signal. They are still 10nm vs 7nm comparison. But we should consider at the viewpoint of S/N ratio.

Splendid, Laurin!

You might want to take a look at the DSLR mount to M48 converters for the Samyang. @Uranium235 created one, sold by FLO: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-samyang-lens-to-m48-adapter.html

There is also this version made by a Polish astronomer, which looks similar: https://shop.astrojolo.com/product/samyang-135-f-2-bayonet-threaded-replacement/

However, I believe the Nikon and Canon versions are different (4 screws vs 3 screws), and the adapters are only compatible with the Canon lens. But I'm sure you can contact Astrojolo or Uranium to see if a Nikon version can be made.

In the meantime, you could use another adapter for the lens. The one made by Geoptik has a good reputation compared to the ZWO, and there's a TS optics copy out there as well I think.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p2837_Geoptik-CCD-Kamera-Adapter-mit-T2-Anschluss-fuer-Nikon-Objektive.html

7 hours ago, celeron787 said:

I just got the Samyang 135mm E mount for my Sony A6000 and am looking to get a sturdy tripod collar for the samyang 135mm.

Came across the Novoflex ASTAT-NEX collar which looks pretty good. The thing is there's a few different versions available.

1. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/758213-REG/Novoflex_ASTAT_NEX_ASTAT_NEX_Tripod_Collar_for.html/overview

2. https://www.novoflex.de/en/products-637/lens-adapters/adapter-collar-mounts/adapter-collar-mounts-products/ASTAT-NEX_en.html

The 2nd one is cheaper for me due to shipping cost, so I was wondering whether anyone have any experience with the fit of that exact collar with the samyang 135mm. Would love to see pictures of the fitting too!

Thanks!

I used the Novoflex one (Fuji X mount), and it's well made. It's surprising at first because the collar looks quite thin, but it holds the lens well. You can easily mount it to a dovetail bar or ballhead. The Arca Swiss base has 2 holes, 1/4" and 3/8".

I'm actually considering selling mine, as I'm now using the Canon version of the lens, which isn't compatible with the collar. Perhaps you're interested?

Here are a few pictures

What camera and lens are you using?

Your polar alignment could be off. If you have the original version, you polar align with a straw, which I doubt is precise enough to do 4 minute exposures, even at 20mm.

Another reason would be that your setup isn't well balanced, and too heavy for the gear. That's why they added an ingenious spring mechanism, to counterbalance the effect of a heavy camera/lens.

Source: https://www.amateurastrophotography.com/minitrack-lx2-review

Yet another heart & soul   30x300s (2.5 hours) at unity gain with the ASI1600MM-Pro and ZWO's 7nm Ha filter, from the comfort of my hotel room in the Austrian Alps. The room had a balcony that was conveniently oriented North and almost free of any obstruction. I took these back in January. No dark, flat or bias, but I'll add them later!

Yes it supports autoguiding. I'm not using the ST4 port to do that, but I assume it's like the Star Adventurer and you can link your guide camera to the mount directly   

I think the banding is due to the light source used when these images were taken. It's a common issue with rolling shutters, as explained here: https://enthusiastphotoblog.com/silent-shutter-banding/

9 hours ago, LottJT said:

I haven't looked at used yet so I'll definitely see what's available for around the £100 mark. If I don't see anything the Neewer you suggest could be a good option, I'm familiar with the brand so would sort of know what to expect in terms of quality. If it's used by a few other people of the forum I guess this level of tripod and head is sturdy enough to image with - do you know if anyone has used it with the Mini Track LX2/LX3 because I'm pretty sure the LX3 is the route I'lltake but just need to sort a tripod and head too? 

Thanks for your response and I hope you don't mind a follow up question, I just want to make sure I'm spending my hard-earned money on equipment that will get me started. I know I'm definitely at the budget end but from what I've seen, if I spend wisely, things like Andromeda and Orion nebula should be possible. 

I used the Minitrack a couple times with this tripod, but also heavier payloads: about 2,5 kg for the lens, camera and filter wheel, 1.2 kg for the mount (AZ-GTi), 1 kg for the wedge. So almost 5 kg in total for deep sky imaging, and no problem  

As I said, the only gotcha with this tripod is probably durability. A brand like Gitzo or Manfrotto, who are dedicated tripod companies, probably uses better quality and more proven materials than Neewer. My tripod still works fine, but isn't as smooth as its first days. But for the price, it's totally fine with me  

If you can find on the used market, for the same price, a good Manfrotto or Gitzo tripod that suits your need, I would go for it. If you prefer something new, carbon fiber, then the Neewer is a good option. 

Have you considered the used market as well? There are good Manfrotto tripods available, like the famous 055, going for around £100. Could be a chance to get a more premium tripod for a good price.

I can't comment on Vanguard tripods, but I'm using this tripod from Neewer since a couple years, and I'm very happy so far. I think a few other people on the forum use it as well. For the price, it's excellent and very stable. The ballhead is also good, and will easily carry your setup. The carbon fiber makes it surprisingly light and yet, quite solid.

Also, 2 interesting features this tripod has, and that you should be looking for, IMO:

• a hook under the central column, that allows you to hang something and improve the stability of the tripod, by lowering its center of gravity
• removable rubber feet, with included metallic spikes: this is great if you're imaging in the grass. You can keep the rubber feet if you're on a hard surface, like concrete or pavement.

The only downside is that the glue used on the rubber knobs starts to wear off, which makes tightening it more difficult. I need to add some glue. That's the downside of cheap Chinese brands, but to be honest, for the price it's really not a big deal!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/en/gp/product/B01I1C8VGI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Thanks Ags! Sounds pretty cool  I guess a C5 with a focal reducer and lower weight can work even better on the little AZ-GTi. I have found a 2.3 kg counterweight that could help balance the setup.