alex_stars

Dear Stargazers,

yesterday evening, despite some average seeing conditions, I managed to push by Skymax 180 to 0.15 arcsec/pixel resolution, using a 2.25x barlow and my ASI224MC. Best 10% out of 9040 frames, stacked and processed with PSS.

That imaging resolution is a first for me, so I am quite happy with the result 😃

Clear Skies everyone.

Fantastic images. Love the final composite!

Fantastic image for a 127 Mak-Cass. Used to own one too but never managed to get that sharp of an image. Well done.

Very sharp detail, well done. Like the clouds on the N-pole. I saw those too last night.

Crisp image! Congratulations

10 hours ago, Stardust said:

For various reasons I've  not been able to compare the 2 scopes. I hope to get set up for Mars and I suspect aperture will win there 

Thanks, looking forward to see what you find out.

Clear Skies

Welcome to SGL,

@dweller25 wrote great summary of planetary observing advice above. Do try to observe a lot and find out what you see. Especially Mars is fantastic these days under good seeing conditions.

Let us know how it goes. SGL is a great place to discuss observations, equipment questions/advice and all other related matters

Clear Skies!

Fantastic Image! 👍 I managed to image the N region haze as well a few days back, but not with so much resolution.

12 hours ago, nfotis said:

(Update: there was a 200mm Mak from Bosma in the past: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/369569-info-re-bosma-mk24020-2002400mm-mak/ )

At the price point of that old 200 mm Bosma (around 3330 USD) you can already consider an Intes Mak-Cass. The MK715 (178 mm F15) is around 2400 Euro at the moment.

Anyhow, we get side-tracked from the C9.25 vs Skymax 180 discussion. I look forward to hear from @Stardust or others on how the two OTAs compare, especially for planetary imaging.

Clear Skies!

17 hours ago, AbsolutelyN said:

I use a filter wheel so yes it had a zwo L filter for RGB which I think acts as a IR cut.

Hi again. Yes, all those R,G,B, and L filters cut off IR. So than that was not your problem. Collimation maybe as you point out...

Enjoy your new 462 and clear skies!

Fantastic animation! Well done

Amazing detail!! Wow!

Hi again @AbsolutelyN,

I just realized that you have the new ASI 462 MC and used to have the 224MC (same as I use). And I am contemplating about an "upgrade" to the 462MC. Looking forward to read more from you about how you like the 462MC in comparison to the 224MC.

One thing that came to my mind when I read your colour fringing comment: This might be trivial but did you use an IR blocking filter when shooting in colour? I know the 462 has a strong response in IR which might leak over to RGB and ruin your images when you do not use a IR blocking filter. Don't know how strong the effect is but I thought I ask about the blocking filter.

Clear Skies,

Alex

Amazing animation and great photos!

Great Image with lot's of detail.

Welcome to SGL.

I agree with @GMX76. Do use the "lounge" and ask a lot of questions, you will get great help and advice. Makes the hobby so much more fun!

Clear Skies!

Yup, the Bosma and the Bresser are nice, however I don't want to go back to a smaller aperture. Nevertheless, I see the temptation to get a fixed primary Mak @johninderby. If they would make a 7 or 8" one that would be a blast 😉

Hi @Stardust,

I am coming from the other side of the discussion as I own a Skymax 180 and fancy a C9.25. What a funny coincident. So I stumbled over this thread and thought I ask you.

Did you get a chance to compare the performance of the Skymax 180 vs the C9.25 with respect to planetary imaging?

In my mind the argument goes like this: "the Skymax 180 is a real performer and I enjoy it a lot. the C9.25 has more aperture and this should theoretically give me more resolution on my planetary images. wonder if i should upgrade/switch to a C9.25??"

Would be great to hear your opinion on this as you went through the argument already and know both OTAs.

Clear Skies,

Alex

Hi Andy,

I used to have a Skymax 127 Mak-Cass and it worked quite well for planetary imaging. I have the same camera, also an ADC and a x2.25 Baader barlow. That was a nice setup. The Skymax has a FL=1500 and the Bresser an FL=1900. So with your powermate you would get even more FL than I had. Here is a shot of Venus so you can see what would be possible.

Sold the 127 Mak this spring and upgraded to a 180 Mak, so I don't have any Jupiter/Mars/Saturn images at hand. The 127 did work well on planetary nebula as well:

Hope this helps,

Clear Skies!

Nice images! Have to say I like the one without the barlow even more.

Clear Skies!

Fantastic images!! 👍

Amazing detail!... Congrats on the excellent images.

8 hours ago, John said:

I've moved this to the imaging section but left a link in the observing section where it was originally posted.

Hope that's OK

Thanks John, next time I post in the imaging section right away 🙂, sorry for the mixup.

After last nights (30.09.2020) imaging session, where I also tested my visual setup, I am very happy to report that the above setup works very well. Micro-focusing is no issue and the Baader #08A offers plenty of focusing option in combination with the Skymax 180.

Here a link to some images I just posted on SGL. Never got the focus so far that sharp on my Mak. 😀

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/363617-sept-30th-jupiter-saturn-moon-and-mars/

Clear Skies,

Alex

Dear Stargazers,

I have updated my visual back on my 180 Mak recently (https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/363512-lightweight-visual-back-for-a-180-mak-with-micro-focusing/) and have to report that I am very happy with the micro-focusing option I have now.

Last night I had the chance to test the new setup with my ASI 224 MC camera. The prime focus length when imaging is 2400 mm with an ADC in the light path. Here some sample images:

and first time imaging Mars, getting ready for opposition. I just made one mistake, I removed the ADC, which you can see in the image.

Let me know what you think and hope you enjoy the images.

Clear Skies,

Alex