Widefield Pleiades

[Rob L]

This is my first attempt at taking tracked exposures, using the eq3-2 and dslr combination and also the first time I've used a cheap m45 screw thread lens I picked up from ebay (fittingly to capture M45 )

This is 10 x 60 seconds subs and 5 darks stacked in DSS. Taken used my 1100d and 135mm Pentacon lens at f4.

I used APT to capture the subs and focus the camera, it's a great piece of software and I really enjoyed the process.

Overall I'm very happy with it, but there are a number of problems.

Firstly I couldn't get longer than 1 minute subs which I assume is probably poor polar alignment although I did take some time over trying to get it right. I doff my hat at those who can achieve 2 minutes at much longer focal lengths than this.

Secondly on the brighest stars there is some nasty chromatic aberration, which I tried to remove in the subs prior to stacking, but it hasn't worked.

Thanks for looking, Rob.

[Quatermass]

Love the 7 sisters such a wonderful sight looking good ive been meaning to have another go at this but fog and cloud are spoiling my fun.

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[Rob L]

M42 thread lens, not M45! Getting my M numbers mixed up

Perhaps I'll have a go at M42 next

[Quatermass]

M42 is a grrreat subject lets hope the clouds give us a break soon im getting withdrawl symptums

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[tnorthy92]

Hi, did you just use a RA motor on the EQ3-2? I'm looking to get a new mount, and I was looking at EQ3 Pro, but if EQ3-2 with motors is ok then that's easier! I really want to image Pleiades, only managed Orion so far!

That image looks really good to me

[Rob L]

Hi, did you just use a RA motor on the EQ3-2? I'm looking to get a new mount, and I was looking at EQ3 Pro, but if EQ3-2 with motors is ok then that's easier! I really want to image Pleiades, only managed Orion so far!

That image looks really good to me

Yes, a standard eq3 with ra motor. The pro version would make things a little easier as it has goto, and an st4 port for guiding.

[Mike Hackenbacker]

a very nice capture.one of my faves to look at

[Beyond_Vision]

Off to a good start Rob just the light pollution to tackle. This can be alleviated by post processing to some extent or better still using a clip in light pollutuon filter that sits between the lens and camera.

Regards

Kevin