RC anyone

[John Togger]

I'm planning on going out with the camera and scope tonight. Anyone up for RC? If not I might head somewhere closer and try out Newlands Corner.

[swamp thing]

I'll give it a bash. If it stays clear.

Be around 9:00 if that's ok?

[John Togger]

Sure thing. See you at 9.

[Leebert]

Not tonight sadly. I did have a quick look out with the grab n go in the garden but there was lots of high level cloud spoiling the view.

Hope all is clear at RC

Fingers crossed, Wednesday evening looks okay at the moment.

[Woking]

I'm still at work, and it will no doubt be cloudy tomo night too

[swamp thing]

Still at work.

Man that blows.

Hopefully we'll get another chance this week. Not going to hold my breath though.

[John Togger]

Thanks for the view of Saturn in the dob Steve.

Fantastic! ;)

I'm going to work on the subs I took tomorrow now and may even be brave enough to post the results. We'll see.

[swamp thing]

Your welcome.

Nice to meet you again. Let's hope that big lens of yours produces the goods.

[John Togger]

Fingers crossed.

BTW, you do realise I have aperture envy now don't you.

[swamp thing]

Already.

It worked both ways tonight when I saw that lens.

[John Togger]

All the shots from last night are a washout I'm afraid. Way too long star trails. 10 secs was obviously too much for the lens.

[Leebert]

What setup are you using John? I found I had to really cut down the exposure time and up the ISO when taking unguided photos. Whilst the shorter exposures seemed to help with reducing the effects of light pollution, I was just left with noisy images sadly.

I hope to do some experimenting with the camera & lens (D5000 and 55-200 kit lens) fixed to an EQ mount and see if I can drop the ISO / lengthen the exposure. I hope to get some nice widefield images

[John Togger]

After playing around with high ISOs the previous night at 18mm and 200mm, I went with ISO100 on 10 secs subs using a 500mm lens. Camera is a 350D. In retrospect, I was probably a bit optimistic and should have gone for much shorter shots.

[jonorion]

Looks like clear skies tonight.

[Leebert]

Grrr! Why does the only 'work late' day have to happen on a clear night? I WILL set up in the garden though as long as it stays clear!