Crescent Nebula - 300mm lens on Astrotrac

[melsky]

A very enjoyable imaging session last night at the Rollrights with Astrosurf (http://stargazerslou...ing-worked-m51/) and while she was muttering to her autoguider I set up my Astrotrac.

The wind had died down by now so I thought I would try out my new 300mm lens on the modded Canon 550D, target was the Crescent Nebula in hydrogen alpha and I managed to get 25 usable 4 minute subs within the 2 hour run of the Astrotrac. All processing done in Photoshop and I must say I'm very pleased with this image as a first attempt with this combination.

Mel

[sologuitarist61]

Very nice image Mel. Just goes to show what can be done with the basic camera lens. Good detail

[Mr Spock]

Great image with plenty of detail. Looks like the camera + lens a good imaging setup.

[sanmatt]

fab!!

[Astrosurf]

OMG, stonking! I'm soooo jealous now. Thanks for the link to my M51. And I'm glad you said 'muttering' and didn't repeat some of the swearing, but maybe you didn't hear! I was trying to behave.

[Gina]

Great

[Psychobilly]

Cracking first light Mel..

Which 300mm prime is it?

Peter...

[melsky]

Thanks Peter

It's the Canon non IS 300mm F4 L 1994 vintage, the newer image stabilised lenses have 15 elements in them whereas the older lens has only 7 and is reputed to be sharper.

Mel

[Psychobilly]

Thanks Mel...it's certainly seems a capable performer - in the right hands of course

[Viv]

Brilliant image Mel !

[davew]

I'm very impressed with that. Good depth and detail and tight stars.

That lens is a keeper !

Did you use a wide Ha filter ? There's tons of signal showing for 4 minute subs. Not that I'm jealous

Dave.

[laser_jock99]

Nice photo, some older lenses are far better for astro work than 'all singing all dancing' modern lenses.

I also tried NGC688 as a first light through my new 8" scope last night too. But I had issues with focussing, collimation & no guiding.

Still at least it's an image......

[GlassWalker]

Nice polar alignment! I can't get away with 4m at 300mm on mine. Nebula looks great too

[fwm891]

"I must say I'm very pleased with this image as a first attempt with this combination"

I think you've understated just-a-bit here - superb imaging.

Look forward to the more-than-just-pleased image!

[Gina]

WOW!!! That's excellent So you CAN use an Ha filter with modified DSLR

Did you use a clip filter?

[melsky]

WOW!!! That's excellent So you CAN use an Ha filter with modified DSLR

Did you use a clip filter?

Thanks Gina

It's the astronomik 12nm HA filter which I wouldn't be without this time of year.

Mel

[Gina]

Thanks Gina

It's the astronomik 12nm HA filter which I wouldn't be without this time of year.

Mel

Thanks I wonder if you know the best (cheapest) place to get one This is something I've been thinking of trying.

[Uranium235]

Lovely widefield shot, very nice for a modded DSLR.