First light with Nikon ED 2.8 / 180mm lens

[Bodi]

I took quite a long time, but I found enough time this weekend to do 2 testshots on NGC 7000 and the Veil Nebula with the following equipment:

mount: Astrotrac

Camera: modded 450D with Astronomik CLS Clip-Filter - set to ISO 1600

Lens: Nikon Ed 2.8 / 180mm, stopped down to 4.0 - which was a lucky, pretty cheap purchase on ebay

Unfortunately the CLS Clip-Filter i have is not the CCD-type with built-in IR-Block, I think, the CCD-type will lead to better results, as the normal CLS is more suitable for an unmodded EOS.

As I had some trouble with humidity, I frequently had to use my wifes hairdryer to keep condensations away from the lens - exposure time therefore was short.

NGC 7000: exposed 24 x 60 sec

Veil-Nebula exposed 22 x 90 sec

hope you like the pics and comments are very welcome

have always clear skies

Wolfgang

Southern Germany - Lake of Constance

[SJJ]

Great start, have you counted how many stars you captured yet!

[Gina]

Lovely

[Moon monkey]

nice...

[iksose7]

Excellent results

[laser_jock99]

Good pics and a good lens- reputedly one of Nikons sharpest?