A quick M13

[MidnightSun]

This was 18 min. My first real attempt at a cluster. I think I'll go back for more...

[chris.bailey]

Very nice capture. I think you have also got NGC6207 1/3 of the way in from left and bottom

[MidnightSun]

Thx, I was pretty happy with it for a first attempt. Actually I had to look up that galaxy to be sure of what it was. :cool:

[RBChallenger]

Forgive my ignorance, and I will search as well, but would you mind telling me how you capture these? Are you able to somehow hook your DSLR up to your telescope? Is there a specific camera, lens, etc. Basically, I would really like to get into this so any help with equipment, options, links of how tos would be great!

[MidnightSun]

Basically, you remove your eyepiece and camera lens, and attach your camera to your focuser housing on the scope and use your scope as the lens. You can somehow use about any camera you have, from point and shoot to hi-end DSLR's. There are adapters called T-rings for different cameras that allow this. Any search for astrophotography will give more info than you may want...:cool: You can aslo use "afocal" methods, which bring your camera up to the eyepiece and shoot that way. There are also adapters that will let you connect your camera to the E.P. and shoot that way. It all depends what you want to spend, and shoot...If you click my 'astro setup' link in my sig. you can get an idea of what's involved.

[RBChallenger]

Awesome, just out of curiousity what did that scope cost? Sorry for the bombardment of questions!

[MidnightSun]

No problem for the questions...if you don't ask you won't learn. The main imaging scope, the 8" was about $650. That included the mount. Then the motor drives are extra. The smaller scope is for guiding mainly and it was bought separately.

[Nighthound]

Nice work Dave, focus looks very good. You even captured NGC 6207 at the lower left.

I've always had the best results varying the sub exposure times and ISO settings on globulars. Seems to really help with maintaining structure in the core and still resolve the fainter outer stars.

I applied Horizontal Banding and Noise Reduction using Noel Carboni's Astro Actions for PS, man these tools really impress me. I didn't tinker with color balance, could use a little tweaking.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/test/tst2/M1318Minx.jpg

[Celestron]

Very nice Dave . GCs' are my favorites of all DSOs' .