Various Lunar images...

[katodog]

Seems to be quite a popular subject around this site, so I figured I'd add a few images of my own. feel free to comment...



1

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/IMG_1420.jpg


2

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/IMG_1437.jpg


3

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/IMG_1300.jpg


4

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/March14167.jpg


5

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Lunar001.jpg


6

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Jan162008005.jpg


7

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Jan162008006.jpg


8

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Jan162008004.jpg

[Adrena1in]

Wow, some really nice shots there. Be interested to hear what equipment you used. I'm guessing the last couple are you shooting through the eyepiece of a telescope?

First two are lovely and sharp...could you splice them together as I'm guessing they were taken about the same time?

[katodog]

Thanks. All shot through a telescope, prime focus with a 10D. First two were with a Meade 12" LX200R and the 10D. Funny you should talk about splicing them, I've tried it a few times, never really happy with the results. I think there's a slight size difference in the two shots, which makes it a pain in the neck to match them up exactly.

3 and 5 were shot with the 10D and a William Optics Megrez 110ED mounted on the LX200R.

All others were with the 10D and LX200R.


Funny thing is, that's all old equipment that I don't own any more...


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/IMG_0529.jpg



I got out of astronomy and sold it all off, along with these...


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF3003.jpg



...and a lot more. But, sooner or later it'll all be replaced with new gear. Sure was fun using it all though.

[katodog]

Hmm, actually just spliced them again, and they came out great. Maybe I wasn't doing something right the last few times. Dunno...


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Splice02-1.jpg

[Nighthound]

Great work Kato, the splice is very well done. A lot of great features along the terminator.

The 12" LX200 is a back breaker but a real nice scope to have on a GEM for galaxies.

So how's life after astrophotography? I haven't been out in so many months that I feel like I've retired as well. Starting to wonder if it isn't the best thing to sell all. Maybe get back into it again when I can live under dark skies that are occasionally clear near and during new moon.

[katodog]

Eh, I can take it or leave it, but I am starting to miss going into the garage and seeing all that expensive, shiny gear. I'm not too worried about it though, I can easily replace what I sold. just deciding when a good time to do it would be.

The 12" wasn't that heavy at all. I could carry that entire rig in the image from one spot in the yard to another with very little effort. Of course, it helps to be stronger than the average human. Being able to bench 425 and curl 230 has it's advantages. That's why I always get a giggle out of people who say their camera lens is too heavy. It was a dream setup, that's for sure. But, when I sold it I knew it would just be a matter of time before the urge sunk in again, and it's starting to again. One day I'll be back under the stars.

I still have my Stellarvue 20x85mm binos, won't get rid of those. The LXD75 was the last big thing to go, and it went recently. I was gonna keep it for astro work with my camera gear, but never use it, so off it went. This is around the time it would have been to get new gear anyway, so it all works out in the end. I wanted to get an AP 1200 to mount the 12" on, but never got around to it. Was having too much fun with the 12" with WO 110ED mounted on it.

[Celestron]

Those are great images but the Refractor images are excellent ! I've seen other images with that scope and it is a very high quality Achro ! Main problem ppl have is the CA but that can be dealt with .

[SteveInNZ]

Those are very nice. What method did you use to focus your 10D ?

Steve.

[katodog]

I look through the viewfinder and focus the telescope manually until it's focused. No method, just a focus knob and my fingers. It helps if you have a telescope that tracks the subject. It also helps to have a lot of experience focusing. With a 3048mm focal length it's fairly easy to see where focus is. Even on scopes that are only 600mm, it's still fairly easy if you're used to it.

These telescopes are fitted with either electronic focus motors or dual-speed focuser. That allows much finer control of focus. It's extremely easy to creep up onto critical focus with an electronic focus motor or dual-speed focuser. The dual-speed knob allows 11:1 ratio, so it's pretty fine adjustments. The electronic focuser go even slower than that, so they're very easy to use.