Another Orion

Still trying to collimate the refractor and relive the pressure from a pinched lens, Before I did the work I had gathered a bunch of data from Orion. Here is how the data turned out. Stll need some 10 and 30 min subs when weather permits. Core is still funky but I am working on that.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/49217915@N04/5​460235846/

Interesting! I really think you have something fantastic here! Can't wait to see more data added to it. Love the colors!

Hi Sullij,

Great picture. Have you thought about sending the scope back to the manufacturer? Just a thought.

Mac

ok what lens are you using to get these? telescopes? are there special mounts you have to buy to take these shots?
im extremely interested in this

Mac5, first- your avatar is hysterical , I have had the scope for a long time and it has gone through many modifications, I am used to collimating and tuning my gear. Fact is I am probably the one who pinched the lens last time I collimated the scope. So I am just undoing my own error. I think I have already fixed it but need the current storms to pass to verify. I get fanitical trying to tune less expensive gear to perform with expensive gear results. Not always with great sucess but I see it as part of the hobby. Thanks though.

Corban227 wrote in post #11883434
ok what lens are you using to get these? telescopes? are there special mounts you have to buy to take these shots?
im extremely interested in this

Hi Corban227,

Yes, the image is gathered with a 5inch diameter telescope at 635mm and F5. The mount for this shot is a higher end mount from celestron called the CGE(no longer available, replaced by CGE Pro.) It is a used observatory grade mount I picked up at Oceanside Photo and Telescope at discounted price. The unmodifide Canon 1000D (body only) is placed in the scope using a telescope prime focus adapter made for the Canon, the adapter is also bought at Oceanside Photo and Telescope. Any computerised tracking telescope mount will acomplish this. The entry level mounts are usually the HEQ5 and above series, the Celestron CG5 (same as HEQ series) Advanced series also accomplish this type of photography at a reasonable price.

NovaTJ wrote in post #11880011
Interesting! I really think you have something fantastic here! Can't wait to see more data added to it. Love the colors!

Thanks TJ, waiting for the storms to pass. Thats why I have the time to be here. BTW I saw your go at this. Good work.

Sullij wrote in post #11888037
Thanks TJ, waiting for the storms to pass. Thats why I have the time to be here. BTW I saw your go at this. Good work.

Thanks Sullij! Between you and Jsigone, you guys could start an astro gallery! The EOS-CLS filter is really getting a workout...I love it! Your comment about waiting for clear skies so you could do some 10 to 30 minute exposures has me just green with envy!

Greg

That is nice! I've only been shooting the night sky for 7 months or so. I just got Astronomy Tools, but barely know how to use them. I may have to pick your brain on which ones to use and how. I need to get some type of auto guider. What do you suggest? I had thought about a Meade color DSI II...any input on that? I'm limited to 60-90 sec exposures. I have a Meade LX90 8in and a Canon 1000D and a T2i.

This is my latest stack of Orion. Very little adjustments. No comparison to yours

Still a great photo!

Toxic Coolaid wrote in post #11889377
That is nice! I've only been shooting the night sky for 7 months or so. I just got Astronomy Tools, but barely know how to use them. I may have to pick your brain on which ones to use and how. I need to get some type of auto guider. What do you suggest? I had thought about a Meade color DSI II...any input on that? I'm limited to 60-90 sec exposures. I have a Meade LX90 8in and a Canon 1000D and a T2i.

This is my latest stack of Orion. Very little adjustments. No comparison to yours

(30) 45 sec lights
(10) darks
ISO 800
DSS

Actually tou have a lot detail in the photo you posted. Do multipul exposure subs, in photoshop layer the subs and use the opacity sliders to adjust the color ranges from the core to the tip so as to try and not burn out the core. Just follow the directions on Jerry Lodigruss web site http://www.astropix.co​m/HTML/I_ASTROP/TOC_AP​.HTM. As for a guider I use PHD Guiding and followed the develper of the softwares advice to keep the mount light by using a 9X50 finderscope bought from a astronomy swapmeet for 12dollars and cut 3/4 inch off it. I then use the orion Starshoot autoguider to do the imaging and mount communication. The DSI II is a good option because you will always be able to do planitary and other imaging through it.(the starshoot autoguider cannot collect and save images) The DSI II will require the shoe string cable between the computer and the mount because the computer has to do the mount guiding instead of the autoguider, if you opt for this set up. I have seen other users of the guide configuration you are planning to use deliver awsome results. You may want to buy a wide feild scope to piggy back as a guider and wide field imager. (65-90mm F4 or F5.) I use my 65mm seperately to keep my mount light.
I normally use Astronomy tools to get rid of light pollution using the light pollution function and to get rid of banding or adjust star color. Most of the processing is in photoshop using layers, curves, dust and scratches, and bluring.

haha I was wondering how long it would take to put the 5" on the CGE!! Good stuff!! How did you counter weigh it?

I like the PP, nice and dusty with good depth & good colors.

jsigone wrote in post #11896736
haha I was wondering how long it would take to put the 5" on the CGE!! Good stuff!! How did you counter weigh it?

I like the PP, nice and dusty with good depth & good colors.

Yep, Needed parts ( ADM adapter plate), parts cost money, so it took a lil time. Fortunately with the counter weight all the way up near the guide motor the beast balances perfectly. Now we go for the long exposures! WHOOOHOOO! The CGE has such a smooth drive system and with the programable PEC it just makes things so much easier.

BTW, I got the 10 min subs Monday befor we clouded over. It looks like 10 min will be the max due to light pollution. The histogram is all the way right. Dang city life.

ISO800? How the noise on that 10min sub? My XS goes to hell after 7min