Tonight's moon 26/02/2015

Hi,

I have finally managed to get a decent photo of the moon. The focussing is 99% there I think. It seems to be the best that I can manage.

The image is very soft. I can't comment if that is considered normal for the reflector with barlow lens.

yup, agree with AbPho

it is pretty soft, would have given focussing ~ 80% rather than 99%

Im not familiar with the 350D, does it have live view ? ( maybe a model too early for that ?)

how were you doing your focussing ?

keep working at it, the more you experiment, the better the images will get

Dave

How does a 150mm reflector compare to a 200mm standard slr lens?

Assuming they are comparable, the softness is probably from being cropped and enlarged.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17451489
How does a 150mm reflector compare to a 200mm standard slr lens?

Assuming they are comparable, the softness is probably from being cropped and enlarged.

It's a combination of the equip he used in his gear list above . To start a 350D which is only 6mp , the scope being a reflector 150mm and not getting good focus with the barlow and attachment . I have a Bushnell 150mm exactly as the OPs' and before it cratered I also had a 350D which was my first digital camera . I also took moon shots and none ever came out clearly focused no matter what I did . But it's a great scope just for scoping for sure . Now with the right camera and and a computer hookup it can produce a great moon image !

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have seen some of the other moon photos, and yes I have to agree with you that it does look rather soft rather than sharp.

The 350D is an 8MP camera with no Live view. The viewfinder is rather small and in the dark it can be difficult to look through. The other problem that I have here is that usually it gets cloudy. Last night I had some time to take a few photos of the moon before dinner. When I returned, the clouds also came. The only way I can really check to see if it is properly in focus is to transfer it to the laptop and then look at it. It looked like it was in focus when using the camera screen and zooming in.

The Barlow is a Celestron 2x Barlow with a T-thread. I will have to wait until I finish university before I can buy any more equipment.

As for the comparison between a 250mm lens, the telescope is probably comparable to a 1500mm lens. The image was a stitch of a few images because I am still struggling to aim with an equatorial mount. I have attached one of the frames. I have just scaled it so you can see what it looks like on the camera.

The no live view would certainly make it more difficult! I would try bracketing different focus attempts in hopes of one working out, and then leave it on that setting.

I used a 100-400mm Mk I and 2x teleconverter and focused using live view. I find using live view and zooming in LV helps me get the most precise focusing. Also remember to turn off AF and Image Stabilization.

IMAGE LINK: http://edwardleephotog​raphy.zenfolio.com/p32​0831022/e60ca2826

drumsfield wrote in post #17452773
I used a 100-400mm Mk I and 2x teleconverter and focused using live view. I find using live view and zooming in LV helps me get the most precise focusing. Also remember to turn off AF and Image Stabilization.

IMAGE LINK: http://edwardleephotog​raphy.zenfolio.com/p32​0831022/e60ca2826

I just had to look up that lens on the Internet. I would expect nothing short of spectacular images with such a high end lens. Live View really would make things so much easier as you have mentioned. Unfortunately, I will have to wait about 4 or 5 years to upgrade my camera to one with Live View.

By the way, how would IS change the image?

IS will introduce camera shake if used on a tripod and if not turned off.. Newer lenses auto detect tripod use and disable the feature automatically.

AbPho wrote in post #17453443
IS will introduce camera shake if used on a tripod and if not turned off.. Newer lenses auto detect tripod use and disable the feature automatically.

Thanks for letting me know.