I'm a disabled astronomer , that really wants to become better at AP
Sep 3, 2014 20:58:02 #
I've been working on short video for 1 1/2 yrs. with the very basic equipment . An 80 eq refractor on a eq1 mount w/ motor drive and Orion starshoot ll usb 1/4 in. sensor cam. I've since upgraded camera to a Levenhuk T510NG 1/2.5 in.sensor color digital telescope camera 10mm fl 5mp extension lense that goes in the focuser and a used lxd55 mount w/ 8x50 RACI . The moon is my first image w/ the eq1 mount. 2nd is my setup before the upgrade and 3rd is my setup now. I really want to learn to take quality images of all astronomical objects. Xmas I'll get my 50mm guider "fingers crossed." all help appreciated
Sep 4, 2014 09:00:53 #
dlmorris
Loc: Loma Linda, Ca
What is the focal length, or f-ratio, of the scope? I have gotten many good shots with the Orion 80 (about f-7.5 or so...). I think the EQ has good optics. Now you need a good DSLR camera, and you'll have plenty of really great targets to shoot. Bot the moon is a great starting target!
Sep 19, 2014 12:16:33 #
dlmorris, I use a T510NG color digital telescope camera started with a Orion\starshootll usb planetary cam. I'm seeking advice on getting my pic's in better focus and clarity. I'm disabled and this is a passion that I have afr fining out that after finding out that in fact I can image something.
Sep 20, 2014 07:55:34 #
Sorry I forgot to add , It's a slow f/11 @ 900 fl. know it's awful slow but, I'll work with what I have. I also Image with my Z10 reflector, here's some images from my Z10 reflector f/5 @ 1250 fl.
Jupiter Z10 T510NG digital color
Half lunar phase Z10 T510NG digital
1/4 phase lunar surface T510NG digital color
Sep 20, 2014 15:11:26 #
dlmorris
Loc: Loma Linda, Ca
The first moon picture isn't too bad. A little soft on focus, but it may also be because of the long focal length of the scope vs the size of the chip. I'm not real familiar with those kinds of cameras. Is that a single shot, or a stack of images? I think that camera will do video? There is software that will pick out the sharpest images and stack and process them. Guess it just takes a lot of practice and playing with the equipment to see what it will do. How long of exposures can you get with that camera? I have a feeling it will be good for the moon and planets only. Not any wide field stuff....but I might be wrong about that!
Sep 20, 2014 15:12:55 #
Jan 5, 2015 17:19:23 #
Since we chatted dlm I've got some stellar images of the moon and since I've tried selling my 80eq refractor. Couple bites but, nothing else. So for my Bday and Xmas , I've got a 8 in.Newtonian astrograph on its way. I'm thinking using the refractor for a autoguiding scope . Piggybacking on the newt. with an st4 adapter.
Jan 5, 2015 19:25:58 #
dlmorris
Loc: Loma Linda, Ca
I wouldn't sell that refractor! I have an Orion 80 ED, and you'd have a hard time getting it away from me! It makes for a good medium field deep space scope. Very good for Orion, the Horse Head, the Andromada Galaxy, and other targets. It may be a bit much as an auto guide scope, though. Orion telescopes has an auto guider package using their short tube 80. Even a smaller scope would work.
Jan 6, 2015 21:07:23 #
Good start, Practice, practice and practice.
It is slow going at times but keep at it. You'll get good advice at this forum keep asking.
It is slow going at times but keep at it. You'll get good advice at this forum keep asking.
Jan 8, 2015 10:16:54 #
Thanx Craig, I'm trying to get a hold of Astrogene to get the 909 clone to st4 kit and get this going.I have to still wait on my Bday xmas present , the first place I ordered "they spun me for a week. It's on it's way now ,if it would ever leave Cali, I really like this forum.
Jan 12, 2015 10:24:07 #
azstarman
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
For the moon and planetary images, You may want to look into a software program called Registax. With this program, you can take videos of the moon and planets and this software will gather and stack the individual frames. It will go a long way to improving the quality of you images.
Jan 12, 2015 10:40:11 #
azstarman, thanx for your reply , I'm familiar with reg 6 and it's my bad these were all snapshots to get the settings just set before I went to video mode but, I couldn't seem to get it just right this night. I 'm unable to use a filter with this camera or barlow because the software compensates for that. I've always had problems with the full phase. I keep on trying to overcome this and one night , I will.
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