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AstroFotos for a Bird Photographer
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Nov 23, 2020 16:26:28   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
My Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Telefoto lens for full frame cameras arrives tomorrow and while I bought it mainly for pictures of birds I would like to use it to catch the close encounter of Jupiter/Saturn 21Dec20. On my Sony A6300 with a 1.5 crop factor it becomes a 35mm 300-900mm telefoto. Therein lies my first question-
1.Does the crop factor apply to the f-stop as far as light reaching the APS-C sensor? I think it would still be f5.6@ 300mm & f6.3@900mm but I am confused by what I have read online.
2.How do I calculate the angle of view for this internal zoom lens?
3. While I realize I will not get the same image size as I would using my C5Celestron (it is Colorado and I am cocooning in Florida) how can I approximate the size of each planet in the image?
4. I am new to astrofotos and with no experience in stacking and just basic skills using GIMP (crop, adjust exposure...) the Linux app, not PhotoShop. My OS is Ubuntu LTS 18.04. Any recommendations for compatible Stacking apps appreciated. I have searched U-Tube and found some videos that will help, but first 21Dec20 then processing tho I will set up tripod in back yard the first clear nite to take some shots, maybe a 4k movie, as I am sure the learning curve is steep.
TIA for any info, tips, help. Nice to have a new project at 86years old.
Ernie

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Nov 23, 2020 17:05:04   #
Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio
 
My first piece of advice is that Jupiter and Saturn are up there every night and nothing significant will be changing between now and 12/21. They may be a little brighter or a little closer on 12/21 but you'll never be able to detect that difference with the equipment you're talking about. Visibility due to weather is more critical than any change in planetary orientation. Also, every day they are moving closer to sunset and the light issues associated with it. I'd have a go at it as soon as you have your new lens. A wise adage I got from Arthur Ashe: Start where you are, Use what you have, Do what you can. Success will follow.

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Nov 23, 2020 17:29:49   #
BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten
 
I have the Sony FE 200-600mm (absolutely love it and I think you will too) and use it with the Sony 1.4x tc. They play very well together and if ther is any image degradation, I’m unable to see it.
Just FYI. Good luck I may be out there trying tonight if sky stays clear.

Edit: RGs advice sounds pretty spot on to me. ^^^

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Nov 23, 2020 22:41:53   #
SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA
 
That's great Ernie!
I kinda flew through my DSLR stage. But did do some imaging with my Tamron 15-600 mm telephoto lens.

Breaking in, the Moon is your friend. Especially for focusing.
Going after deeper space, and Planets, I think may be a bit of trial and error. But the delete button forgives all sins. I used to use mine a lot. Wore the label off of mine.
Something I found very useful was my Intervalometer. The wireless type. It can be used to do your imaging for your stacking, delay for settling, and just general no-touch triggering.
I would assume you have a good tripod?

Just jump in and work at it, you'll find your way.
Watch out for the Black Hole. It will suck you in and you'll amass all manner of things and contraptions going after unseeable fuzzy objects.
I got a great deal out of Forrest Tanaka's YouTube video's. He's doing a lot with DSLR's.

Most folks use Deep Sky Stacker to stack images.
I wound up buying a camera from a very good friend that does the stacking in it's program. Completely changed my entire Astroimaging for me.

But there are many great imagers here who will weigh in and help you. Just be patient. Most of us have our heads in outer space.

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Nov 24, 2020 08:43:36   #
alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ
 
notBert wrote:
My Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Telefoto lens for full frame cameras arrives tomorrow and while I bought it mainly for pictures of birds I would like to use it to catch the close encounter of Jupiter/Saturn 21Dec20. On my Sony A6300 with a 1.5 crop factor it becomes a 35mm 300-900mm telefoto. Therein lies my first question-
1.Does the crop factor apply to the f-stop as far as light reaching the APS-C sensor? I think it would still be f5.6@ 300mm & f6.3@900mm but I am confused by what I have read online.
2.How do I calculate the angle of view for this internal zoom lens?
3. While I realize I will not get the same image size as I would using my C5Celestron (it is Colorado and I am cocooning in Florida) how can I approximate the size of each planet in the image?
4. I am new to astrofotos and with no experience in stacking and just basic skills using GIMP (crop, adjust exposure...) the Linux app, not PhotoShop. My OS is Ubuntu LTS 18.04. Any recommendations for compatible Stacking apps appreciated. I have searched U-Tube and found some videos that will help, but first 21Dec20 then processing tho I will set up tripod in back yard the first clear nite to take some shots, maybe a 4k movie, as I am sure the learning curve is steep.
TIA for any info, tips, help. Nice to have a new project at 86years old.
Ernie
My Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Telefoto lens for ful... (show quote)


Even at 2,000mm Saturn and Jupiter will be quite small. The key to getting quality planetary images is focal length, steady skies and lots of video frames stacked to remove the atmospheric degradation of the image. That's the simple non technical answer.
It would be good to have 4,000mm to get the image scale large enough to really bring out details, however with experience or luck it can be done at lesser focal lengths.

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Nov 24, 2020 08:50:08   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
Thank you all for your replys. I have little else to do these days other than bake bread & Bundt cakes modifying my Mom's recipes and dropping them off on neighbor's screen porches.
Yes I will start tonite weather permitting. My tripod is one I used to mount an 8x10 view camera on, fairly sturdy. Jupiter & Saturn as well as Mars were discs in my 8x42 Nikon binocs last night so I will see what the Sony lens produces .
Thanx again for the advice.
Ernie
PS Any Linux OS folk out there, I use Ubuntu 18.04 and GIMP, that could save me time searching for stacking &/or other astro-processing software + tutorials on U-Tube and Google? I could not get RegiStax to download, but I need update Ubuntu to 20.04 and recheck download folder. TIA

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Nov 24, 2020 15:15:56   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
notBert wrote:
My Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Telefoto lens for full frame cameras arrives tomorrow and while I bought it mainly for pictures of birds I would like to use it to catch the close encounter of Jupiter/Saturn 21Dec20. On my Sony A6300 with a 1.5 crop factor it becomes a 35mm 300-900mm telefoto. Therein lies my first question-
1.Does the crop factor apply to the f-stop as far as light reaching the APS-C sensor? I think it would still be f5.6@ 300mm & f6.3@900mm but I am confused by what I have read online.
2.How do I calculate the angle of view for this internal zoom lens?
3. While I realize I will not get the same image size as I would using my C5Celestron (it is Colorado and I am cocooning in Florida) how can I approximate the size of each planet in the image?
4. I am new to astrofotos and with no experience in stacking and just basic skills using GIMP (crop, adjust exposure...) the Linux app, not PhotoShop. My OS is Ubuntu LTS 18.04. Any recommendations for compatible Stacking apps appreciated. I have searched U-Tube and found some videos that will help, but first 21Dec20 then processing tho I will set up tripod in back yard the first clear nite to take some shots, maybe a 4k movie, as I am sure the learning curve is steep.
TIA for any info, tips, help. Nice to have a new project at 86years old.
Ernie
My Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Telefoto lens for ful... (show quote)

1. No change in aperture; still f/5.6-6.3 on a crop sensor camera. I use a Sony 1.4x teleconverter with my FE 200-600, aperture is then f/7.8-8.8.

2. I use Starry Night Pro to 'see' what is included in the field-of-view. The FOV at 200mm: 7x4°, at 600mm: 2x1°.

3. See attached: FOV for 600mm & 300mm at ~6:00pm, 2020Dec21 from Miami, FL

4. I use ImagesPlus and PixInsight for all my astro-processing; both cost $$$'s. However, Deep Sky Stacker might be a reasonable choice if it runs on Linux?

5. Remember the 500 Rule. To keep star/planet trailing to a minimum set exposure to 500/focal length, ~0.75 sec. with a 600mm lens. Play with ISO and exposure until you get something you like. Planets are relatively bright so you might be able to reduce exposure somewhere below 1 sec. Once you find the sweet spot, shoot lots and lots of subs. Shooting with 600m close the horizon is going to show lots of atmospheric motion. You're trying to get a couple of subs where the atmosphere is stable, i.e.: 'lucky imaging'.

6. If you get an image you like with the above playing, you might be able to shoot some 4K video but I believe the max. video exposure is 0.25sec.? I've never tried shooting video with this combo. I have shot planetary video with a focal length of 3500mm using a Sony A6100; worked quite well. Video is particularly good for luck imaging since you have thousands of frames to choose from; gotta be a few good ones!

Good luck and have fun!

Stay safe and healthy...

bwa


(Download)

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Nov 24, 2020 19:07:32   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
Wow, ask questions & and you all supply informative answers & more. Thanx much bwana for the FOV Starry Night map, etc. I will ✓out that app.
Sadly the lens arrived in Florida at 3:45am plenty of time to drop it at my door, buTT instead it is going ro South Carolina, go figure! Tracking promises delivery by 9pm tomorrow.

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Nov 24, 2020 20:41:38   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
notBert wrote:
Wow, ask questions & and you all supply informative answers & more. Thanx much bwana for the FOV Starry Night map, etc. I will ✓out that app.
Sadly the lens arrived in Florida at 3:45am plenty of time to drop it at my door, buTT instead it is going ro South Carolina, go figure! Tracking promises delivery by 9pm tomorrow.

You'll love the FE 200-600 lens. I use it with an A7S, A7 III, A6000 & A6100. Probably the best on an APS-C camera since it is using the lens' sweet spot. And the 1.4x teleconverter is also very good. I would have gone with the 2x teleconverter BUT thought that might be pushing it too far, although I've since seen some great pix when using the 2x.

I've attached a Mars image shot with an A6100, FE 200-600 & 1.4x TC (840mm). It isn't a work of art but not too bad for the eastern slopes of Rockies.

Have fun!

bwa

Mars (best 8 of 159 subs)
Mars (best 8 of 159 subs)...
(Download)

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Nov 25, 2020 15:11:32   #
SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA
 
notBert wrote:
Wow, ask questions & and you all supply informative answers & more. Thanx much bwana for the FOV Starry Night map, etc. I will ✓out that app.
Sadly the lens arrived in Florida at 3:45am plenty of time to drop it at my door, buTT instead it is going ro South Carolina, go figure! Tracking promises delivery by 9pm tomorrow.


The Calvary has arrived.

Yep, sometimes the Post Office works in mysterious ways.
I watched a package move to Los Angeles, out, and back, and out again, until someone with a brain finally sent it forward.
This year, shipping is screwier than ever in history.

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Nov 25, 2020 15:32:21   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
I commute semi-annually twixt Colorado/Florida, having spent years in snow research I need not learn anything more bout snowflakes, one year USPS applied 8 of those yellow labels to a letter shortstopping it in Gainesville FL about 50 miles from my home & Commerce City about 60 miles from home in CO. When I peeled off the labels the postal clerk asked why I had not called my carrier, when I told him I didn't have his number as I had never thought to date him, he did not laugh.
I knew it pkg just arrived when I was on the head. Just dropped at door, even tho "signature required" AND guess what, it is Sony Video projector! Now Go figure that one..

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Nov 27, 2020 11:24:36   #
SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA
 
Lurch.

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Dec 27, 2020 15:36:42   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
I am looking for advice about laser pointers for astronomy.
1. Which is better red or green beam?
2. Range of beam from ground up into the nite? No chance of interfering w/ planes?
3. Power ? What size batteries?
4. Desireable specs?
5. Links, brands, venders?
TIA
My experience w/ Sony 200-600 telefoto lens, both fun & frustrating. Yes definitely the moon is a friend from zeroing in on infinity focus to easy to foto. The conjunction was more a challenge. At best was one frame of Saturn, fuzzy, w/its rings. I had lots of problems w/ camera tripod and definitely will invest in equitorial mount eventually.




(Download)

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Dec 27, 2020 19:19:13   #
SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA
 
Hi notBert,
In the last 3-4 months I switched over to laser pointers for my Aligning and pointing. They are really great compared to my Red Dot sight.
No more craning my neck to get a straight view through to aim at the star.

While a bit pricey IMHO, I really like these from Z bolt.
https://www.custom-laser-pointers.com/standard-btg-2s-p-astronomykit

They are closing them out. I got the green with AAA batteries. So you can get a much better deal than I did.
And honestly, I have yet to wear out the first batteries in either one. (I got the green one first and mounted it along my telescope. later, I got a blue one and mounted it on my Astro Binoculars.)
On my telescope I got the 30" lead and like that for aligning my stars during my alignments (Modeling). For my binoculars, I only need/use the 6" lead.
It's amazing how much easier it is to get on target for me.

As far as Planes go, the smallest use of care to not aim it in the direction of aircraft is sufficient to stay out of trouble. When an airplane is approaching, I simply wait a bit and show some curtesy until it passes where my rig is aimed. It only amounts to seconds.
And as I said, my batteries are the originals. I rarely have the laser on for more than a few seconds at a time.
The green laser is the easiest to see. The blue is a bit harder, but once you get the hang of it, it works very well.

I've have many manner of lasers I've tried. The cheap, super bright ones cover up your object you are trying to aim at. And the ones that use the 123A Batteries get expensive to feed.
Both of mine came with a rechargeable battery kit, which was a $25 value, for free. I don't know if Karen is still offering that.
But I'm completely sold and very happy with these Z bolt astronomy lasers. They go down to 14° F, which is quite below my shivering zone.

I took the following images with my lasers on for 25 seconds in order to get good examples. I rarely have one on for more than a few seconds during adjustment of my mount.

Blue 25 second exposure with the Z-Bolt laser on. I took my Red Dot off because this laser works so much better.
Blue 25 second exposure with the Z-Bolt laser on. ...
(Download)

Green 25 second exposure with the Z-Bolt laser on. I took my Red Dot off because this laser works so much better.
Green 25 second exposure with the Z-Bolt laser on....
(Download)

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Dec 27, 2020 22:30:08   #
notBert Loc: Ft. Collins, Colorado
 
Thank you for the pronpt reply & answers to my questions. Looks like what I want. Went ahead & ordered. Thanx again.

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