Well last night I got the chance to really check out my new Starmaster 14.5" under good skies. I wanted to see how much improvement there was in contrast and resolution. So I picked the Trapezium to test the optics.
I managed to get 7 of the 8 stars with the "G" star evading me until later, when I got momentary glimpses of it. Not a steady look, but in and out, so I don't claim it as verified.
I have posted a picture of the area with stars that I verified. All these stars were stead and seen without averted vision. This is more that I have been able to see in my 15" or the 12.5" that I had prior to the Starmaster.
The other objects were very good too, with great views of distant galaxies. I even got the HorseHead nebula, though the look was not that impressive. The sky was beginning to degrade with incoming upper level clouds by that time.
I have to admit the Starmaster is a great performer and it does indeed out perform the Swayze mirror I used to own.
Now for some more good skies with no clouds or haze and I will do a better job of wringing it out.
Oh yeah! The site we went to was a new one I found and we got permission to use a private runway for a place to observe. The skies are very dark with little light pollution and steady air. This could be a really good place for our club.
I managed to get 7 of the 8 stars with the "G" star evading me until later, when I got momentary glimpses of it. Not a steady look, but in and out, so I don't claim it as verified.
I have posted a picture of the area with stars that I verified. All these stars were stead and seen without averted vision. This is more that I have been able to see in my 15" or the 12.5" that I had prior to the Starmaster.
The other objects were very good too, with great views of distant galaxies. I even got the HorseHead nebula, though the look was not that impressive. The sky was beginning to degrade with incoming upper level clouds by that time.
I have to admit the Starmaster is a great performer and it does indeed out perform the Swayze mirror I used to own.
Now for some more good skies with no clouds or haze and I will do a better job of wringing it out.
Oh yeah! The site we went to was a new one I found and we got permission to use a private runway for a place to observe. The skies are very dark with little light pollution and steady air. This could be a really good place for our club.
Attached Image:
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
The skies have sure been frustrating lately. I just had my first decent night with your old 12.5" Friday. I sure hope we get back to better sky conditions soon! 
