Ok, so I now have in my possession: GPDX with SS2K (my newest addition, fist light two nights ago 15 minute gap in the clouds, couldn’t wait) Orion ED80, focal reducer for the ED80 (variable), t-ring adapter and camera adapter, Canon 20D and C9.25 and an unfinished 12.5 f/6. So now what? Where am I going to get my best shot? Thru one of the camera lens with the camera mounted on the scope? Thru the ED80? The C9.25 will have to wait for photo ops. It’ll be taxed on the GPDX for photo. I’m a complete noob with this photo thing. Looking for a little guidance. Thanks
Armed and danerous
Started by Grumpy_one, 03/21/2008 02:59PM
Posted 03/21/2008 02:59PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/21/2008 04:07PM
#1
Shoot galaxies with the 9.25" Celestron. The springtime sky is full of galaxies, not too many wide field deep sky objects. You can take short exposures and stack them if your mount has trouble tracking long exposures. The galaxies in Leo are quite bright and don't require very long deep exposures. Shoot at F10 for the best resolution.
Rolando
Rolando
Posted 03/21/2008 06:04PM
| Edited 03/21/2008 06:05PM
#2
I agree with Roland that the C9.25 is best for galaxies. However, not necessarily best for you!
As a new guy to astrophotography, you will probably get quicker results with mounting the camera on the refractor, and trying moon shots. When you get that down--should be less than an evening on that--you should try 30 seconds at iso 800 or 1600 with some bright objects like M42, Pleiades, etc. Unguided.
Then, I have to ask--can the GPDX handle the 9.25 and the ed 80 at the same time--If so, mount the two, and use the 9.25 to guide while snapping one to three minute exposures of the same bright things. If the two cannot be on the mount at the same time, then pick up a cheap refractor from somewhere (Even an old Tasco), and mount the two of them on the GPDX. Use the ED80 to image, and the cheap refractor to guide.
You will need an illuminated reticle eyepiece and remote that allows bulb exposure to pull this last thing off.
Alex
As a new guy to astrophotography, you will probably get quicker results with mounting the camera on the refractor, and trying moon shots. When you get that down--should be less than an evening on that--you should try 30 seconds at iso 800 or 1600 with some bright objects like M42, Pleiades, etc. Unguided.
Then, I have to ask--can the GPDX handle the 9.25 and the ed 80 at the same time--If so, mount the two, and use the 9.25 to guide while snapping one to three minute exposures of the same bright things. If the two cannot be on the mount at the same time, then pick up a cheap refractor from somewhere (Even an old Tasco), and mount the two of them on the GPDX. Use the ED80 to image, and the cheap refractor to guide.
You will need an illuminated reticle eyepiece and remote that allows bulb exposure to pull this last thing off.
Alex
Funding Member
