Modded Nikon D70

I am impressed with the performance increase of my Nikon D70 by removing the std UV/IR block and replacing it with clear optical flat glass from Edmunds Optics and a Baader UV/IR filter.

Eta Carina, only a single 30 second shot from my backyard under a half moon.

Much increased data recorded but white balance becomes critical otherwise it is excessively red.

Looking forward to a dark site and no moon.

Greg.

Attached Image:

Greg,

Nice job. I don't know if you've seen any of Walter Koprolin or ERv der Veldon's work, but they too have taken some nice astro shots with a mod'd Nikon D70:

http://astro.nightsky.at/Photo/Neb/
http://www.pbase.com/terrylovejoy/erwins_modded_d70_gallery

On other boards, I find a lot of 'unsubstantiated' hesitation for using a D70 for astro work. Your and other D70 images are helping to persuade me that the D70 really is a top, astro camera (provided like others, it is mod'd). I think so much of fine DSLR astro work, whether it be Nikon or Canon, is just removing that pesky IR filter! Keep sharing, maybe someday I'll mod my D70...

Best,

--DJ