Posts Made By: Don Joski

I'm using a Fuji S7000 and it has the RAW picture capability but I don't have a program that can edit raw, only convert it to tiff. Registax doesn't accept the raw image. Is there a shareware or freeware program that will allow some editing of the image or is it supposed to go to tiff then edit? I'm really struggling with the registax 2 program as far as making the stacked and processed planetary images look any significant amount better than the unprocessed/stacked image. I saw a difference when editing a lunar image. Attached is a single unedited frame. I would think I could make the bands more defined. Any suggestions or is there a decent program available for not too much money? Thanks for your help. Sorry, I didn't see the solar system forum below this one, I just saw the processing part of it. My question really is about the processing part, not of the solar system vs dso so hope no offense.

I purchased a used 9.25 sct a couple of months ago and I'm getting the refractor bug again. Personally I don't see much of a difference in the light polluted skies between the sct and my previously owned Vixen 140 refractor. I thought the planets would be more detailed in a larger image, as it was with a 10" Meade LX50 I owned several years ago. That must of had pretty good optics because this 9.25 doesn't seem to be able to obtain high powers (over 300x) without loss of detail. I also miss the pinpoint star images found with a refractor. I also miss the fov. Anyway, I've pretty much thought of several replacements:

- Vixen VC200LDG would be better visually and for photography. Reviews state it has a flatter field and more pinpoint star images. Also in price range. Focal reducers available.

- Tak FS102. Just so many good things written about it I think I should try it out.

- Vixen 114ed. Very fast and wide fov. Used prices are pretty good and could only afford used.

- Vixen 102ed f/6.5. New it comes with flip mirror and 2" adapter. Will I be upset with false color knowing the Tak would be near colorless?

- Vixen 108DED f/5. Is the extra cost worth the extra ed glass? It's also most expensive and at my price limit.

I'm leaning towards the VC200L or 108DED. I've also considered finding a used Tak Mewlon 210 but that would be sort opposite of a fast scope but it would have better star images and great planetary images. My original idea was to keep the c9.25 and get the Vixen 102ed f/6.5. It seems a pretty good new price at $1,699, plus I have a $40 gift certificate at the store. I think I'm going in circles. I can't make a move until July so I have time to hopefully rationally think this through. I plan on bringing the 9.25 to a much darker site within the next week or two and that might confirm a decision. Any input?

I'm looking at buying an LXD650 w/ 102ed. Does the mount track good? I read a review on cloudynights on the 750 and it wasn't so positive. The price the scope and mount is at is pretty darn good. I will probably sell the 102 and try and find a 127ed. Would it support an 8" or 9" sct? Input is appreciated as I'd prefer not to have buyer remorse.

Thanks,

Don

I'd like to use different rings and dovetail with a LXD650 mount so I can it with other scopes. I'd prefer a vixen mount style dovetail. I'm sure there are some companies that sell the necessary equipment but I don't know where to go. Any ideas?

I have an Olympus digital camera, an e-300 and need to find something to couple to it. I'm looking for an adapter from mount to Olympus or other t-ring.

I found this on a blog for more info: "1. Four Thirds to OM mount adapter needed because no one makes a Four Thirds T-Ring. Someday. (This part is free, given to E-300 and E-1 customers if they request it.)"

Other then that piece of info I haven't been able to actually find a place to purchase one. I've sent an email to Olympus support but who knows if they will know.

Thanks.

This is my first foray into deep space digital imaging. I've seen some beautiful photos taken with digital slr cameras.

M57 taken at about 1am. ISO @ 400, adobe RGB, Super high quality, 30 seconds, prime focus w/ Meade 102ed 920mm. I took many photos but only the m57 photos were in focus. I'm going to process a stack of 5 and see if any better. You can see a lot of noise. Camera has noise reduction but I plan to shoot in raw and edit that using a black frame (not that I currently know how to do that).

The image is cropped and displayed at 100%.

Manual shutter max at 30 seconds. Bulb is up to 8 minutes but an electronic shutter release has to be used. Unforturnately I have the film slr shutter release cable.

It had a setting for color system - sRGB or adobeRGB. I saw a slight difference and used adobe. I have to read the manual.

This was taken in light polluted suburbia.

Just wondering if something is available for help with imaging.

Thanks for any input.

Don

I've been looking for a 2" barlow to aid use for both visual and dslr photography. I found an AP barlow that should work or I'll get a TV Big Barlow.

AP's website also shows the 2.7" and 4" field flatteners. I'm just wondering why the use? I guess it seems odd a flattener is used with a refractor. I'm just looking for some basic info. I've purchased a new dslr and soon will be ready for 3 or 4 minute long exposures. I'm just using a meade 102ed with a 2" focuser so it's not really anything I can use but I'm curious.

What barlow is preferred for photo use - AP or TV?

Thanks for your help.

Don

My primary use for the telescope is for photography with a dSLR. The Meade has given some great lunar photos and I've only just started with long exposure astrophotograpy (tracking issues).

I know how good the 102ed is but I don't know how good the Zenithstar is. The shorter or faster scope, Zenithstar at f/7, should be helpful.

Should I pull the trigger and get the Zenithstar? The 114mm tube ring for LXD650 will fit the Zenithstar tube so that is a bonus. Both tubes are 114mm. Boy, I just may have to. What do others think? I do have another choice of a Vixen 102ed f/6.5. The only problem is I was going to get a Canon EF 17-40 L USM lens for $658. That would have to wait awhile.

Worth it or not?

Attached image is from a 20 second unguided exposure w/ 102ed.

Does anybody know if the new 80mm and 127mm ed refractors are manufactured in Irvine, CA or elsewhere in the US? I certainly would like to get one in May but I'd opt for the WO 105mm triplet if the Meade refractors are manufactured elsewhere.

Thanks for info.

Don