|
|
|
|
|
|
I have always had an interest in the cosmos and I also have an interest in photography, so combining these two interests was quite appealing. One of the most alluring aspects of astrophotography is the difficulty in capturing good images (though in today's digital age it is much easier than in the past).
Images
You can find all my Astrophotos here.
Current Equipment
 |
Early in 2008, I purchased an Astrotrac primarily because of its compact size, portability and extremely easy set up. I have since set it up many times in the yard to do some quick imaging for a couple of hours in the evening.
Since I already own a heavy duty tripod for bird photography (a Gitzo 5540LS), I didn't need to invest in a new tripod for the Astrotrac. I also have a heavy duty ballhead (Really Right Stuff BH55) which I use on top of the Astrotrac that holds the camera. Until recently (late 2009), the biggest missing component so far is what goes inbetween the tripod and the Astrotrac. That piece not only needs to be sturdy enough to support everything on top of it but it also needs to be amenable to fine movements to achieve polar alignment. Therefore a big beefy ballhead just won't do. I used to use the Manfrotto 410 geared head. However in late 2009, the guys who make the Astrotrac also released a wedge which is superbly built (something which is reflected in the price). I just started using the new wedge and its fantastic.
In the picture you can the camera I use for imaging, a Canon Rebel XSi with its IR cut filter removed. For astrophotography I use the Hutech LPS filter which mounts inside the EF mount between the camera and the lens. The lens I've used the most so far for imaging is the Canon 200mm f/2.8L II. In the picture the lens is the Canon 400 f/4 DO IS.
|
Previous Equipment
 |
On December 1, 2007 I got a previously owned 10" Meade RCX400. The scope came with a series of 2" eyepieces and a JMI carrying case (which are very well built). It also came with a Meade DSI Pro.
I upgraded the Dec. clutch using the Peterson EZ Clutch kit which I have detailed here.
For prime focus imaging, I am currently playing around with the Meade DSI, though I mostly used a full spectrum Canon Rebel XSi piggybacked.
On March 21, 2010 I sold my RCX 400 along with the Mitty Wedge and Stellarvue finder scope I had acquired for it. My primary reason for selling the scope was lack of use. The combination of light pollution and altitude in our yard makes it unsuitable for serious imaging. The size and weight of the RCX 400 kit makes it difficult to frequently transport. Once Maya gets a little older, I may one day get a smaller scope to encourage an interest.
|
 |
I used to own a pair of Oberwerk BT-100 astronomical binoculars mounted on an Universal Astronomics Millennium Mount. The BT-100s allow the use of regular 1.25" telescope eyepieces.
Prior to the BT-100 I used to have a pair of Celestron SkyMaster 25x100.
|
 |
Prior to the RCX400 I was using a Meade LX90 8" UHTC Schmidt-Cassegrain. I used the following accesories/modifications with the scope:
- Meade LX90 Wedge
- Petersen Engineering EZ Focus upgrade - with this upgrade the focusing is much smoother and has little backlash.
- Celestron Powertank 17 - the tank can drive the telescope and dew heater for two whole nights and still have enough power to boost a car.
- Counterweight set - Essential when piggybacking on such a small scope.
- Rikaline GPS 6010
- Lumicon deep sky filter - I've had mixed results with this filter. It greatly increases exposure times but I haven't seen more detailed images because of it (yet).
- Meade f/6.7 and f/3.3 focal reducers - the f/3.3 is essential for CCD imaging.
I enjoyed using this scope. It was small and light enough to be portable with the focal reducers had enough aperture for some decent imaging.
|
 |
I used to own a Meade LX-5 2120 10" SCT before trading it in for the LX90. The optics on this scope were pretty good and I did mostly viewing with this scope along with some piggy back photography.
|
One day I need to find a nice dark, secluded place where I can really take advantage of my scope, sadly that day is still a ways away.
Location
I have done a little of viewing at Henry Coe State Park, but recently all of my imaging and viewing has been done from my backyard. I live very close (about a block away) from Houge Park in San Jose which is where the SJAA (San Jose Astronomical Association) has regular star parties so the skies are reasonably dark here.
Southern Ontario actually wasn't too bad a location for star gazing. We'd found a fairly good spot near Listowel which has little light pollution. Unfortunately we had to do all our photography and star hopping on the side of the road.
|
|
|
|
|
|