Nice weather we're having, so I took out my scope this evening. Typically, I try and get as many objects as possible, but tonight I was adamant I'd concentrate the entire imaging session on one object which I've never been totally happy with; M51 - the Whirlpool galaxy.  I also decided to experiment with longer exposures (42 seconds) which is close to the limit of my present mount (Alt-az).

Keep in mind, I'm fully aware there are way better pics out there but considering I'm doing this with a cheapo (well for astro-dedicated cameras...) one-shot astro-color camera, I'm VERY happy.

I've included three pics.  My previous efforts in this post...

... and the new one.  See a difference?

Wow, thats awesome.

Stan

I need to get my a**(and my telescope) in Embrun so you can show me.  I've never gotten anything with mine (DSI Pro - the original version).  Focus is an issue for me and I really should be using a focal reducer but don't even know what that looks like.

Mike

Thanks for the comment Stan, there's still work to be done so it will be better.

Mike:  Focal Reducer with an F10 scope is a must.
A)  It increases your field of view
B)  For imaging, it cuts down on the need for long exposures
C)  Post processing is a must; my skills are improving but boy do I have a ways to go!

The original DSI-PRo is a really good cam, can produce great pics.  I have two focal reducers, one that screws onto the camera (or eyepiece, works for visual or astro-imaging) while the other (the Meade 3.3) is stricly for astro-photography.  You can't compare the two, the Meade 3.3 is phenomenal and the quality/built is great, reviews are fantastic on it, especially the price point. However, because of the draw back of imaging only, owning both is a must.  The 0.5 visual/imaging focal reducer does distort the fov a bit but it's a great little piece for visual and in some instances can come in handy for astro imaging (for example, it can work with a refractor, while the 3.3 FR is limited to SC type scopes).

See this link for info on the Meade 3.3 focal reducer: http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-ccd-f3-focal-reducer.html
See this link for info on the 0.5 focal reducer:  http://www.agenaastro.com/Antares-0-5x-Focal-Reducer-FR1-1-25-inch-p/ofr-an-fr1.htm

Next time the weather is good and I'm available, I'll try and let you know in advance and you can pop over. The only problem with maybe at your end is at this time of the year, you can't really start before 10:00pm so you'll need a bit of time.

Nice!

It was beautiful last night out there. I'm off to Focus later this week for a new Dob.

You should do the whole Messier Catalog!

Funny you mention that Ian, my intent is to eventually get a pic of every Messier target and every NGC object of interest (and all the planets and pluto too! ).

It's my intent to start cataloging my work better through a website...

(hides in shame from TinyR!).

Great images!

So are these visible through the lens so to speak?  Or only visible with post processing or long captures?

The idea of looking through a lens and seeing that blows my mind.

Fantastic pics Rob ... I gave up astronomy (with intent to photograph) a few years ago now (I was a fair weather astronomer) because my home location just wasn't inspiringly dark anymore (although computer finders help with this) and my scope was too heavy to set up quickly and easily (Meade LX-90 8") - I made the fatal mistake of aperature fever and should have stuck with either one of my smaller Meade ETX's or the Celestron Nexstar 5 (both of which were out more often due to their easy of set-up and use).  

Quoted from donnie

Great images!

So are these visible through the lens so to speak?  Or only visible with post processing or long captures?

The idea of looking through a lens and seeing that blows my mind.

Galaxies and nebulas aren't very spectacular visually, long exposures is a must.  Planets/moon/comets/globular clusters are spectacular to me, never tire of seeing them.  Under a dark sky, there's nothing more spectacular to me then the moon and globular clusters.  Maybe Glob's leave a better impression because moon pics are common to most so they have an idea what to expect. First time I saw a glob, that's all I could think about for a day!  Planets are very dependant of aperture and conditions of atmosphere.  Most people are disappointed with seeing Mars but Jupiter with it's 4 babies (moon) and it's cloud banks on a 5" scope and up always leaves people speechless. But for planets, there is only one that freaks people out for obvious reasons: Saturn because of it's rings.

Quoted from websherpa

Fantastic pics Rob ... I gave up astronomy (with intent to photograph) a few years ago now (I was a fair weather astronomer) because my home location just wasn't inspiringly dark anymore (although computer finders help with this) and my scope was too heavy to set up quickly and easily (Meade LX-90 8") - I made the fatal mistake of aperature fever and should have stuck with either one of my smaller Meade ETX's or the Celestron Nexstar 5 (both of which were out more often due to their easy of set-up and use).  

Aperture fever has its bonus' of course but yeah, it starts to remove portability from the equation which is part of the fun of the hobby: Dark skies are just a drive away.