M51 / test with new mount and focal reducer

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Menno555
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M51 / test with new mount and focal reducer

#1

Post by Menno555 »

Firstly: yes I know, I have to use flats :)
I dumped my crappy 2nd hand Ioptron CEM25P and got myself a brand new Ioptron CEM25EC. Also the Optec Lepus Standard 0.62x focal reducer. This all for a Meade LX65 8" f/10 ACF OTA.

Made a mistake with spacers for the reducer: I need 105mm from reducer to sensor but had 110mm, so this is actually 0.72x. Also the main cause of the dark edges. Removed 5mm so next time it should be better.
The mount is nothing but spectacular: this was the first test and managed 60 x 60 seconds unguided :D Bit of tails on the stars but as far as first tests go, I am happy with it. Especially because of the small FOV. Will be better once on real 0.62x and more knowledge of the mount.

Captured with latest SharpCap. 60 x 60 seconds, gain 160 (of 600).
Stacked in DeepSkyStacker
Processed in Photoshop. Tried to get rit of the graining but left it at the end, more details visible.
And all this in a Bortle class 8 location.

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turfpit
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Re: M51 / test with new mount and focal reducer

#2

Post by turfpit »

Good start with a new mount. Bortle 8 must be hard (I am at 6)?

Dave
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