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Posts Made By: Alex McConahay

February 25, 2009 01:42 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Which Camera from Canon?

Posted By Alex McConahay
Does anybody know the comparative strengths of the current offerings from Canon. I am looking to upgrade from my (unmodified) 20D, and it will be a modified Canon.

But at which level?

The cost for the Hutech modified models range from $1000 to $1800 or so. What am I getting for the extra money--Will I notice it?

Any of these choices would be an upgrade from my unmodified 20D. But is there much bang for the buck after the 450?

If the noise level and live focus is about the same, I should think the 450 is quite enough. I do not need the more rugged prosumer body (because it will not be "travelling" with me--just being used in the relatively safe astroimaging environment). Nor do I think I really need the extra Megapixels--I just do not make prints that big, or crop.

So, what do you all think.

Alex


March 1, 2009 04:26 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

white balance on Hutech Camera

Posted By Alex McConahay
I picked up a used Hutech Astronomical Filter modified Canon 450D.

As with any used thing--I may be missing some parts. In particular, is there a manual or anything as to how to use the Hutech filter?

I am speaking strictly for astronomical purposes here. Should I set a special color balance for taking astro photos? (I know I need one for using the camera for daytime use.) I am assuming it is a moot point when using RAWs. Sometimes I want RAW + Large, though.....and I am assuming that it matters when the camera converts to jpg.

Anyway--is there a good source of advice on how to use the Hutech....(I found nothing too specific on the website.)

Alex

March 12, 2009 02:46 PM Forum: ASTRONOMY

Astro-Club Management

Posted By Alex McConahay
I've been asked to put together (for RTMC Astronomy Expo) a panel of local club officers to talk about issues, resources, programs.....common to all astro-clubs.

As moderator, I would like to be able to ask important questions that everybody wants to know the answers to.

What questions should be asked of this panel?

Alex

March 18, 2009 12:46 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Lunt Diagonal purpose

Posted By Alex McConahay
What does the diagonal do on a Lunt system?

I know it says Blocking filter, but is it blocking energy (heat, etc.) or a certain wavelength, or what?

What happens if you look through the scope using a regular diagonal?

What happens if you image without the diagonal?

Alex

March 18, 2009 12:49 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Lunt Imaging

Posted By Alex McConahay
I tried to image through the Lunt/TV 85 today.

I could not quite come to focus, and needed some inward travel.

My imaging train was the 50 mm filter, the TV85, the 2" to 1.25" adapter the Lunt diagonal, and a t-mount to my Canon 450. (I had removed the top piece of the diagonal and screwed the t-mount to the top of the diagonal body.)

What have you all done to get this combination to work?

Alex

April 16, 2009 11:45 AM Forum: Star Parties

RTMC REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Posted By Alex McConahay
Just a reminder that the deadline for early registration at RTMC is approaching. After May 1 the prices go up.

Details at http://rtmcastronomyexpo.org/general.html

Alex

May 4, 2009 06:35 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Omega Centauri from Texas Star Party

Posted By Alex McConahay
Celestron 9.25 @F6.3
Losmandy G11
ST-7 guiding
Canon 450
Images Plus
9 x 300 seconds, 37 degrees, 800 iso

May 8, 2009 04:27 AM Forum: Star Parties

RTMC Astronomy Expo Program Available

Posted By Alex McConahay
There is a link on the RTMC web page for the program for this year's RTMC Astronomy Expo.

http://www.rtmcastronomyexpo.org/detailed.htm

Early registration is over, but you can still register for the star party (it will be a new moon this year) using a link on that page (or at the door).

Alex

June 22, 2009 09:03 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Northern Milky Way--Cygnus

Posted By Alex McConahay
This is Gamma Cygnus to Deneb region.

Canon 450, 12 x 5 minutes, ISO 800. GM-8 unguided. 75-300 Canon zoom at 75, F5.6.

Alex

June 22, 2009 09:04 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Sagitarius Milky Way

Posted By Alex McConahay
This shows you a few of the treats further south in the Milky Way.

Canon 450, 12 x 5 minutes, ISO 800. GM-8 unguided. 75-300 Canon zoom at 75, F5.6.

Alex

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