Posts Made By: Steve Stonehill

December 25, 2004 06:27 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Woodpeckers

Posted By Steve Stonehill

We put up feeders in our backyard yesterday and they were crowded by 9am this morning! The Downy was feeding on suet but the Red-Bellied just stayed in the surrounding trees. I'm amazed at the amount of spectacular shots on the forum recently, keep them coming!

Merry Christmas,

Steve

December 25, 2004 06:44 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Moon Shot

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I just received a Hercules Alt-Az fork mount and wanted to try it out. I shot this with a Digital Rebel and a Vixen 102EDSS at prime focus with an extension tube in place. Any tips to improve my shots are most welcome!

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

Steve

December 31, 2004 04:39 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

White Breasted Nuthatch

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I got these this morning off the bakyard deck. These are the first bird pics I've gotten with the D Rebel at the prime focus of a Vixen 102EDSS. I have the scope mounted on a Helix Hercules Alt-Az fork. The pics are cropped and sharpened by a factor of 1 in MS photo editor. The distance was 40 feet.

Clear Skies and Happy New Year!

Steve

December 31, 2004 06:41 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Doves

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I got these through the Vixen as well. There wasn't enough sun to get my shutter speeds above 320 so I was hoping they'd sit still for me! smile

The distance on this one was about 70 feet.

Clear Skies

December 31, 2004 07:33 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Downy Woodpecker

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Got him with the Vixen today.

Clear Skies

January 1, 2005 02:16 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Ckickadee Portrait

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I decided to try a different scope today. I shot this through a 102mm Vixen fluorite operating at approximately f10.5 because ot the extension tubes needed to reach close focus. This scope seems to be more suited more distance than the 40 or so feet I shot this at.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2005 03:41 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

More White-Breasted Nuthatches

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Sorry about all the Nuthatches! They and Downies are the most nmerous around my property. I shot these this morning through a Vixen 102mm fluorite refractor operating at about f10.5. I think these are the best bird photos I've ever taken.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2005 07:50 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Oldsquaw Ducks

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I shot these at the beach today hand held at 800mm. My technique needs work.

Clear Skies

January 2, 2005 05:07 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

First try at M42

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I shot this tonight at the prime focus of a NS9.25XLT. I don't have a wedge so I know it will be next to impossible to ge good images. I used a Digital Rebel at ISO 800 for 30 seconds. I lightened the shot up a bit in MS Photo Editor and resized it. I thought you might be tired of the usual great stuff on this forum so I was compelled to post this! grin