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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> 2800mm f/10 !!!!
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 05/07/2008 12:59:02 AM · #1
Well the fiancee and I decided that we needed a "together" hobby and since she is really into astronomy and I am into, well you know, photography we got this bad boy! Got an amazing deal on it used.

This is our new 2800mm f/10 lens!!!



I will get that Nikon on it somehow! :-P

It is Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT) Telescope. All I need is a T-adapter and a wedge and I am taking images of the universe!! I know I will be posting a ton of questions in the astrophography thread.

Off to take it for a test drive! :-)

Peace

Message edited by author 2008-05-07 01:00:23.
 05/07/2008 01:02:59 AM · #2
Duct tape and tin foil solves all mounting problems. Nice lens! ;)
05/07/2008 01:06:49 AM · #3
Check out Scopetronix, they have a good adapter for this type of thing. Linky
 05/07/2008 01:13:06 AM · #4
Have you considered using a 2x extender? ;)
 05/07/2008 01:22:33 AM · #5
But will your tripod handle it?
 05/07/2008 01:43:59 AM · #6
Originally posted by BeeCee:
But will your tripod handle it?


Hell no! Good thing it came with it's own. The whole set up is about 100lbs (45kgs).

Thanks for the link BHuseman

Message edited by author 2008-05-07 01:45:06.
 05/07/2008 01:52:30 AM · #7
Should be able to get some nice photographs with that. Post some photos when you get it all setup, cant wait to see.
05/07/2008 02:27:48 AM · #8
It would make a great portrait lens... if you're shooting someone in the next county. :)

Go somewhere really dark and have fun!
05/07/2008 02:33:12 AM · #9
haha.... 2x extender
that makes it f/20 to start, I love it..... point that on a bug and really get some DOF
 05/07/2008 03:53:03 AM · #10
Holy Batman Wazza! Hmmmm....looks like you might find out the inner secrets of Batman and Robin with that lens!!!!
 05/07/2008 04:36:40 AM · #11
Way to go Erick! Now really impress us and take all your shots "handheld"!
 05/07/2008 09:49:39 AM · #12
BIG congratulations on your new telescope. Looks like jlanoue and Pascal will have some competition.

05/07/2008 11:34:48 AM · #13
Hopefully, you have some nice dark skies nearby so you can take full advantage.

05/07/2008 11:42:51 AM · #14
Yeah we have a few places we can go. We are in Phoenix so we could head up to Sedona or Flagstaff. We have even talked about taking or gear down to Kitt Peak National Observatory . After messing with it last night for a while I can see there is going to be a big learning curve but after all that is half the fun!
 05/07/2008 02:45:31 PM · #15
Can't wait to see you post some pics, should be good fun, enjoy!
 05/07/2008 02:53:25 PM · #16
Get 2" eyepieces, you will see hell of a lot more sky. For viewing use bino eyepieces. Enjoy your new hobby.

Brian, my neighbour who I have mentioned before, does a lot of astrophotography and if you get stuck for an answer, I can have a word with him for you. He is awaiting some new scope, think it's a 16" one.
 05/07/2008 02:54:30 PM · #17
Yeah 2800mm but hand held might be an issue after a day shooting and besides, what bag would you recommend :-)
 05/07/2008 02:57:50 PM · #18
Hey, can I borrow it? I'll be on top of Mauna Kea in late June. :)
 05/07/2008 03:02:53 PM · #19
hey waz!!!!! i'm outside wavin take a pic of me!!!!
 05/07/2008 03:14:22 PM · #20
Originally posted by rider:
hey waz!!!!! i'm outside wavin take a pic of me!!!!


OK smile!

Jeffery it's all yours but you might have to buy a ticket for it. :-P

It did not come with VR so I might have to make that string and nut stabilizer for it when shooting hand held... :-P

On a really cool note, I can get a focal reducer and make it a f/6.3 and if I want to use a ccd imager instead of my Nikon I can get a focal reducer that will make it a f/1.8!!!! Just amazing!

2800mm f/1.8 are you kidding me!

Thanks for the tip Steve and if I run into questions I will take you up on that offer. And 16" oh man oh man!

Message edited by author 2008-05-07 15:16:50.
 05/07/2008 03:16:01 PM · #21
On top of that T adapter, you'll need an equatorial mount, a guidscope (or autoguider), and of course, dark skies ;)
 05/07/2008 03:17:32 PM · #22
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
On top of that T adapter, you'll need an equatorial mount, a guidscope (or autoguider), and of course, dark skies ;)


It has EQ mode I just need a wedge. And I believe it will already autoguide.

Message edited by author 2008-05-07 15:18:09.
 05/07/2008 03:17:34 PM · #23
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
On top of that T adapter, you'll need an equatorial mount, a guidscope (or autoguider), and of course, dark skies ;)


Looks like Waz has autostar or similar already.
 05/07/2008 03:33:39 PM · #24
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
On top of that T adapter, you'll need an equatorial mount, a guidscope (or autoguider), and of course, dark skies ;)


It has EQ mode I just need a wedge. And I believe it will already autoguide.


It does have a computer that compensates for the earths rotation, yes. But for really long exposure photography (if that's what you even plan on doing), then you'll need a special device that will compensate for the errors in the telescope mount drives.

Or get an off axis guidscope to manually adjust for drift.

Message edited by author 2008-05-07 15:34:31.
 05/07/2008 03:54:46 PM · #25
Given that this is a go-to 'scope, he'll have no problem tracking for visual observation, but for photography...
- He'll need to accurately polar align the mount in order to avoid field rotation
- He'll probably want to invest in a field flattener/focal reducer which will decrease focal length somewhat but give him much better star images to the edge of the field. This is important for photography with cameras with relatively large sensors, like DSLRs.
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