--- In ccdimaging2@yahoogroups.com, serena_aussie <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Richard, that's what this group is supposed to do and I guess
there
> are so many alternative sites that members graduated to those as
their
> expertise increased. I've been using a Starlight Xpress MX516 camera
> for several years (with AstroArt) and am about to add a Canon EOS 5D
> digital camera to my imaging tools. The large sensor of the 5D will
> make a nice change, but doesn't have the long exposure capabilities
of
> an astro camera and may not be useful; but I've seen interesting
shots
> in S&T so maybe OK when short exposures (30secs) are stacked. What
is
> your setup?


I have several different OTAs, cameras and a pair of AP1200GTO mounts
so I set up different configurations depending on the target of
interest. Mostly I am using a home built 18" f/12.6 classical
cassegrain with an FLI CM10 Maxcam and a focal reducer for a final
focal ratio of about f/7.1

Another setup I commonly use is an Astro-Physics AP180EDT f/9 with a
Finger Lakes IMG6303E camera.

But for widefield I use a home built setup that employs Pentax 6x7
medium format lenses.

here are photos and images from each:

18" classical cassegrain
http://www.narrowbandimaging.com/Stinger_gallery_page.htm

pentax medium format 6x7 lenses
http://www.narrowbandimaging.com/widefield_page.htm

random collection of images, many taken with AP180EDT
http://www.narrowbandimaging.com/Tricolor_page.htm

My interests are mostly in emission line color imaging, which I have
really been driving hard for several years (perhaps you saw my S&T
article from Aug 2005?) and also am very interested in the technology
side, particularly sensors and cameras (I'm an EE in the
semiconductor biz here in California's Silicon Valley).

I think the Canon 5D can take some really nice astroimages when used
on the right targets. the larger and brighter targets seem to give
really nice results: M31, M33, M42, NGC7000, IC1396 etc...