The Astro-Q Club!

VisualDarkness · 04-30-2013, 04:17 PM

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Originally posted by steve1307

I think that's the best one so far !

Oh, thank you! I can't believe that though and if I can do this I bet you guys can do much much better, I'm no astrophotographer.

Travis Butler · 04-30-2013, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by VisualDarkness

If almost looks like fog in the air but maybe it's the lens.

Nah, if you want something in the air that's this.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/80cpnidpk6pimwp/IMGP2002%20Moon%201.JPG From the first set of attempts, with a fair amount of high cirrus that I had to work around.

Quote:

Look what I finally found between thin clouds tonight! Sadly blooming due to the weather killed any actual sharpness. Focusing was not that extremely hard due to me being able to see the shape of the rings when zoomed in.

Oooooh, nice. Can't wait until I can aspire to that.

ivoire · 04-30-2013, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by VisualDarkness

If almost looks like fog in the air but maybe it's the lens.

Look what I finally found between thin clouds tonight! Sadly blooming due to the weather killed any actual sharpness. Focusing was not that extremely hard due to me being able to see the shape of the rings when zoomed in.
Pentax Q + Kenko 1.5x PZAF + Pentax DA* 300mm F4

Great capture! The DA 300 looks like the best fit for Q use

VisualDarkness · 04-30-2013, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by Travis Butler

Nah, if you want something in the air that's this.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/80cpnidpk6pimwp/IMGP2002%20Moon%201.JPG From the first set of attempts, with a fair amount of high cirrus that I had to work around.

Oooooh, nice. Can't wait until I can aspire to that.

Yeah, that's some thick air passage! I had cirrus on both my moon shot and the Saturn one but both were at the edge of the clouds. Clear nights seems to be rare now.
If I could achieve that, anybody can. You just need the minimum equipment, good eyes to set focus right and most of all decent weather. Too bad you can't control the last one.

Originally posted by ivoire

Great capture! The DA 300 looks like the best fit for Q use

It works well on the Q. The only beef I have with the lens for this use is that the clutch has that small play which maker it harder to get small movements with the focus ring.

Travis Butler · 04-30-2013, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by VisualDarkness

Yeah, that's some thick air passage! I had cirrus on both my moon shot and the Saturn one but both were at the edge of the clouds. Clear nights seems to be rare now.
If I could achieve that, anybody can. You just need the minimum equipment, good eyes to set focus right and most of all decent weather. Too bad you can't control the last one.

Yeah... today, 'twas in the mid-80s F, sunny, light clouds. Tomorrow, temp drops 10 degrees F, chance of thunderstorms. Day after tomorrow, 60% chance of precipitation, rain mixed with snow.

I thought it was supposed to be spring in my part of the world?

Ah, well, if it does snow, might be an interesting photo opportunity...

jimr-pdx · 05-02-2013, 06:49 PM

So either I missed it or it hasn't come up yet - has anyone crafted a Q-to-1.25" coupling?
The Q has such a short registry distance that my focuser might work without modification. I have a nice 850mm f/5.6 (my 6" scope) that I'd like to stick beneath my Q...

no clock drive but it would be fun to try. If nothing else it could make a nice screen for 2-eye viewing of what the telescope sees.. and oh yes, the coupling would work just as well on my 2-meter f/4.5!

I've ordered a C-adapter and a couple of blank body caps, for the next time I feel lucky with power tools!

ChrisJ · 05-04-2013, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

So either I missed it or it hasn't come up yet - has anyone crafted a Q-to-1.25" coupling?
The Q has such a short registry distance that my focuser might work without modification. I have a nice 850mm f/5.6 (my 6" scope) that I'd like to stick beneath my Q...

no clock drive but it would be fun to try. If nothing else it could make a nice screen for 2-eye viewing of what the telescope sees.. and oh yes, the coupling would work just as well on my 2-meter f/4.5!

I've ordered a C-adapter and a couple of blank body caps, for the next time I feel lucky with power tools!

Easy to do with off the shelf parts

A Q to C mount adapter, and a C mount to 1.125" just screw together

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Here are the links for eBay UK

C mount 16mm Cine Film Lens to Pentax Q P/Q PQ mount adapter | eBay

C Mount Adapter, Adaptor from 1.25" to C-Mount Thread, TS1-C Connector, New | eBay

Similar will be available from eBay where you are.

Chris

ElvisQ · 05-24-2013, 03:23 PM

I have $100 to buy a lens to shoot the moon. What lens do you recomend?

**barondla** · 05-24-2013, 07:39 PM

Tough question ElvisQ. I would say used and probably orphan lens mount. Got a good deal on a Canon FL mount lens. It is 200mm f3.5. Closed down to f5.6 it is pretty sharp and the fringing is well controlled. I posted a few shots in the sticky adapted lens thread. Canon FD mount lenses mostly fit mirrorless digital cameras these days. This makes them cheaper. Minus is having to buy Q to FD adapter.
thanks
barondla

djseeram · 05-24-2013, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by ElvisQ

I have $100 to buy a lens to shoot the moon. What lens do you recomend?

Like barondla said an orphaned mount lens would be cheap. I would say a 300m f4 ish lens and may be a teleconverter too. I am assuming you already have a good tripod.

ElvisQ · 05-25-2013, 02:43 PM

Yes, Canon FD or Pentax M42 are orphaned mounts.
What is the better option for $100?
A high-quality 135mm 2.8 with TCx2 or a cheap 300mm 5.6?

**barondla** · 05-25-2013, 07:05 PM

M42 isn't orphaned as bad as Canon FD. All Pentax K can use M42 with an adapter. There are lots of other cams that can use M42 including Canon.
I would go for 300mm vs 135 + 2X. Better odds of victory. Can you try either lens before buying? What are the brands?
thanks
barondla

ivoire · 05-25-2013, 08:00 PM

The tamron 60-300mm adaptall is a very sharp lens and can be had for under $100

Review:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-adaptall-2-sp-60-300mm-f-3-8-5-4-23a.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tamron-60-300mm-f3-8-SP-manual-focus-Macro-adaptall-...item3f253f5a49

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PENTAX-TAMRON-ADAPTALL-2-K-MOUNT-ADAPTER-IMMACULATE-...item35c7c0107f

ivoire · 05-28-2013, 03:39 PM

"Super Moon" June 23rd

Is biggest, closest full moon on June 23, 2013 a supermoon? | Tonight | EarthSky

VisualDarkness · 05-28-2013, 03:49 PM

I like how Sweden is right in the middle of the day part of the map.

05-25-2013, 08:00 PM	#88
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	The tamron 60-300mm adaptall is a very sharp lens and can be had for under $100 Review: https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-adaptall-2-sp-60-300mm-f-3-8-5-4-23a.html http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tamron-60-300mm-f3-8-SP-manual-focus-Macro-adaptall-...item3f253f5a49 http://www.ebay.com/itm/PENTAX-TAMRON-ADAPTALL-2-K-MOUNT-ADAPTER-IMMACULATE-...item35c7c0107f Last edited by ivoire; 05-25-2013 at 08:23 PM.

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04-30-2013, 04:17 PM	#76
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by steve1307 I think that's the best one so far ! Oh, thank you! I can't believe that though and if I can do this I bet you guys can do much much better, I'm no astrophotographer.

04-30-2013, 07:02 PM	#77
Travis Butler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kansas City Posts: 55	Originally posted by VisualDarkness If almost looks like fog in the air but maybe it's the lens. Nah, if you want something in the air that's this. https://www.dropbox.com/s/80cpnidpk6pimwp/IMGP2002%20Moon%201.JPG From the first set of attempts, with a fair amount of high cirrus that I had to work around. Quote: Look what I finally found between thin clouds tonight! Sadly blooming due to the weather killed any actual sharpness. Focusing was not that extremely hard due to me being able to see the shape of the rings when zoomed in. Oooooh, nice. Can't wait until I can aspire to that.

04-30-2013, 07:17 PM	#78
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Originally posted by VisualDarkness If almost looks like fog in the air but maybe it's the lens. Look what I finally found between thin clouds tonight! Sadly blooming due to the weather killed any actual sharpness. Focusing was not that extremely hard due to me being able to see the shape of the rings when zoomed in. Pentax Q + Kenko 1.5x PZAF + Pentax DA* 300mm F4 Great capture! The DA 300 looks like the best fit for Q use

04-30-2013, 08:30 PM	#79
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by Travis Butler Nah, if you want something in the air that's this. https://www.dropbox.com/s/80cpnidpk6pimwp/IMGP2002%20Moon%201.JPG From the first set of attempts, with a fair amount of high cirrus that I had to work around. Oooooh, nice. Can't wait until I can aspire to that. Yeah, that's some thick air passage! I had cirrus on both my moon shot and the Saturn one but both were at the edge of the clouds. Clear nights seems to be rare now. If I could achieve that, anybody can. You just need the minimum equipment, good eyes to set focus right and most of all decent weather. Too bad you can't control the last one. Originally posted by ivoire Great capture! The DA 300 looks like the best fit for Q use It works well on the Q. The only beef I have with the lens for this use is that the clutch has that small play which maker it harder to get small movements with the focus ring.

04-30-2013, 08:36 PM	#80
Travis Butler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kansas City Posts: 55	Originally posted by VisualDarkness Yeah, that's some thick air passage! I had cirrus on both my moon shot and the Saturn one but both were at the edge of the clouds. Clear nights seems to be rare now. If I could achieve that, anybody can. You just need the minimum equipment, good eyes to set focus right and most of all decent weather. Too bad you can't control the last one. Yeah... today, 'twas in the mid-80s F, sunny, light clouds. Tomorrow, temp drops 10 degrees F, chance of thunderstorms. Day after tomorrow, 60% chance of precipitation, rain mixed with snow. I thought it was supposed to be spring in my part of the world? Ah, well, if it does snow, might be an interesting photo opportunity...

05-02-2013, 06:49 PM	#81
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	So either I missed it or it hasn't come up yet - has anyone crafted a Q-to-1.25" coupling? The Q has such a short registry distance that my focuser might work without modification. I have a nice 850mm f/5.6 (my 6" scope) that I'd like to stick beneath my Q... no clock drive but it would be fun to try. If nothing else it could make a nice screen for 2-eye viewing of what the telescope sees.. and oh yes, the coupling would work just as well on my 2-meter f/4.5! I've ordered a C-adapter and a couple of blank body caps, for the next time I feel lucky with power tools!

05-04-2013, 05:48 AM	#82
ChrisJ Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Eckington, Derbyshire UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 316	Originally posted by jimr-pdx So either I missed it or it hasn't come up yet - has anyone crafted a Q-to-1.25" coupling? The Q has such a short registry distance that my focuser might work without modification. I have a nice 850mm f/5.6 (my 6" scope) that I'd like to stick beneath my Q... no clock drive but it would be fun to try. If nothing else it could make a nice screen for 2-eye viewing of what the telescope sees.. and oh yes, the coupling would work just as well on my 2-meter f/4.5! I've ordered a C-adapter and a couple of blank body caps, for the next time I feel lucky with power tools! Easy to do with off the shelf parts A Q to C mount adapter, and a C mount to 1.125" just screw together [IMG] [/IMG] Here are the links for eBay UK C mount 16mm Cine Film Lens to Pentax Q P/Q PQ mount adapter \| eBay C Mount Adapter, Adaptor from 1.25" to C-Mount Thread, TS1-C Connector, New \| eBay Similar will be available from eBay where you are. Chris

05-24-2013, 03:23 PM	#83
ElvisQ Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 74	I have $100 to buy a lens to shoot the moon. What lens do you recomend?

05-24-2013, 07:39 PM	#84
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,713	Tough question ElvisQ. I would say used and probably orphan lens mount. Got a good deal on a Canon FL mount lens. It is 200mm f3.5. Closed down to f5.6 it is pretty sharp and the fringing is well controlled. I posted a few shots in the sticky adapted lens thread. Canon FD mount lenses mostly fit mirrorless digital cameras these days. This makes them cheaper. Minus is having to buy Q to FD adapter. thanks barondla

05-24-2013, 09:34 PM	#85
djseeram Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 83	Originally posted by ElvisQ I have $100 to buy a lens to shoot the moon. What lens do you recomend? Like barondla said an orphaned mount lens would be cheap. I would say a 300m f4 ish lens and may be a teleconverter too. I am assuming you already have a good tripod.

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05-25-2013, 02:43 PM	#86
ElvisQ Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 74	Yes, Canon FD or Pentax M42 are orphaned mounts. What is the better option for $100? A high-quality 135mm 2.8 with TCx2 or a cheap 300mm 5.6?

05-25-2013, 07:05 PM	#87
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,713	M42 isn't orphaned as bad as Canon FD. All Pentax K can use M42 with an adapter. There are lots of other cams that can use M42 including Canon. I would go for 300mm vs 135 + 2X. Better odds of victory. Can you try either lens before buying? What are the brands? thanks barondla

05-28-2013, 03:39 PM	#89
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	"Super Moon" June 23rd Is biggest, closest full moon on June 23, 2013 a supermoon? \| Tonight \| EarthSky

05-28-2013, 03:49 PM	#90
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	I like how Sweden is right in the middle of the day part of the map.