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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-11-2014, 07:42 PM
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Thank you for the 'head's up'!
Where I live, the night sky is generally black..
- Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-10-2014, 06:07 PM
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Wouldn't a (non-zoom) 300mm be best.. Generally, a zoom lens is a compromise visually (abberations, etc.)?
- Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-10-2014, 10:15 AM
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Thank you for all your great help!
I think for now, I will use my kit lens (Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm) for 'wide' shots, and look into a tele. lens (non zoom)...
Depending on my income in the coming months, I can then consider a wide angle lens..
Have a Blessed Christmas!
I still need to get the O-GPS1 though!
Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-09-2014, 02:40 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-09-2014, 11:11 AM
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---------- Post added 12-09-14 at 11:19 AM ----------
Thanks guys!
Wow beautiful images!
I would want to get both a nice, reasonably priced wide angle and telephoto lens.
I would think a 200mm would suffice? Would the 300mm be to susceptible to vibrations on just a tripod?
Can you suggest more specifically both a good tele. and wide angle lens... if you can? That would save me hours of reading reviews, etc.. heh
Thanks! - Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-08-2014, 10:50 AM
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Well, there are some pre-made EQ platforms available, or kits, etc. but they are pricey, and my funds are limited. I had seen some remarkable images produced using the O-GPS1, and far less expensive. I don't mind doing post processing, so I most likely will get the O-GPS1, and a good lens now that I think about it..
As such, what would be a good lens(s) choice for my K5?
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-07-2014, 08:08 AM
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Thanks, Stone G.
Since I will only have funds to either buy an O-GPS1 and appropriate lens, or upgrade my 10" DOB to track for astro imaging, I'm trying to determine which way to go.
Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-07-2014, 07:22 AM
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Can the O-GPS be updated, or does it not allow firmware updates?
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
06-04-2013, 10:08 PM
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Great shots, guys! Here are a couple shots I took of PanSTAARS [My camera is a K5 with 'kit' DA 18-55mm lens]:
Here's the details of the one dated 3/14/13 [large image]: f/8, 55mm, 13 second exp., ISO-160, 'Pattern' metering mode, focal length = 82.
The details on the one dated 3/13/13 are: f/8, 55mm, 7.4 second exp., ISO-160, 'Pattern' metering mode, focal length = 82.
The smaller image needed a bit of curve adjustment.. I wanted to bring out the details a bit since it was darker outside when I took it.
Each image was just taken once [no stacking, etc]. and on a tripod. -- Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
06-02-2013, 07:24 PM
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I am intrigued... I see such great results from many of you! Being new to imaging astro images, I'd like to know which program[s] are best for deep-sky and planetary work. I have Registax 6, but it is too difficult for me at my level of experience [or lack of? LOL].. I also have Autostakkert2 .. which is more user-friendly than Registax. I just d-loaded DSS, but haven't installed it yet. -- and now I learn of Nebulosity. I also would like to learn more about all these different terms and how they relate to processing [moire', biasing, dark frames, etc..] Is there [are there] really good [and fairly 'simple' tutorials that not only tell you how to do advanced [or?] stuff, but also explain the processes in detail? I like to simplify things if possible. I don't mind having to 'fight' through a vertical learning curve Only if really needed. OK.. I'm ready for your help... (^_^) Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-31-2013, 08:06 AM
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Great shots, everyone! Maybe I'll have another 'go' at Saturn.. before our summer 'monsoons' arrive... It was just so frustrating trying to aim my DOB using the Orion StarShoot 4 camera.. that sensor is so tiny... BTW, Eric.. what lens did you use to image Saturn? - and did you use the O-GPS1? -- Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-29-2013, 05:45 PM
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I need my primary mirror re-aluminized. I tried a few time to contact a lab in California, but get no response. Anyone know of a good, reputable and economical lab I could try? Thanks.. Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-28-2013, 09:44 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-28-2013, 09:19 AM
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Thanks all! I still plan to use my DOB for imaging, but until then, I want to explore what the O-GPS1 can do.. after seeing Stephane's work.
Nice shots of Saturn, guys! I'm so glad I bought the K5! I just learned from a friend that our gov. in special, important areas of endeavor - use Pentax exclusively.. I've always favored Pentax. -- Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-27-2013, 01:41 PM
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I understand. With that in mind, I will forgo doing planetary imaging until I can afford an EQ platform... unless I'm feeling feisty, and a 'glutton-for-punishment' some night. In the meantime, I will read a lot here and elsewhere on doing imaging with a DSLR [both with O-GPS1 and on the 'scope]..
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-27-2013, 11:52 AM
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True.. I'll keep at trying to image Saturn [weather permitting here]. The Orion StarShoot 4 camera is difficult to work with since it has such a very small sensor. That is what takes most of my time getting an image. The slightest adjustment of my 'scope throws the image off a lot... not to mention trying go make my initial focus. Nonetheless, it's rewarding to make images! - Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-27-2013, 10:14 AM
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What great stuff to learn! Thanks for the link, valy.. I get so excited learning about 'all of this'.. space is so awesome! I can't wait to make more images! I just wish I also had friends around here who share the same interests as I do.. No one that I know in my town share the same passion and enthusiasm as I do.. Some nights I just get the blahs, because I like to share my 'journeys' in space.. Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-27-2013, 10:01 AM
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Thanks, valy..
Since I'm not good with math or math-related physics, I have trouble dealing with some aspects of astronomy. If things are explained in a more 'right-brain' [show me..] manner, then I get it. I will check out your link.. I did a good job in imaging Jupiter, so I just figured that Saturn would do well, also..?
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-27-2013, 08:41 AM
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Thanks, Stone G.
I appreciate your information. Also, not remembering exactly where I saw the images, but some folks produce a Saturn image not only with planetary banding, and the Cassini Division, but sharp as well. I'm assuming they were made with much better cameras? Using my Orrery program, Saturn is relatively close to us.. as such, I would've thought it would've looked much better through my 'scope.. instead, it looks small as in my image.. Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-26-2013, 01:16 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-26-2013, 01:11 PM
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Thanks, Stone G.
Frankly, I was so gung-ho about firstly going with making an EQ DOB platform.. until I saw Stephane's amazing O-GPS1 images on his website! Even a shot of the Horse Head Nebula! All with only a 200mm lens, and his K5! Now, I'm really excited to do the same! I eventually will get the platform.. but I can't resist getting the O-GPS1 first. I do so much appreciate your suggestions!
BTW; I've noticed that folks here seem to favor the Deep Sky Stacker program.. How does that compare to Autostakkert 2? I used Autostakkert 2 for my Jupiter prog. - the results you can see [above post].. ?
I never would have dreamed that some visionary, forward thinking person[s] came up with the idea of the O-GPS1 ! I know that some folks have had problems with it.. but I feel compelled to maybe contact Stephane, and learn what his 'tricks' are... Also, if anyone else knows the best way to take advantage of it, in a concise manner.. I'd like to know... Marc
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-26-2013, 06:23 AM
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Thanks, Stone G. ...
Being on a limited budget, I wasn't/am not sure whether to invest in a dual-axis EQ plat. approach or the O-GPS1 approach. I would like to image the 'M' catalog, at least. When I bought my K5, I never expected it to be so versatile in the areas of astro-imaging. Then yesterday is when I discovered this thread and read about the O-GPS1 for the first time. Then when I saw all the amazing images folks are getting with it, I almost thought my 10" DOB was going to be superfluous - LOL!
Nonetheless, I'm even more excited now! I'm using an Orion StarShoot 4 Color Planetary Camera presently, but it is a lot of work to use [mainly trying to aim at an object [the sensor is so tiny].. Marc
Here's an example: it's my very 1st.-ever image [of Jupiter]..
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
05-25-2013, 10:35 PM
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OK, I'm new here, and cannot locate where to make a new post.. Eeks!
I'm new to astro-photography. I own a K5 with only the basic, kit lens. I also own an Apertura AD10 10" DOB with nice EP's [Explore Scientific 82deg. 30mm and 11mm, and others]. I would like to explore the possibilities of both using my DOB with an EQ dual-axis platform, and trying the O-GPS1 unit.
My initial questions are:
1) What Pentax [or 'better'?] telephoto lens is best for deep-sky imaging using the O-GPS1?
2) Is the O-GPS1 really worth buying - I've read various complaints...
3) Can the O-GPS1 be used with my DOB, or is it not suitable, considering the algorithms in the camera?
-- I'll await answers before asking more..
Thank you! -- Marc
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