I finally was able to gather adequate data to give my scope (Planewave CDK 12.5) a more serious test. I am very happy so far with what I have seen. I used to own a Mewlon 300, and while it was great for visual observing, the slower F ratio seemed to be a limiting factor when trying to image deep. Faint galaxies seem to pop out with this scope.

Image acquisition info:

Location: Starlodge Observatory
Scope: CDK 12.5
Camera: SBIG STL 11000
LRGB 200:120:120:120 (9 hrs total exposure time)

http://www.pbase.com/kvwood/image/98454150 (Cropped)
http://www.pbase.com/kvwood/image/98454120 (Closeup)
http://www.pbase.com/kvwood/image/98454171 (Full Frame)

Thanks for taking a look.

Take care,
Kent

Absolutely gorgeous Kent!

thanks for sharing.

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clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

OMFG! I've never commented on these images before, but those images of the Sunflower Galaxy are so detailed!!! Truly impressive!

Absolutely beautiful. Great detail and great color.

I now have serious OTA envy!

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Observatorio de la Ballona

Did you swipe some Hubble images?

(Joking)

Bravo! Yeoman work!

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"The beauty of that discussion of averages is that you don't have to be an expert in Apollo or in photography in order to see where this time study "analysis" breaks down. You just have to be, well...not an idiot." -JayUtah

Thanks for your kind remarks.

Kent

Looks like you have that scope and mount working very well indeed.

Now can you send me some of those clear skies? 49 days of solid overcast and counting.

Rick

Sorry Rick. I would if I could. I have to admit, it has been pretty nice out here in Northern California lately. Winds are up, but skies are clear. Thanks again for your help working through some of the guiding issues we discussed earlier.

Hoping you weather improves soon!
Kent

Simply Beautiful! Kent, Very nice results with the planewave wow. Looking forward to see more and Clear Skies

Thanks Jaicoa.

Best regards,
Kent

Amazing, I respect your dedication

Kent they are brilliant, thank you.

clear skies.

chrissy

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Great minds discuss ideas,average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people. Admiral Hyman Rickover.USN.

"Make the most of every day like it could be your last and enjoy each others company as this will make good memories for when we pass". chrissy

*A rock is for life not just for throwing*

Thank you Chrissy and Serious.

Kent

Kent

That is a beautiful photo. Wonderful Work, keep up the great work!

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“There's no denying the public's appetite for cosmic discovery.” ~ Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson