The North American and Pelican Nebulas

Despite an almost full moon last night I had some success imaging with a new lens I got. The lens is a Sigma 70-300mm Macro DG APO lens. For the HA channel I made a plastic ring to enable me mount my 2" HA filter in front of the camera lens. It seemed to work quite well.

Here's the result from last night.

webtreatz.com/component/option,com_zoom/...geNo,5/key,39/hit,1/

I'm pretty pleased with the performance of the lens. Looking forward to imaging on a decent moon free night without the HA filter.

Thing that surprised me was I seemed to be forever adjusting the focus on the lens. I dont know if it was the shutter opening and closing, but it did move over a few exposures. So out of 35 exposures on the HA channel I had to dump 8 or so:( Might try using a bit of blue-tack next time to see if that keeps it fixed!! Nothing like a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem eh!

That's a great shot Dave! I'm surprised yoy got that level of detail with the moon around.

I was also out that night and the sky was almost blue, it never got really dark, so a nebula image under those conditions is very good!

There is some nice detail in there.

Looks great Dave!

Interesting to see what you could get on that target with no moon.

Later,

Jed.

great image Dave, especially with the full moon. I couldn't really make the object out two nights ago despite using an Ultrablock.
Yep, Sigma really make quality lenses.

T

Good job Dave, years ago not many would touch a sigma lens

Might try using a bit of blue-tack next time to see if that keeps it fixed!! Nothing like a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem eh!

Me too! Many times over, though is bad in the cold, just use some sticky tape if you don't mind it :idea:

Surprising to see the level of detail considering full moon time, I can't wait to see your go with the moon out of the way.

Thumbs up!
Keith..