sagittarius star clouds form the Pony Club

Hi

Finally had a chance to test my new Sigma 50mm F1.4 lens tonight in a semi-dark sky at the Pony Club site.Its about 45 minutes north of Sydney. This is where a few Ice in Space folks meet up once a month for some observing and banter.
This shot is a stack of 19 x 10 seconds shot with the new lens on my old 450D. This was stopped to F2. Quite impressed with this lens. Can't wait to take it to a really dark site.

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I have some shots of Crux and the coal sack and Eta Carina region which I will put on Flickr later on.

Wow John, I can see why you are impressed by the detail
and sharpness, that's one good lens, it should capture a lot of
light in the least amount of time compared to others.

Looking forward to the other shots !

Keith.

Thanks Keith
Here are two more shots in the Crux region. A bit of skyglow from Sydney to the south reduces the effect a bit but still captures quite a bitof detail. These were taken at F2 and ISO 1600 which is the limit for my camera.Approximately 15 x ten second frames stacked (with trees!)
I have received permission to get a Tokina 11-16mm from the boss

Southern cross and the Coal Sack

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Eta Carina region just south of the above shot

farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7810835610_42be590293_k.jpg

I can see a Vixen Polarie on the way sometime soon too Can't wait to get to a real dark sky site.

Wow John, those shots are great, the detail is really good
the sense of depth from those star fields is there to see !

I love the colour against the blackness of space, you've got
your hands on a damn good lens! I've always found the 450D
one of the better performers and it delivers here. Thanks for
posting!

Keith

Amazing John, the people in the southern hemisphere are certainly blessed with stunning skies.

Paul

Thanks everyone. I'll be getting a wide angle lens soon. Anyone using the Tokina 11-16mm?