Long, yellow and very fast

[MarkS]

How much of the french stuff were you drinking last night then.....

Funny you shopuld say that - I did have a glass or two of wine!  I meant EQ6 mount of course - now corrected in earlier post.

[Daniel]

I think you've probably made the right decision, have you checked how narrowband filters perform at F2.8? if you don't get the bandshift problems I get with the hyperstar then you realy have an incredible all round scope!

Just can't wait for a first light!!


Daniel
:O)

[MarkS]

It depends on the exact filter but the bandshift problems generally start when using optics faster than F3.  So F2.8 should be just about OK.

BTW I just saw this info about halos on the astronomik site:
[New thread] http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=5725

[RobertM]

The Baaders I bought are certified down to at least f/2.8 and I've been using them at that without issue.

[Mac]

Yes, I'm now the proud owner of a Takahashi Epsilon 180ED.  Focal length of 500mm at a very fast F2.8

how about an autofocus version 500mm f2.8, But its green.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3349&navigator=3

[MarkS]

It's massive!!  Weighs 35lb.  Take a look:
http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&um=1&q=sigma+APO+200-500mm+F2.8&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=20

If that lens gives pin sharp stars without being stopped down, then it's an astrophotographers dream.  Very useful "wide field" range of 200-500mm at a whopping F2.8 and then a "closer up" range of 400-1000mm at F5.6.

And no diffraction spikes ...

Mac - buy one for your Nikon and let us know how you get on.  But being green you risk losing it in the grass at DSC.

Mark

[Mac]

But being green you risk losing it in the grass at DSC.

That's what i was thinking.

[mickw]

The kids could take rides on it 

[Rocket Pooch]

One of the QSI Users has one of them, here's a picture with the QSI I have

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4281477453_5977cb5365_o.jpg

[MarkS]

I'll have to get used to diffraction spikes!

Mark