RE: [APML] planetary photography

["Jason Lewis" <jlewis@nomoon.org>]

Mark,

I've had best luck using my focusing screen when using eyepiece
projection of planets.  I attempted to use a knife edge focuser on a
nearby star, but the knife edge image in this configuration isn't
easy to use for focusing.  In my 12" SCT, I am able to get an image
that is large and bright enough to discern planetary detail on the
focusing screen.  Even then, I still bracket exposure times,
refocus, repeat...

There are several formulas out there for predicting focal lengths
with eyepiece projection, but you'll probably get best results
through trial and error.  I have best results by keeping exposures 2
seconds or below for Saturn.  For Jupiter, my best configuration
gives exposure times of about 0.5 seconds.  Play with your
configurations, bracket, and note the best exposure times for each
configuration.  I only get good results when seeing is incedibly
good.

Jason

See Astrophotos at http://www.nomoon.org
Allen Anti-Telemarketing Society http://www.nomoon.org/aats.htm


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