Re: [APML] Lumicon GEG and filters

["westergren" <westergren@netzero.net>]

Manolo,

Welcome to astrophotography.  I can answer a couple of your questions with
my recommendations.

First, with your SCT prime focus photography you will need an off axis
guider for either manual or autoguiding.  With the loss of Lumicon, you
won't be able to buy their easy guider anymore.  If you have a source for a
used one, I would recommend you get it now.  it won't be easy to get one
later.  There are other off axis guiders available, but none of them have
the focal reducing lens as part of the OAG like the GEG.  The SCT has mirror
shift due to gravity as you shoot long exposures.  Your f10 telescope will
require long exposures, 20 to 30 minutes for brighter objects and 1 hour and
more for most objects.

Filters are normally for special effects or to block particular light
pollution.  They are very good for enhancing visual observing.  I have tried
using the Lumicon Deep Sky Filter but it gave me unwanted color shifts, so I
don't use it at all.  I would suggest using your Canon piggy back of your
SCT, manually guide with the SCT for those pictures to learn about guiding
and experiment with exposures, films, and lenses.  Try stopping the fast
lenses down 2 stops to get better focus and avoid lens distortions.  Get a
copy of Robert Reeves' book: Wide-Field Astrophotography from Willmann-Bell.
It will help explain everything you need to get going.

If you want to talk on the phone, I'm in the San Diego area, east county
phone book.

Don

From: "Manolo" <marana1@san.rr.com>


> Hello all,
>
>  I am Manolo Arana and I just joined the group from San Diego. My
experience level in astrophotography is basic, so I'll be probably one of
the quiet members who goes to sleep learning quite a lot from all of you.
Thank you to let me join your group. I love photography and astronomy, but
just a beginner in the first one.
>
>  I have a 10'' LX-200 f/10, and although my budget is limited I would like
to slowly buy good and useful equipment. I also have a Canon New F-1 with a
small set of fast lenses. So far autoguiding with CCD is one of my future
projects, but I am not in a rush since I have so much to photograph with my
set of lenses.
>
>  I have two questions:
> 1- GEG: since Lumicon went out of business recently, I am not sure if I
should go ahead and get one. I plan on shooting 35mm at prime focus, and I
read lots of good reviews about it. I'd like to know what your
recommendation is about getting a GEG, and this one in particular.
> 2- Filters for my different aperture lenses. Would you recommend a filter
set (or a few pics) for each of my apertures?
>
>  I will shoot from the mountains surrounding San Diego (around 1000-1500
meters high), low dew, and although the skies are great here, there is
(unfortunately) a little of red light pollution from Mexico and San Diego.
>
>  Thank you very much in advance.
> Regards,
> Manolo.
>
>
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