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My 420mm Refractor Astro Rig

Spad
Posted 13/08/2023 - 02:49 Link
I have been posting my astrophotography images.

So for those of you that asked, or are interested - this is my 420mm refractor set up.

Camera is a K-S2.

I will also post images of my reflector rig next time i set it up.

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Edited by Spad: 13/08/2023 - 02:50
LennyBloke
Posted 13/08/2023 - 09:08 - Helpful Comment Link
That's an impressive set-up Spad
LennyBloke
1stEverPentax
Posted 13/08/2023 - 10:20 - Helpful Comment Link
LennyBloke wrote:
That's an impressive set-up Spad

+1

I see you've got yourself a minibus for carting it all around!

Do you transport it ready assembled or do you have to put it all together and take it all down each time?

I can see the advantage of the 'flippy screen' on the K-S2 for this as well.

Pentax rumour of a specialist K-3III for Astro is unlikely to materialize unless they bring out a version (IV) with such a screen.

Thanks for these images anyway...both of your equipment and results from...keep them coming.

There should really be a dedicated 'Astro' subject box to tick on this and main ephotozine site as 'landscape' or 'specialist' doesn't really do it justice.

regards

Karlo
Spad
Posted 13/08/2023 - 13:06 Link
1stEverPentax wrote:
Do you transport it ready assembled or do you have to put it all together and take it all down each time?

No... it weighs to much for me to be able to lift it out safely. I generally head out a few hours before sunset so I can take my time setting it up, and get it orientated to point north. Then at the end of the night, take it all apart!

It's a faff, but I can take my time and get it set up right and I can tripple check I have not forgotten or dropped something. Which happens quite regular thanks to me deseased brain and clapped out boby!!
jeallen01
Posted 13/08/2023 - 14:46 - Helpful Comment Link
Next step - Russian "GRAD" MLRS!
K-3 II, K-3 and a K-70 from SRS (having now relegated the K-30 /"K-50" to a backup body), & some Sigma and Pentax lenses (and a lot of old 35mm gear!)
Spad
Posted 13/08/2023 - 15:36 Link
jeallen01 wrote:
Next step - Russian "GRAD" MLRS!

Bugger that....

I want a fecking Death Star
Lubbyman
Posted 13/08/2023 - 19:04 - Helpful Comment Link
Well, 420mm = DA*300mm + 1.4 TC, and it's a refractor too . But I'll grant you, your 420mm is definitely bigger and more impressive than mine!

Steve
Spad
Posted 13/08/2023 - 20:37 Link
Lubbyman wrote:
Well, 420mm = DA*300mm + 1.4 TC, and it's a refractor too . But I'll grant you, your 420mm is definitely bigger and more impressive than mine!

Steve

This has a 0.8x Flattener/Reducer on it. So it drops to 336mm and f4.8.... But it does have SPL51 Glass, not sure it'd match the glass in DA300!

The plus side is, that entire rig cost about £1200... so about a couple of hundred quid cheaper!

PS.... £1440 if I include the KS2
Edited by Spad: 13/08/2023 - 20:44
1stEverPentax
Posted 13/08/2023 - 23:05 - Helpful Comment Link
Impressive results for a very reasonable outlay Spad.

Is that setup any good for planetary work or just Deep Space?

Karlo
Spad
Posted 14/08/2023 - 00:27 Link
This rig is a Deep Space rig.

The mount and everything is bang on for planetary, but not that scope...

It's ok for the moon but no so for the planets. You'll be better of with Schmidt or Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope for planetary work.
Edited by Spad: 14/08/2023 - 00:56
Lubbyman
Posted 14/08/2023 - 10:35 Link
Spad wrote:
The plus side is, that entire rig cost about £1200... so about a couple of hundred quid cheaper!

PS.... £1440 if I include the KS2

That's a lot cheaper than I'd have guessed. For the results you're getting, I'd say it was money well spent. I bet a Death Star would set you back a lot more £££s though - even the Lego kit costs upwards of £700. Mind you, making that thing would give you something to do in the minibus while waiting for the clouds to clear...

Steve
Spad
Posted 14/08/2023 - 11:15 Link
Fair enough... the mount was second hand off fleabay for 180, and the scope was on sale! I got it and the flattener for 350 quid and it shudda been closer to 700!!
Edited by Spad: 14/08/2023 - 11:41
K10D
Posted 14/08/2023 - 20:11 Link
Well impressive set up. Not only does it look the ging gangs but you produce the minerals as well!

Agree with the prep/set up times and procedures.


Best regards
pixels don't make pictures

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