M51 taken with 460EX

[jcm]

This image was taken with a 8" RC at F5.6

15 X 5mins L and 10X 5mins for R,G and B

John

[Lex]

Hi John,

Really nice result, well done! Are you satisfied with your RC? Is it a GSO?
The only thing improvable in your image would be focusing IMO... What reducer are you using?
There is a little color switch and kind of "big" diffraction spikes on the stars...

Nice one!

Best

[jcm]

It's the GSO 8" RC , the collimation was set accurately by the supplier ( TS Germany ). The diffraction spikes are common on all RC images, particularly on the bright stars.

John

[Lex]

Hi,

Surely all system with vanes shows up diffraction spikes, collimation is not transport stable...
As seen on your nice picture, IMO the collimation or the focussing could be aproved. The stars have an eggshape and the starinternal colouring is not homegene. This is pointing out to the two premensioned origins...
In terms of diffraction spikes, these ones shoul be more uniformly visible, like fine crosses...

Best

[jcm]

Hi Lex,

Thanks for the suggestions.
This image is the first decent one I have produced.

The focuser is being replaced as I have noticed some "sag"

So I'm going to leave the collimation until I fit the new focuser - June probably.

John

[bwa]

Nice shot!

bwa