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how to focus on DSO...

Started by Illsonmedia , Nov 22 2012 05:27 PM

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8 replies to this topic

#1 Illsonmedia

Vostok 1

topic starter

Posts: 135
Joined: 25 Nov 2011

Posted 22 November 2012 - 05:27 PM

Okay, I have a huge issue with achieving the proper focus when I have my DSLR t-ringed into my celestron. First of all, when monitoring the live view through my computer, I cannot see the DSOs well enough to tell if they are focused or not. So I take a short exposure shot and check the focus, if it isn't focused, I change the focus on the scope, and repeat the process. But I still cannot get the proper focus.

Someone please tell me there is a way to get this done. My exposure shots aren't properly focused. I use a mac....so, preferably no windows only software.

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#2 jsc2501

Sputnik

Posts: 35
Joined: 07 Nov 2012

Posted 22 November 2012 - 05:33 PM

What type of camera are you using?

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#3 drksky

Surveyor 1

Posts: 1,762
Joined: 31 Aug 2009

Posted 22 November 2012 - 05:42 PM

Don't. Get a batinov mask and focus on a nearby bright star. Then move to your target, frame and shoot.

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#4 Tapio

Voyager 1

Posts: 10,138
Joined: 24 Sep 2006

Posted 22 November 2012 - 05:46 PM

It's better to use brighter star first, focus, and then move to target. And get yourself a Bahtinov mask - it helps.

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#5 Maverick199

Hubble

Posts: 13,130
Joined: 27 Feb 2011

Posted 23 November 2012 - 04:43 AM

Use your DSLR's live view function to focus on a star. If the function permits zooming in, then zoom in to check if focus is correct. Once fixed, you can start imaging any DSO.