Saturn (14 Sep 2013)

[Mariner]

C9.25 on iEQ45
4x Powermate
Canon 40D (unmod)

1/13sec ISO800


1/10sec ISO1000


I can't get the focus sharp enough, even through live-view the image will not come into focus.

[Dark Neptune]

C9.25 on iEQ45
4x Powermate
Canon 40D (unmod)

1/13sec ISO800


1/10sec ISO1000


I can't get the focus sharp enough, even through live-view the image will not come into focus.

But damn you can still see the cloud bands of Saturn! Good job! ^_^

[Gary]

WOW! Considering Saturn no where near opposition, low altitude, single shot non-webcam "lucky" imaging and slightly hazy skies last night, that's an impressive image!

CELESTRON power!

[Mariner]

Thanks for the encouragement guys but seriously, anyone can give tips on getting sharp focusong? Or do I really have to install a microfocuser?

[Gary]

Thanks for the encouragement guys but seriously, anyone can give tips on getting sharp focusong? Or do I really have to install a microfocuser?

A good focuser can help. But I think the main reason for this attempt is still the seeing conditions which is not very good last night. So may not be something "wrong" with your focusing procedure or equipment. Just need to wait for better skies, object transiting near to zenith and near opposition.

For Saturn, can use the Cassini division to check focus.

Difference in altitude can make a lot of difference to captured image quality assuming other factors remain the same. To prove this, you can try shooting Jupiter at around 6:30am on clear morning these few weeks.

One single shot is too reliant on the seeing at the very moment the photo is taken. That's why the prefer lunar/planetary imaging method is "lucky" imaging - recording it in video in hopes of capturing enough clear frames during very fleeting moments. And then they can be stacked and post processed.

Of course, you also need to make sure your 9.25 is well collimated. Do star test and confirm during each imaging session. I assume last night the sky was not clear enough to see stars for you to star-test before imaging Saturn?