This was my first time imaging with a self-modified Full Spectrum Canon 6D which is a full frame camera. I have a review of the Canon 6D model posted HERE.
This was my second time out using a new Orion HDX110 equatorial GoTo mount and a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope. For lifting the heavy mount (55 lbs.) onto the pier and the telescope (50 lbs.) onto the mount, I used a small hydraulic lift table that I took with me. The tripod/pier weighs 65 lbs. and I used a large plastic container with wheels to move it to where I set up. Images through the 12" RC were taken with a full frame format Full Spectrum Modified Canon 6D.
The EQMOD ASCOM driver was used to drive the HDX110 mount directly via a USB2EQ5 Interface Cable.
Equipment used:
I found that the Orion SteadyStar Off-axis Guider/Adaptive Optics/Rotator unit that I had been using was designed for APS-C (1.6 crop factor) DSLR cameras and not for the larger full frame format Canon 6D sensor. I have decided to sell it; if you are interested contact me by email. I borrowed a Stellervue 70mm ED refractor from a friend and used it with a 3X barlow piggybacked for autoguiding. I have since been autoguiding using an Orion Short Tube 80mm as shown in the photo.
The Orion HDX110 mount was polar aligned by only using the polar align scope.
During this New Moon period we had 5 clear nights out of an 11 night stay.
M81 Bode's Spiral Galaxy - 05/24/14:
10 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X800). Six dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
M106 Spiral Galaxy - 05/25/14:
10 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X800). 18 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
Supernova 2014bc in M106 was discovered on 5/20/14, five days before the above image of M106 was taken - 5/25/14:
The supernova is located very close to the bright nucleus of the galaxy. A two-minute exposure at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D and reduced in size for display (1300X900) is below with the supernova marked.
M82 Cigar Galaxy - 05/30/14:
4 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X800). Six dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
M27 Dumbbell Nebula - 05/30/14:
24 six-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X800). 16 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
M2 Globular Cluster - 05/25/14:
4 two-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X800). 36 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
M5 Globular Cluster - 05/26/14:
NGC 7822/CED 214/SH2-1704 Widefield with 180mm camera lens - 05/31/14:
60 two-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X1800). 36 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
North America and Pelican Nebula Widefield with 180mm camera lens - 05/31/14:
45 two-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X1800). 13 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
IC 1396 with 180mm camera lens - 05/31/14:
57 two-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X1800). 36 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
B168 & IC5146 Widefield with 180mm camera lens - 06/01/14:
26 two-minute exposures at ISO 1600 captured with AT12RC at prime using Full Spectrum modified 6D were combined using DeepSkyStacker and reduced in size for display (1200X1800). 13 dark frames and no flats were used for calibration.
Moon & Jupiter with Full Spectrum T2i with camera lens at 135mm - 05/31/14:
0.3 second exposure at f5.6 and ISO 800 using Canon EF 28-135mm lens at 135mm.
Youtube Video of above images:
DSLR Modification Service: I am selling and converting Canon 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 1000D & 1100D DSLR cameras for astro imaging. CLICK HERE for details.
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in April 2014 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2013 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in May 2013 CLICK HERE
Images taken at the Fall Star Party at Chiefland, Florida in November 2012 CLICK HERE.
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in August 2012 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in July 2012 CLICK HERE
Images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in June 2012 CLICK HERE
Detailed instructions for modifying a Canon 450D, 1000D, 1100D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D & 700D CLICK HERE
Considering a DSLR for astro imaging? Link to my DSLR Modification Service.
Detailed instructions for building a whole camera peltier cooling system CLICK HERE
Astro images with the modified 450D: CLICK HERE
My Astro YouTube videos: CLICK HERE