GH1 Astrophotography with the GH1

[afreda]

Using the GH1, a T-adapter and T-mount on a Meade Model 4500 4-1/2 reflector with a 9.5mm eyepiece in the T-mount.

Still having a bit of trouble, though. The T-mount is a bit too long and I can barely get the focus on the telescope adjusted "in" far enough to get a good focus.

 

[metavox]

Very nice. Could you tell us something about the actual focal lenght, ISO and shutter speed?

 

[afreda]

Sure! Sorry I didn't do that with the original post!

These were shot using a Meade Model 4500 telescope, a 4-1/2" Newtonian reflecting scope with a 910mm focal length and a 9.5mm eyepiece (roughly 96x magnification). The camera settings were ISO 100 and a 1/3s shutter speed.

 

[mpgxsvcd]

Try prime focus instead of Afocal(with and eyepiece). There are too many things that can get out of alignment with Afocal.

I have been doing a lot of astrophotography work with the GH2 lately. It is great for the moon. However, it has some sever limitations for deep space objects. For example it is limited to 2 minutes and 8 seconds for exposures and it can only do an automatic series of pictures for 1 minute or less exposures.

That limits its usefulness greatly.

Also the shutter slap will destroy all of your detail even with very high shutter speeds. You need to use a very strong moon filter and try to get the exposure time down around 2-3 seconds. That or use a mode that has an electronic shutter like the GH2 has.

I am putting out a how to video for Astro Photography and the GH2 next week. Be on the lookout for that.


Samples of AP with the GH2.

Close up Moon Video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcZFet5E1is

Kids reaction to seeing Jupiter for the first time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6AeQECBudg

Moon Image: