| EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW | ||
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Takahashi
FSQ-106ED flatfield super quadruplet refractor D = 106 mm (4.2") F = 530 mm (f/5) acquired: December 2008 (second hand) This is undoubtly one of the best 4" refractors available today. It utilises four lens elements of which two are made of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to provide superior colour correction over a range from 400 to 1000 nm. This may be called a true apochromat. Its large photographic image circle of 88 mm (9.5º) makes it suitable voor medium format astrophotography. Special features include a retractable dew shield, an oversized fully rotatable rack-and-pinion focuser with an 1:7 reduction microfocuser and a quick release 7x50 mm finderscope with illuminated reticle. |
| INTES
MK-67 Maksutov-Cassegrain D = 150 mm (6") F = 1800 mm (f/12) acquired: April 2000 (second hand) Russian-made Maksutov-Cassegrain with adjustable secondary mirror. Fixed primary mirror and 2" Crayford focuser. Because of the large f-number, I don't use this telescope much for astrophotography. It is primarily used as a visual instrument or as a guide scope pursuing piggyback astrofotophotography. At the image on the right, the MK-67 and a Mamiya 645 with 500 mm telephoto lens are mounted on a Losmandy GM-8 using a dual scope platform. The MK-67 is equipped with a Telrad and a flexible dew shield by Kendrick. I am very pleased with the optical performance and mechanical craftsmanship of this telescope. It is built like a tank and produces pinpoint star images. |
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INTES
MK-69
Maksutov-Cassegrain D = 150 mm (6") F = 900 mm (f/6) acquired: December 2002 This is the fast brother of the MK-67, specially designed for astrophotography. The secondary mirror (placed halfway the tube in a spider) creates an obstruction of 50%, which means poor contrast for visual use. At the image on the left, the MK-69 is on a dual scope platform with a 70/400 mm Vixen guidescope. An Olympus OM-1n is mounted piggyback on top of the telescope. The MK-69 was my answer in the quest for a fast telescope with a relative long focal length, yet lightweight enough to fit the Losmandy GM-8. |
| Losmandy GM-8
equatorial mount acquired: June 2001 (second hand) This heavy duty, yet portable mount has become my loyal workhorse. Not seen at the picture on the right, I have replaced the aluminum tripod with a wooden tripod made by Baader-Planetarium. These tripods are known for their rigidness and short damping time, making the GM-8 even better suited for astrophotography. For safe transport, "Custom Flightcases" in the Hague made me a solid transport case. |
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Mamiya
M645 medium format camera Sekor-C 80 mm f/2.8 lens Sekor-C 210 mm f/4 lens acquired: November 2001 (second hand) This is the camera I use for medium format astrophotography. Both 80 and 210 mm lenses perform very well when stopped down to f/4 and f/5.6 respectively. Note the roll of Kodak Ektachrome 200 film: the number one choice for deep-sky astrophotography. |
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