Imaged under bad transparency but relatively dark Bortle 4 skies, this image is 55 subs of 180s each ISO1600 with an unmodified Canon 6D and Skywatcher Espirit 100 ED F/5.5 refractor. Mount was an IEQ45 Pro autoguided.
Calibrated with bias, darks, flats using Astro Pixel Processor
Post: Photoshop CC + HLVG and AstronomyTools plug-ins
Fascinating. I don't have $2500 to drop on a telescope but very impressive results from the Espirit 100
Still a lot less than a $8,000 Canon 500 f/4 prime, and with a flat field. You could get a very similar result with APS-C sensor and a 70mm APO like a WO Star 71 or SV70. The good 70mm refractors are around $7-800.
I have a 0.7x Super Reducer going to see how it works with the Espirit 100. That would put me a 380mm F/3.85 with a flat full frame field. Poor mans Takahashi!
Oh so true!
When I'm able to locate in a far less light polluted area I'll be far more inclined to drop some $ on a tele. As a life long Texan, I have many regions I used to spend time as a cyclist that gave me a gorgeous sky view that one will never forget. In the city however, it's a stretch to see Sirius!
I did have some good luck on short notice in Ft Myers south of you not long ago. Got my first glimpse of the milky way, but not as spectacular as your shots. I didn't even know I had it until I lowered the haze of the sky a bit.
Sweet! If you head back to SW Florida, you could get a great shot either at Sanibel Island (pointing South over the Ocean) or even better if you go to Big Cypress which is International Dark Sky certified (Bortle 3).
From Sanibel tho in May / June Omega Centauri is visible 15 degrees above horizon and below the summer Milky Way... it’s top priority on my list for next year!
Sounds awesome. We didn't expect to be in the area but traveled down the west coast of FL to take in Sarasota, Ft Myers, Naples, etc and had a blast. I just happened to be able to go out and get some shots before I left. With planning, I would have done it a little different. Oh well, ya learn along the way!