Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

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Ed217 United States of America
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#21

Post by Ed217 »


DSC_1225.JPG
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#22

Post by JayTee »


Nice Bricks. :D

JT

PS. Do you see the distortion at the edges of the image? Because you are using this camera in prime focus, this is a telescope issue not a camera issue.
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#23

Post by Ed217 »


I am also looking at some prime focus cameras for live feed to laptops. There seems to be many options...some low cost and others $1000s. Any thoughts on how well these work and which might be a good place to start?

SVBONY has a few in the $50-100 range. Meade has a few starting at 150 and Orion at about $200.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#24

Post by Ed217 »


Im still having some very basic image issues. the new eyepiece projection didnt really help at all for photos. Clearly worse than the iPhone suspended above the eyepiece.

I have an old (25+) 4.5 inch Crescent reflector with a manual mount. So I dragged that out last night as well. It had cobwebs inside the tube. However it provided a clearer image of the moon than the new Meade.

the laser device to align the mirrors may help, but just not sure whats going on yet. that shows up today
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#25

Post by Ed217 »


I used the laser alignment tool today.. Was MUCH harder than I expected. I think its in better shape,,,but time will tell.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#26

Post by Ed217 »


Moon shot from this morning (hour or so before sunrise) with Nikon D3500 prime focus. This is first after alignment attempt. Bottom looks fairly sharp, but top less so.

Thoughts or comments as to why?
DSC_1305a_00001.jpg
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#27

Post by bladekeeper »


Well, the bottom may appear sharper as you are near the terminator (transition between night and day on the Moon) and that allows better and sharper detail to appear in an image or even visually. The top of the image is in full sunlight and also "going round the bend" on the limb of the Moon. Less detail to be had there. I get similar effects on mine with my refractors too.
20190810-21_52_12_g4_ap3384.png
Mine is also the result of stacking about 100 frames and then a whiff of wavelet sharpening with Registax. This is with a CMOS cam, though, and not a DSLR. :)
Bryan
Scopes: Apertura AD12 f/5; Celestron C6-R f/8; ES AR127 f/6.4; Stellarvue SV102T f/7; iOptron MC90 f/13.3; Orion ST80A f/5; ES ED80 f/6; Celestron Premium 80 f/11.4; Celestron C80 f/11.4; Unitron Model 142 f/16; Meade NG60 f/10
Mounts: Celestron AVX; Bresser EXOS-2; ES Twilight I; ES Twilight II; iOptron Cube-G; AZ3/wood tripod; Vixen Polaris
Binoculars: Pentax PCF WP II 10×50, Bresser Corvette 10×50, Bresser Hunter 16×50 and 8×40, Garrett Gemini 12×60 LW, Gordon 10×50, Apogee 20×100

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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

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Post by Thefatkitty »


Hi Ed217,

I just noticed your post and thought perhaps I could be of help. First, Bryan's post above mine is quite right about the detail. I notice the same thing as well.
Also there is the atmosphere. No matter how clear the night, it is still there, and things seen through it are never perfect.

For a DSLR I use a Canon T3, kind of old but it does. I usually shoot the Moon at ISO 800, varying the shutter speed as it brightens and dims through the various phases. I use a T-ring and adapter to attach it to the focuser.

The results I get are very similar to what you got. Sharp near the terminator line, less so elsewhere...
Image3.png

That was taken through an achromatic 80mm @ f/11.4. It is also perfectly in focus, believe it or not :D
So what I do is take anywhere from 10-30 pictures; on this night I just took 20. All at pretty much the same visual quality; there was no real "one good photo"....

Image4.png

Now this is where some software comes in handy. First I use PIPP (Planetary Imaging PreProcessor). You might notice the folder labeled "pipp_20190820_021052" in the above image, this is where the output from that went. All I use it for is lining up the images I took so that the Moon is in the same spot; I think the word I'm looking for is "cropping"...

You can see what I mean here:

Image5.png

Next is software called Autostakkert, which as the title suggests, lines up and stacks your images. What this does is literally combine the best of everything into one image.

The results will probably amaze you! You can then take the image that Autostakkert makes, and do some sharpening of it with Registax as Bryan suggested, or even ImPPG which, though designed for solar images, I find does a great job on ol' Luna.
We all have our preferences :D The best part is, all the software mentioned above is free!

This is the "stack" of the 20 images I took, using PIPP, Autostakkert 2.0, and ImPPG.
20_08_2019_S.png

I think you're on the right track; again, I see nothing wrong with the image you took. You just need to take more and combine them :handgestures-thumbupright:

If you need a hand with all this (settings in PIPP, AS2, etc), just say so; myself and I'm sure others here would be more than happy to oblige :D
As for me, I need another cup of coffee.....

All the best,
Mark

"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4 & AZ-EQ5 mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.

H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.

Oh yeah, and Solar Cycle 25 :D
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#29

Post by Ed217 »


I have given up on the Meade (give the company response that its not suitable for AP) and am now looking for a better scope. I will also look for a ZWO type camera after I find the new scope. I am currently looking at Celestron NexStar SE models and other similar.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#30

Post by JayTee »


Hi Ed,

I'm sorry you are experiencing such a high level of frustration, but we've all been there in one way or another over this niche of our hobby. I've looked through this entire thread and you have never really stated what it is you really want to image because that will narrow down which scope is the better scope, knowing that no scope is the master of all trades! That being said, for optimal planetary images you need large aperture and long focal length (FL) and any aperture and much shorter FL for DSOs. So the Celestron SCTs are great for planetary imaging because of their long FL and their Alt-Az mount doesn't matter when it comes to planetary imaging. If you are leaning toward DSOs then you'll need a "beefy" motorized EQ mount to go along with this shorter, smaller OTA.

Let us know your druthers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Ed217 United States of America
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#31

Post by Ed217 »


Planetary imaging is probably my first focus. DSO things may come later, and I'll look for other additional scopes then.

Between still working some, drone and rockets activities, and music involvement...my free time is somewhat allocated...
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#32

Post by JayTee »


Thanks for the info Ed.

The 8SE will be an awesome planetary imaging scope. But remember it also requires a quality planetary webcam, although a DSLR will work. Many of the ZWO ASI cameras fill the bill.

Cheers
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Ed217 United States of America
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Re: Nikon 3500 vs iPhone X...some Questions

#33

Post by Ed217 »


JayTee wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:21 pm Thanks for the info Ed.

The 8SE will be an awesome planetary imaging scope. But remember it also requires a quality planetary webcam, although a DSLR will work. Many of the ZWO ASI cameras fill the bill.

Cheers
JT
My plan is to get a ZWO camera after I get the basics to work with DSLR and visual. Will be busy some with other things in same time frame, so it comes a bit at a time. The 8SE should be here sometime next week.
Scopes: Celestron Nexstar 8SE, Celestron C6N, WO Z61, WO GT71, iOptron RC6 .
Mounts: Celestron Nexstar, iOptron Sky Guider Pro, iOptron HEM27 w/iPolar
Cameras: Nikon D780, Nikon Zfc ,ZWO ASI224MC, ZWO ASI120MM-S, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, ZWO ASI485MC, ZWO ASI174MM, ASI662MC, ASI294MM, ASI2600MC Pro iPhone 14.
Tools: Raspberry PI4 with Stellarmate OS, Intel NUC Mini PC, Beelink MiniPCs.
Accessories: Celestron focus motor, ZWO EAF focusers, F6.3 field reducer, assorted eyepieces, 11" video monitor, polar scopes, iOptron iPolar
Computers: Dell desktops, MacOS MacMini, ASUS laptop, Intel NUC, Beelink MiniPD, PI, assorted software packages, iPhones, iPads
My AstroBin Images: https://www.astrobin.com/users/EdDixonImages/
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