hooskerdoo wrote:

On Thu, 14 Jul 2005 21:13:26 -0400, "Mark S. Holden"
wrote:


hooskerdoo wrote:


I've seen planetary pics from webcams and dedicated ccd cameras
attached to very nice and big APOs (such as a TMB designed 8" scope)
that are okay but not in the same class as those from 12" and larger
SCTs. Those are just the Meade and Celestron mass-produced scopes.

Why would even a C14 be able to produce shots so superior to what
should be a superlative performer? I don't believe it's all size
either. Some C11 pics are much better as well. A shot claimed to be
from a C9.25, from a link posted in this group, is much better too.

So, why?

Is the visual experience altogether different?


Any links to the best pics from large refractors would of course be
welcome.

Jim Phillips has gotten some stunning results with his 10" folded TMB.

But otherwise, a larger objective has an edge for showing detail, and a
longer focal length helps too.

Finally, the skill/talent of the photographer shouldn't be under estimated.



I was thinking of Mr. Phillips's scope and his work. He also has an 8"
TMB.

http://www.tmboptical.com/picsRecord.asp?pic_id=27&

I was looking at his pics a few days ago as well...but I didn't see
any image I could call stunning, though.

So far, I can't say I understand why this should be.

Compare with Thierry Legault's (if I misspelled, sorry) work from his
12" Meade. I could find C11 pics of Jupiter that are clearly superior
too.

It's not just size in this case. Maybe lots more could be teased from
a big refactor by the imager!? If the great result is there I'd enjoy
it for sure.

Of course I've seen a bunch of planetary pics from the top end
6-inchers. Not great for detail either but the color and contrast
seemed quite nice.

Thanks for the reply. More would certainly be welcome.



Jim recently took a Mars photo with his 10" that's currently on the
front page of the TMB yahoo group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tmboptical/

Another factor is there are a lot more big SCTs in use because they've
been available for longer, and the cost is considerably lower.