Telescope vs. Telephoto Lens - Worth the Upgrade?

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The shootout so many people have asked me for, the William Optics REDCAT 51 250mm f4.9 vs. a Similar Spec'd Telephoto Lens (Nikon Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 plus 1.7x telephoto adapter set to 250mm f4.8) imaging the Jellyfish Nebula!
I can't stress this enough that in this comparative test the RedCat 51 shines though in quality as to be expected of any telescope purpose built to image stars vs. a superb all rounded telephoto lens.
Consider getting your own RedCat here bit.ly/3GJgiWr or NightCat here bit.ly/2KyV9ne (afflinks)
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1 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 114

@chanmit123 Год назад

this was really helpful! thank you!!

@EmberSkyMedia Год назад

You are most welcome Claire, let me know if you have additional questions.

@derekvaughan2200 3 года назад

Great comparison! This makes me feel confident in making the leap from a lens to a telescope.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Yes a telescope is a step up from a telephoto lens. And it becomes painfully obvious when you spend a night or two cooling data not to have nice stars to the edge of the frame.

@GalaxyArtMedia 4 года назад

Nice comparison, I would have liked to see more the the results without the telephoto adapter , i think using it it did affect the results of these test. You could crop and get the images to a similar FOV, even if not at same focal length. A telescope is a better choice for astrophotography comparing budget and quality. I liked also the focusing comparison, on the geometrical aberrations like the astigmatism on the edges of the images, or coma, you could stop the lens down to get better stars, and not use the telephoto adapter. that way i think the image will improve on the Nikkor lens.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

Yes, I think I'll consider trying the test of several lenses and see how they compare. Perhaps skip the teleconverter or see if I can figure out how much of an impact it has on the final image.

@capturedbyhisdesign8656 4 года назад

Thanks for doing this. It's always nice to see comparisons with camera lenses and telescopes. I've been using the old Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-D and it is sharp, but like you said it's very hard to maintain focus on cold nights. You can pick one up for under $300 and it might come closer in quality to the Redcat.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

I actually own the 300mm F4D AF-S version and it’s a great lens! I plan to do a shoot out at some point but for this comparison wanted to closely match the 250mm F4.9 to get identical framing. It was part of my lunar sharpness Test ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ulL5gRUTqtc.html

@johnsgarage6622 3 года назад

I like your analysis. I am also using a zoom lens but I am seriously considering the Redcat for next year. I like the portability of it too.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Thank you for the feedback, it’s a great telescope to have and I’ve managed some great photos with it, my main challenge (for myself) is to dedicate to go deeper on targets to get more integration time to really do its optics justice!

@zalarkins5821 3 года назад

You seem nervous...but you did a great job man! I really appreciate you doing this for us. It helps a lot-- I'm thinking about getting a 1.2 or 2x Extender for my Canon telephoto lens (f/2.8 70-200mm) but I've always loved telescopes, and had no clue you could mount them on a camera! I'm still thinking old school ways of having a mechanism on its own dedicated tripod, etc., I've also learned about the Jellyfish Nebula :) I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge..

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Thanks Za, yes this video was one of my first ones... I was a bit rusty on camera (still am :P) but I"m always thrilled to hear when someone finds one of my videos helpful! It motivates me to make more :)

@herald9 3 года назад

Very useful stuff! I'm surprised how much better the redcat image turned out! I'm imaging with my 50-140mm fuji (70-200 equivalent) but now I feel like I'll be saving up for a dedicated telescope. Please have more camera vs telescope tests! Perhaps getting the north America or Orion Nebula with this same setup and seeing the differences there!

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Thanks Herald, I'm hoping to work on such a video soon (right now I've got the 8" mounted but in a week or so I'm swapping back to my wide field rig). I'll be testing the 300mm F4 vs. RedCat 51 although I was thinking of going for the California nebula as Great Orion Nebula is still an early morning target. If you have a lens in mind let me know, I likely can find a Nikon Equivalent to compare (because Nikkon Lenses can be adapted to almost any camera and work as manual focus lenses). *PS.* Check out this Nikon Lens Shout Out I did on the North American Nebula (technical view I didn't go super deep), it might give you some ideas. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d_OQA4HCZ_s.html

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Hi Herald, I just posted one with the Peliades Nebula (it was up when the clouds briefly cleared). Feel free to check it out! 📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@chhupparustom 4 года назад

A very useful technical comparison! Can you explain more on how the FWHM charts were prepared? Would love to watch more such tech videos.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

The FWHM charts were generated in Pixinsight (astronomy photo program) by taking the image converting to Gray Scale and then running an analysis subroutine which measures the size and intensity of the stars and produces the aforementioned images showing the FWHM of the image. This in term shows how “flat” the image field is and how sharp the image is, which is a factor of the sharpness of the optics and focus. Given that the optics don’t change any change over the night of the FWHM means that the lens shifted focus, which was an issue with the Nikkor. I’m hoping to produce some additional technical videos in the coming weeks after a few demo vids I’ve already filmed and currently editing.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Made another shoot out video with another lens, feel free to check it out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@kcrocks5 3 года назад

Man this exactly what I was looking for thanks! Still torn between a lens or the telescope as I do love wildlife photography as well (using cheap vintage tamron telephoto lenses). Honestly the red cat would probably be a step up since those are all manual as well but suck at stars lol. Might grab the redcat since my local photo shop sold my preorder lens before it was even released.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I have a few videos on the Red Cat and comparing them with various lenses (actually working on ANOTHER comparison that was requested) so check them out as that will give you a fuller picture of the choices that exists and let me know if you have any questions! ru-vid.com/group/PLYE6Mg5t2BSHMROzrLLyWvsMtTGp7hyuD

@baszonneveld7740 4 года назад

Nice vid! I own the SpaceCat 51 and it performs above expectation. My little beast ;)

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

They are great scopes, I do however need to get the updated sensor tilt plate, I got mine early and it does not have that (not that it "needs" it but it would be a nice to have).

@baszonneveld7740 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia the sensor tilt plate is so handy!

@kingwolfjm8500 3 года назад

Holly hell, that's a big difference. I'm sold on getting a redcat.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Now you just need to find one in stock (currently astro as a whole is undergoing stocking issues with everything going on, if you find one... buy it!).

@ferrzriz 4 года назад

Nice video and comparison. Im currently using my Sony mirrorless with a Sony 200-600 lens, sometimes with a 1.4x tele and have been thinking about a small APO. William Optics seems highly regarded by a lot. Considering the Zenithstar 103 o 81. The Redcat is too wide and I fear I'll outgrow it as soon as I get it! lol

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

I also have the ZenithStar80 ED II (older Discontinued Model) and it’s a great scope; I’m sure the newer scopes are better. I’m curious though to see if William Optics Expands their CAT lineup (4 element petzvel lens design) to larger telescopes in the near future...

@ferrzriz 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia They've already announced (with comments on their FB page) that they have a Cat 71 and a CAT 91 on the way... I may way for the CAT 71. The 91 I think will be f/3.9 and way too expensive!

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

We are still waiting on those larger Cat lenses, I suspect 2020 got the best of them but I'm hopeful the new telescopes will be announced soon!

@VisibledarkAstro 4 года назад

Interesting video! I've been looking at a Redcat51. Is that a deep sky dad auto focuser on it?

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

Yes, although truth be told I actually haven’t used it yet...

@VisibledarkAstro 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia does the redcat hold focus well then?

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Very well, over a full night I may check the focus every couple hours but the focus motor is there more for when I start to image with filters as you need to adjust the focus for each filter (unless you buy really expensive parafocal filter sets).

@pandoffg 3 года назад

At the end, when you show the two photos, did you reduce stars on the Redcat image?

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

They were processed the same method, I did not reduce the stars on the RedCat Image.

@AntPDC 2 года назад

There are plenty of manual focus "vintage" 180-400mm prime lenses around, including the Nikkors 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-s (c. $300), the 300mm ED f/4 AI-s (c. $350) and the 400mm ED f/3.5 AI-s (c. $1k). Having said that, I have no idea how they perform with regard to astrophotography. As you said, the Samyang 135mm f/2 is sensational.

@EmberSkyMedia 2 года назад

Yes sir, I cover this comparison in my next video of the series with a 300 f4 vs. the RedCat51 (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html) I also have a vintage 300mm f4.5 which is suppose to be extremely good and I expect will give the RedCat51 a run for its money which I'm looking forward to comparing this fall. I also have a video Vintage Nikkors that I own and tested for Astro and found 2 that I'm very impressed with (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d_OQA4HCZ_s.html)

@AntPDC 2 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Many thanks ESM, and for your links especially. Looking forward to your review of the Nikkor 300 f/4.5 too - but if it isn't the ED version, hmmm...

@br2v Год назад

@@EmberSkyMedia The AIS IF ED 300mm f4.5 is great, but you have to stop down to f 6.3 to get rid of purple fringe, the ED AIS 300 mm f2.8 is better, but should be closed down to f4.5 for the same reason. Both will show large spikes due to the diafragm, so stepping down filter rings needed. The AIS 180 mm ED is highly recommended at f3.2.

@rmf11699 2 года назад

How did you get the aberration comparison at 4:05?

@EmberSkyMedia 2 года назад

I used PixInsight and its Menu Bar "Script" --> Image Analysis --> "AberrationInspector"

@messylaura 3 года назад

what are your thoughts on the takumar 600mm 6x7 lens ?

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I haven't had the pleasure to use that lens (and by use I mean drag around as its quite a hefty piece of glass). However I did find you a solid article on it - luminous-landscape.com/600mm/ - I'd love to give it a go but I suspect from what is written it's best performance would be at f5.6 for astronomy as long as you manage the focus creep (3D print a micro-focuser for example) and the edges will have notable chromatic fringing due to the lack of an ED element.

@kirostar12 3 года назад

Try the Canon 300mm F4 or Nikon 300 F4, they are the sharpest corner-to-corner lenses on the market and you can find them used for under $ 500.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I’ve picked up a Nikon 300m manual lens that I’ll be testing soon (smoke has hindered most of my comparison testing plans this summer as the seeing is too poor and variable to really draw valid conclusions, but I’m hoping come the fall and cooler temps the wild fires will cease).

@mlzs_ 2 года назад

What's with sony 200 600g vs. 8 inch dob?

@EmberSkyMedia 2 года назад

I don’t own a Sony 200-600mm lens unfortunately. So I can’t do a side by side comparison but the 8” will do better in good seeing conditions.

@southernexposure123 3 года назад

Thank you for the video and for sharing exactly the kind of information I wanted. Do you have a link to a video that shares the focal lengths of lenses that beginners can use to get the desired magnification from the lens . My main concern is that I don't get undesired results when I magnify my pictures in post processing? I'm using an EQ3200 star tracker by iOptron so my weight is limited to 11 pounds. Thanks again.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I have two videos that could help you. First is a comparison of some vintage lenses which shows several focal lengths. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ulL5gRUTqtc.html The second video is of the moon but i image it with several camera lenses and telescopes from 24mm to 2000mm ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ulL5gRUTqtc.html

@southernexposure123 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Thank you very much for the links. I'm off to watch them now. I watch some videos by guys who use about a 200 mm telescope for the majority of their imaging on certain targets. When I've done that I get plenty of noise especially when I magnify to fill the frame. Of course, I could be missing something important in post. I think I'll try syncing the post processing before stacking.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

My main astrograph telescope is the RedCat 51 @ 250mm f4.9, great results!

@southernexposure123 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia I'm considering that scope as well as some of the others you suggested. If I do get one of those and if I can I'll go there from an associate link of yours if you have that sort of link.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

@@southernexposure123 that would be apricated if you live in the USA, I'll have a some additional sources up soon as I just got affiliated with other major suppliers.

@jackdeangelis6585 3 года назад

I'd really like to see a comparison between the RedCat and the Nikkor 300mm f/4 with a microfocuser to lock down the focus. The difference in FL would be trivial. Good work, thanks.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I've actually shot that comparison, currently editing it this week and should be up Friday or next Monday (I did not use a micro focuser as I don't own one but I locked down the focus with Tape on the 300mm).

@jackdeangelis6585 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Bingo! You have a new subscriber. Looking forward to what you come up with. I'm just now expanding from wide angle milky way to tracked deep sky. Since I like to do things DIY I decided to convert my 300mm f/4 for astro work. I'm in the process of 3d printing a Bahtinov mask and microfocuser. Thanks.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

@@jackdeangelis6585 What Microfocuser are you 3D Printing? (I have 3D Printers so I'd be up for that as well - Already did the masks).

@jackdeangelis6585 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia I don't have a completed stl file yet but I'll be glad to send it to you when I'm done. I do have an svg file for a mask. Can svg files be used directly for printing? I'm not familiar with how 3d printing works, my plan is to use the service offered by our local university once the design is complete. Send me email at livingwithbugs.at.gmail.com and I'll tell you what I'm basing the design on. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions re: the focuser.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

@@jackdeangelis6585 I'll send you the email in a moment but in Fusion360 I can import and extrude SVG file into a 3D Shape and Save as a STL. I actually show the steps in this other videp -- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VRwUpdRX2PY.html

@spordniar 3 года назад

Nice video, I wonder if you can do a comparison between a Newtonian vs Refractor of the same price range, and see if one of the resulting image is superior than the other.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Did you have a particular Newtonian in mind? I've been considering getting a fast astrograph Newtonian (like the Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P) to add to my collection so that I can do some videos about calibrating/collimation demos and other stuff as I know they are popular for dual visual/imager astronomers; I've just never owned one.

@spordniar 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia unfortunately no, I am just getting into Astro, so I am quite a noob, has been using camera lens and want to get a dedicated setup

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

@@spordniar well the first thing to focus on is the mount (German equatorial or a star tracker) and then guiding camera and guide scope. Things get a lot easier and more rewarding in this hobby the minute you can maintain round stars in your exposures shot after shot.

@spordniar 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Yes, I have a very low end setup - Manfroto 028B + StarAdventurer Pro 2i, handles my DSLR setup quite alright, and I am hoping that it will also handle the refractor too. Then I will probably skip mid-tier and just go to high tier from here onwards, such a money sinker this hobby is...

@user-lh4nl5zh8w 2 года назад

want to buy an old version of Nikon ED AF Nikkor 300mm 1: 4, i just bought a skywatcher tracker. Do you recommend this 300mm old lens is good in astrophotography? I have an old D7000 nikon

@EmberSkyMedia 2 года назад

It would do a good job if you can pick it up cheaper than the RedCat51, I wouldn't recommend paying more than.

@user-lh4nl5zh8w 2 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia it is for $300 on eBay

@EmberSkyMedia 2 года назад

$300 sounds like a good deal.

@whatnotzone6866 4 года назад

There are 200mm f3.5 "vintage" prime lenses in m42 mount that you should put up against the redcat. Not a exact comparison due to the some differences in focal length and design but close enough. You wouldn't be spending $750 either.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

I'm planning to do a test against a 300mm f4 scope in the near future as I already have that lens, I expect it to do well in comparison to this zoom lens. But we shall see :)

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@br2v Год назад

This version of the 70-200mm is not the best lens to be used with tele converters as tested by the German Foto magazine a decade ago. The Nikkor Z70-200mm is great wide open for astro, nearly no fringes, and no coma or astigmatism when used at fullframe. To get rid of some vignetting (fullframe) stopping down to f4 would be my advise . With the 1,4x it might be great as well, don't have this converter. I saw an image done with a Nikkor Z 400mm f4.5, this lens is compact, lightweight and great for astro as well. But at the end of the day these are expensive lenses. So AIS ED 180 mm ED is superb (my copy was 79€ in 2004 ) Jerry Lodriguss tested it also. SMC Pentax A* 200 mm f2.8 seems to be the best (by a distance) compared to the Canon EF 200 mm F2.8 , Nikkor AF-D 180 mm IF (other design than AIS ED 180,mm and less good for astro). This was also done by a Magazine.

@EmberSkyMedia Год назад

Hi BjornR, I agree maybe not the best 70-200mm ever produced, however it’s the one I had on hand. The Nikkor Z lens are amazing but $$$ and I’m on the fence with Z-mount as I’m not seeing the lenses I’d like to see yet for what I do.

@nevv7130 3 года назад

Well, try to compare it to the canon 70-200 f4 is usm, that lens is unbeatable with quality

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I don't have canon gear but I have used the 70-200mm f4 on a shoot and its quality is second to none for sure, it would be a tight race for sure.

@kyled7969 4 года назад

I'd like to see this review with a lens that doesn't have a telephoto adapter and is a prime lens. The RedCat simply has way less glass in the optical train vs your telephoto setup.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

I’m working on such a review, however the focal lengths won’t match up so I’m in the process of trying to find my “best match” to do that comparison from the lenses I have (300mm F4 being the top candidate). Then I’ll make a follow up video.

@kyled7969 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia You could try the Samyang 135mm f/2 lens - it's a hot lens that many people buy over the Redcat.

@diegothecat1862 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Looking forward to this video. Redcat vs Prime 300 f4

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Kyle, that video is now up for your enjoyment! 📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@amdenis 3 года назад

My telephotos seem to be significantly higher image quality than what I see with your Redcat images. I am using SONY GMasters and G’s, such as the 400mm f/2.8, but even the 200-600mm f/5.6 seems to do better. Is this just because of RU-vid compression?

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

I’m guessing RU-vid Compression, if you check out my website it has better quality versions of the photos: EmberSkyMedia.com

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Andrew, check out this video for the Prime Telephoto Comparison. 📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@amdenis 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia - Thank you so much for the reply on that. I am familiar with that lens, and it was a good value; given that most of the top 300mm+ primes are 2-5 times that price. I recently got a RedCat for its convenience and price, as well as to bring on really rough treks where I don’t want to risk expensive glass. It is a great value, but it’s a lot like comparing a $1,000 Athlon or Element Optics scope to a $4K+ Zeiss or ZCO scope- in the best circumstances it holds up well, but if you need the benefits of an entirely new level of artfully engineered capabilities and can justify the price differential for professional and related reasons, you’d choose the top option every time. I actually just went through this process this past year with both a lens choice (a 600mm f/4 SONY vs a 500mm f/5.6 NIKON) and a scope (a 5-25 Tangent Theta scope vs an Element Optics Nexus 5-25). Under 600 meters in great conditions the two scopes were fairly comparable, but at 2K+ meters or in marginal light or in situations with common atmospheric issues, there was no question of the benefits obtained by spending the extra $4K spent in the Tangent Theta. Similarly, the SONY was flawless edge to edge, contrast-wise and in terms of light gathering, while the Nikon repeatedly showed its limitations, limiting its utility and applicability. I find the exact same thing with the RedCat- in the right conditions it is simply an amazing value and a tremendous option that I am thankful to have. However, it requires a lot of extra shooting and post work when pushed to serve in situations where the big SONY and Canon glass simply provides flawless results.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

@@amdenis The old adage "you get what you pay for" but for most I find they are looking at the RedCat don't have $4K glass in their back pocket like us camera nuts!

@pupperemeritus9189 4 года назад

i think the limiting factor for any setup is tracking and the sky quality. my city bortle 9 class ass for the love of life doesnt have a tracker and no matter how sharp the image is theres not much captured because of light pollution.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

Sky Quality can be an issue, that is why I images with the RedCat 51 and the 70-200mm + 1.7x on the same night. To get the closest similar sky conditions possible. Same mount and tracking method was used and I’m in a Bortle 2/3 out here (3 north & east, 2 south & west). However in a Bortle 9 zone you can purchase aggressive narrowband light pollution filters to cut out a lot of background. Combined with some heavy processing you n still get some amazing images, about you will need significant more integration time collecting light compared to my current sky darkness.

@pupperemeritus9189 4 года назад

i wish to EMP the f out of my local power station when the sky is clear and theres photographic opportunity. sadly that will probably remain a dream.

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

@@pupperemeritus9189 better idea may be to play a camping trip to a remote location. I've seen my best skies over a long weekend camping trip.

@pupperemeritus9189 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia with the corona virus situation and given that I'm in india means it's a risky job. And I have to go atleast 200km from my city for bortle class 2-3. And no guarantee for next 2 months that it'll be clear. After that during winter it's almost always clear. that the time I guess

@lv8pv 4 года назад

wonder how my nikkor 400mm 2.8fl would do as astro lens

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

If I had one I would test it, alas...

@lv8pv 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia I will, it's just so much wildlife to photograph =) Wish i had some kind of tracker to use it on. Reframing to collect images to stack how many images in a row do you think I get before I have to reframe. ex orion nebula ?

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

@@lv8pv on a full frame camera edge to edge ~14 minutes (so really 7minutes to avoid corner imperfections) which at 1 second per image to avoid blurring is 420 frames. Its not a unmanageable number from frames on a decent desktop but it will take quite a while to align/stack all the frames. If you are using a smaller sensor then your time will be cut accordingly and it will get quite tight on MFT or smaller sensor. Suffice it to say, even a basic star tracker affords significant improvement in imaging time (which results in better Signal to Noise but also easier processing less frames afterwards).

@lv8pv 4 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Thank you so much for such a detailed answere to my questions :) Thanks!

@EmberSkyMedia 4 года назад

Glad to help out, let me know how it works out for you!

@akthethotboi9711 3 года назад

The Nikon 55-300 would probably performed better than the lense you used

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

As the 55-300mm is a DX lens, I doubt it would do as well on a full frame camera. However a side by side comparison would be interesting to see on a DX body.

@akthethotboi9711 3 года назад

I use it on my Nikon d7000 to do Astro and it produces a good image with no chromatic aberration

@lohikarhu734 3 года назад

Firstly, the Nikon zoom lens is NOT a "telephoto", by it's very name...it has, as you point out, more optical elements than a prime lens, and has possible drift in both FL and focus. Now, I'll watch for a bit more...wellllll... you could buy, for not a huge amount, an300nf4, without autofocus, and get a rather decent telephoto lens with more like 7 elements, possibly fewer. But, certainly, camera lenses are not aimed specifically for flat field, either. With all of your provisos, I'm still left with the knowledge that it's a bad comparison, from the beginning, and using an inexpensive, used telephoto without zoom, without autofocus, and without image stabilization, would be a more valid comparison, and still provide a lens that could be used as a camera lens, with decent 2x teleconverter taking to to 600 f8...Canon EF lenses can be had for about USD 500, and the FD, manual focus L lens, about USD 300-400 ; Nikon has no direct equivalent to the L lenses, but a 300 mm prime autofocus, without IS, seems to run about USD 550-700. It would be interesting for you to do a comparison on more-equal lenses... I think that astrobackyard has done a 300 prime lens evaluation, but did not use one of the older, cheaper FD lenses... Cheers, and best wishes to all for an improving 2021!

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

You are not the first to say this, so I have a gone out and gotten a 300mm lens so I can do that requested 300mm F4 vs. RedCat 51 shoot out video in the works that should be completed by next week (I’ve shot the images but processing and editing the video this weekend). A far “truer” test and comparison.

@lohikarhu734 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia Thanks for that, good sir ! I hope that my comments were not overly-harsh! Sometimes, I'm making comments at the end of a very difficult day... I have an FD 300/4 L, and it was amazing to shoot on film, beautiful contrast and colour-rendering, even on 'chrome'.. I also wondered about stopping down the lens. Just looked at field flatteners, also, which seem to run $100-$300, which would probably help a camera lens; is the RedCat usable without one of these, or can it be helped with a field flattener? Being fairly experienced in optics, but not so clued-in about astro work, I always hope to learn ba asking questions...even 'dumb' ones ;-) I'll look forward to the 'next instalment" !

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Lohi, ask and you shall receive... 300mm vs the RedCat shoot out video is now live. 📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html

@XPFTP 3 года назад

its a simpler answer then this whole video..... the cam lens isnt made for stars. the telescope is... simple answer.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

Agreed, however I made this video to show the difference because people keep asking "should I buy a telescope" when they already have a nice telephoto lens.

@XPFTP 3 года назад

@@EmberSkyMedia run if have it. for sure.. can still have tons of fun with a cam lens.

@EmberSkyMedia 3 года назад

You should totally check out how my pricey telephoto prime stacked up... 📸🆚🔭 RedCat 51 Telescope vs Nikon 300mm Telephoto Lens - Astrophotography Shoot Out and Comparison ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iw9G2YGOOIA.html