XL2 Astronomy at DVinfo.net

Andy Joyce · October 28th, 2005, 11:11 PM

My apologies if this is a repeat. I forgot if I posted it already.

I shot this a while ago, and I have newer/better stuff to post when I get a chance.

http://www.geocities.com/amjoyce2004/XL2moonpart1.zip
The zip is ~5MB. Inside is an mpeg1 file.

(Sorry for the extra step. My free Yahoo web site is being picky, so R-click the link and "Save target as...", unzip, and enjoy! The final file is ~20MB, so I actually saved you some download time.)

Components:

Canon XL2 + EF adapter + EOS T-adapter + 1.25" Eyepiece Projection Assembly + 40mm Plossl eyepiece + 12" Newtonian reflector
= the Moon in all its glory...

Check out the grazing of light on the crater rims along the terminator (shadow line).

The "seeing" wasn't so great that night, but you get moments when the Moon isn't "swimming" in atmospheric turbulence. I varied the shutter speed to change contrast since there is no iris in a telescope. I will eventually upload more close-up shots, some planets, and some microsope stuff too.

It's not HD, but lens and adapter choice is a powerful thing. Try the amazing shallow depth-of-field of a spotting scope or small telescope. Sure, it's no cinematic prime lens, but it doesn't cost or weigh as much either.

Pete Bauer · October 29th, 2005, 06:08 AM

Very cool, Andy! Thanks!

With Mars being at its closest approach this weekend...any chance you can take some shots, either still or with the XL2, for those of us who are presently sans telescope?

Brian Gauthier · October 29th, 2005, 06:40 AM

cant get the link to download... i did what you said but the .zip file is 0k... Would love to check out the Moon Shots... Maybe its because i am using a MAC... Who Knows...

Meryem Ersoz · October 29th, 2005, 08:52 AM

i would love to see this, too, but the link is not working. i'd also like to know more about how to shoot celestial bodies with an XL2. how did you figure this out? do you have any sources?

Andy Joyce · October 30th, 2005, 06:01 PM

The link works, and the mpg1 file should play fine on a Mac. Make sure you can open a zip file.

As far as the rig, I bought the XL2 with this in mind, so all I had to do was buy the EF adapter, EOS T-Ring, etc. and play around. I have no site or book for inspiration.

THe Mars thing is overrated, since it has remained close for the last 3 years, around this time of year. But if I have a chance, I will try some Mars footage tonight.

Bob Thompson · October 30th, 2005, 09:41 PM

Option click the link if you have a problem when using a Mac

October 28th, 2005, 11:11 PM	#1
Andy Joyce Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 61	XL2 Astronomy My apologies if this is a repeat. I forgot if I posted it already. I shot this a while ago, and I have newer/better stuff to post when I get a chance. http://www.geocities.com/amjoyce2004/XL2moonpart1.zip The zip is ~5MB. Inside is an mpeg1 file. (Sorry for the extra step. My free Yahoo web site is being picky, so R-click the link and "Save target as...", unzip, and enjoy! The final file is ~20MB, so I actually saved you some download time.) Components: Canon XL2 + EF adapter + EOS T-adapter + 1.25" Eyepiece Projection Assembly + 40mm Plossl eyepiece + 12" Newtonian reflector = the Moon in all its glory... Check out the grazing of light on the crater rims along the terminator (shadow line). The "seeing" wasn't so great that night, but you get moments when the Moon isn't "swimming" in atmospheric turbulence. I varied the shutter speed to change contrast since there is no iris in a telescope. I will eventually upload more close-up shots, some planets, and some microsope stuff too. It's not HD, but lens and adapter choice is a powerful thing. Try the amazing shallow depth-of-field of a spotting scope or small telescope. Sure, it's no cinematic prime lens, but it doesn't cost or weigh as much either. __________________ ----------------------------------- XL2: power to go, quality to impress

October 29th, 2005, 06:08 AM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Very cool, Andy! Thanks! With Mars being at its closest approach this weekend...any chance you can take some shots, either still or with the XL2, for those of us who are presently sans telescope? __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

October 30th, 2005, 06:01 PM	#5
Andy Joyce Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 61	The link works, and the mpg1 file should play fine on a Mac. Make sure you can open a zip file. As far as the rig, I bought the XL2 with this in mind, so all I had to do was buy the EF adapter, EOS T-Ring, etc. and play around. I have no site or book for inspiration. THe Mars thing is overrated, since it has remained close for the last 3 years, around this time of year. But if I have a chance, I will try some Mars footage tonight. __________________ ----------------------------------- XL2: power to go, quality to impress

October 29th, 2005, 06:40 AM	#3
Brian Gauthier Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: honolulu, hi Posts: 54	cant get the link to download... i did what you said but the .zip file is 0k... Would love to check out the Moon Shots... Maybe its because i am using a MAC... Who Knows...

October 29th, 2005, 08:52 AM	#4
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	i would love to see this, too, but the link is not working. i'd also like to know more about how to shoot celestial bodies with an XL2. how did you figure this out? do you have any sources?

October 30th, 2005, 09:41 PM	#6
Bob Thompson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 340	Option click the link if you have a problem when using a Mac