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Mounted on a Losmandy G-11 mount, my primary imaging and observing telescope is a 5.2” f/12 Apomax refractor. Designed and built by Fred Mrozek of HT Precision Optics, this scope has proven to be an exemplary performer for both visual, photography, and CCD imaging use.  Yes at f/12 I have to expose for a longer time but the image quality more than makes up for it.  The optics are corrected into the near infrared making it great scope for CCD’s which are sensitive in this region.  Common wisdom in the CCD community shows a need for IR blocking filters when using refractors.  To date I have not used or seen the need to use an IR blocking filter with my Apomax (though I have one and may someday do a comparison). 

The Losmandy G-11 mount provides the needed stability for this equipment combination.

Guided imaging is done using SBIG ST4 auto guider attached to an Orion 80mm ED80.  This camera purchase in 1994 as my introduction to CCD’s and continues to be a valuable piece of equipment. If you browse the ‘Images’ section of this site you will notice that many of the CCD images were taken with a Starlight Express MX7C camera. Though I don’t have this camera anymore (moved to DSLR) I had great success with it and was very happy with both performance and ease of use.

Meade LXD75 8” Schmidt Newtonian optical tube assembly with UHTC. This recently acquired telescope will augment both observation and astrophotography projects.  The standard focuser was replaced with a JMI NGF55 focuser with Motofocus.  I have a Meade LXD55 mount that that can be used for casual observing and traveling or this tube assembly can be mounted on the G11 mount for more serious work.

Current imaging is done using a Canon Digital Rebel - 6.3 megapixel digital camera. 

Images are processed (and can be acquired) using Images Plus software by Mike Unsold.  I’m still early on the learning curve of this software package and have found it to be easy to use.  The many powerfull processing tools that Images Plus provides will more than handle my needs for a long time.  Thanks Mike! 

The Coronado Instruments Personal Solar Telescope (PST) is a 40mm f/10 hydrogen alpha telescope with <1.0 angstrom bandwidth.  This great  little scope has opened a new dimension for the amateur astronomer and viewing the Sun.

© DoleObservatory 2008