Jeez. Even though I've seen an Esprit 120 up close, it's still a cannon. Makes the 80ED look like a small widefield scope. Interesting to see the nice magenta gradient in the unfiltered shot. I think you'll just need a UV/IR filter and you'll be well away. B2/3 skies though. Not envious at all 😂 Looking forwards to the follow up. Oh and nice music choices, must teach me your ways cus I blow at music haha
It is a mighty beast Ruz but part of that might just be me being 5ft 2" lol! You are more than welcome to come for a visit when the world opens up again, so forever grateful for my skies! I actually think the music in your videos is super and so well chosen lol but happy to give links if need be!! ;)
Hey Alex! One of the best scopes I recommend to beginners is a 10 inch dobsonian. This is for many reasons! One, it is easy to use and learn the night sky with before/if you would like to progress into astrophotography. Two, they are fantastic visual scopes! So as you said, they are insane for viewing the moon. As for planets, I've seen as far as Saturn with a barlow lens attached and witnessed a moon passing across it which was breath taking! Through my Sky-Watcher 10" I have also managed to see M42, The Orion Nebula with pinks clearly coming from it, as well as the Andromeda galaxy and its dust lanes. The only thing you have to worry about is keeping is steady so you don't have to realign the mirrors as often, and portability. It isn't the most portable scope but can detach into two parts and easily be placed in the boot of a car! Hope this helps! -H
@@HelenasAstrophotography Thanks! I love watching astrophotography videos on RUclips like yours and AstroBackyard’s but I haven’t gotten into the hobby myself because of how expensive the mounts and the scopes are. I still find visual astronomy pretty amazing
Hi Helena, I also have the Esprit 120/840 and I wanted to know if you did have to purchase any additional extenders to use your camera with the field flattener. As I can see at ~1:03, you seem to only use 2 adapters that comes with the camera : the 16.5mm M42-M48 and the 21mm extender (M42), am I right ? If my calculations are correct, you can achieve a 75mm backfocus (distance needed from the field flattener to the sensor) with those 2 adapters : 20 mm with the extender that comes with the field flattener (M62x1-M48x0.75) + 16.5 mm (M48-M42 or T2 ?) + 21 mm (M42 or T2 ?) + 11 mm (T2 already on the camera) + 6.5 mm (distance from body of the camera to the sensor) = 75 mm The problem is : M42 is not exactly the same as T2. Can you screw a male T2 in a female M42 (or M42 male in T2 female). I've been told M42 and T2 are not EXCATLY the same...
Hi Helena I am Hriman from India and I am 15. I have a question that is "Celestron Nexstar 6se good for astrophotography with Nikon D5300"? as even I am thinking of starting a youtube channel on astrophotography. I hope you reply! Love ur vids:)
Nice picture ! I did the same with the same instrument and a ASI294MC, but as I live near a city, I have to use a filter (L-Enhance from Optolong). I almost don't have that nice shiny pink color in the center and the picture is quite noisy, Yours is much clearer and cleaner. Nice try without any filter ! That refractor is really cool to use, I don't regret it. All adaptors from camera ASI294MC are ready to use on the refractor. I also have the ZWO Off-Axis Guider with ASI224MC, all fits well, no headake.
Beautiful work Helena. What was the focal length of your guide scope that you used with the Esprit? Just curious. I have an Orion 110mm Eon (660 mm FL refractor) and am using a 120 mm FL William Optics guide scope. Had it out for the first time and the combo seemed to work beautifully on the eastern veil nebula. Still have to stack and process (work schedule has gotten in the way). It’s my first time ever trying something like this but the raw 3 minute subs look amazing. So glad I took up this hobby this year. Thanks again. You are an inspiration to us newbies! Dr B from Manitoba 🇨🇦
Helena: Before I watch the last 99% of this video, I will give you some feedback. First, I have had both the E120 and the EQ6R Pro for over 5 years and I have learned a few things. 1) take off the lens cap when balancing 2) you will find the tripod extension useful with the long tube 3) the focuser has a limited lifetime. After 5 years, keep you fingers crossed. 4) Each time you assemble the mount head to the tripod, the three female screw threads in mount head wear a little. With a fair amount of regular use, they wear out. You can drill and tap them out to 5/16” thread. Threads in cast aluminum? Not good. 5) Any easy way to adjust weight positions is to put one on the screw at the bottom. Then place the other weight about 12-15 cm from the top. The top one becomes the “fine” adjustment because the bottom one is out at the end of a much longer radius and has more influence on the angular momentum. I will now enjoy the rest of the video. Kevin
For your information, if you want to put a filter, you don't need the piece you show at 1:53 (and that you're waiting for), you can screw a 2" filter in the adaptor "3b" (so called in the manual of the Esprit 120 ED, page 7).
Oh have I been waiting for this, awesome first light! This equipment is super capable, I am sure you'll be able utilize it and push out even more beautiful pics. Clear skies :)
Helena, it looks like you have installed the field flattener. Can you take a moment and review your optical setup and what sort of backfocus you used please? The documentation from Skywatcher is really difficult to follow. Any help will be appreciated.
I only see this now Helena. Excellent picture and video! Bortle class 3, WOW. I'll try to convince my family to leave the city :-). Clear skies, stay safe.
Just got my Esprit 120 two days ago (gotta love back order!) and excited for first light here pretty soon as I'm moving from a 305mm WO Z61 to this behemoth. I was concerned about how my Eq6r Pro would handle the weight but so relieved to see your guiding!! Well done!!
Great video and first light, I remember watching your unboxing of this scope aaages ago! - I now have the same scope :D Looking forward to seeing more :)
Great video and great advice. I just got my first tracker and went out last night to catch the same nebula however by the time I got it up and running the clouds closed in. Oh well there's always another night. Thanks again!
Keep at it Frank! Each night you go out is one closer to capturing your first photo. Let me know how it goes the next time around and if there is anything I can help with don't hesitate to shoot me a DM on Insta (helenas_astro). Have fun with the stars!
Good video, how long is the telescope with the camera attached, i am thinking of getting one but i have a 7 x 5 roll off roof shed and i am limited to the length of the telescope, i don't want it to hit the side of the shed when it is slewing.
u LIVE under a bortle scale 3 sky and i call it the luckiest year when i am able to visit that kind of sky even once ,, u are lucky plus SOOOPER TALENTED
I know right? I have to travel a bit over an hour to reach my bortle 3 site. I have yet to observe/image from a bortle 1 or 2 but the first night that I do, I'm going to be in such awe!
Just caught your video Helena while sitting here impatiently waiting for my own Esprit 120 to arrive; hopefully I can play around with the setup ready for the next season. I think I'm similar re Bortle 3 sky so I'm interested to see your comparison regarding the light pollution filters. I haven't really worked with filters much beyond the IR/UV cut filter. Love your enthusiasm and clear presentation in the videos - thanks for sharing the knowledge.
That is so exciting, I hope you enjoy the Esprit. In Bortle 3 I have never had to use any dramatic light pollution filters, the Optolong L-eNhance has worked wonders and even something simple like the Svbony UV IR Cut would minimise your star bloating.
Hi Helena. Happy New Year tae ye. Hope it was a gid yin😁. A wee question if I may? You have a 10" dobsonian, I was wondering what attachment you have to attach you camera. I've been away from the telescope for many a lang year and have the space and time to start up my favourite evening activity. If you can advise, it would be appreciated. Ta muckel. A few miles down the road fae ye. Perth
Hello fellow Scot! My new year was fair gid and hope yours was too ☺️. So for the SkyWatcher dobsonian, it came with a Canon t-ring adapter that just slides straight into the focusing tube of the scope! If the one you are looking at doesn’t come with one, search up “T-Ring” and then the name of the camera brand. Hope this helps!
I agreee young Lass since l watched one if your first. I asked you if you knew of and perhaps spoken to Dr. Becky and ye told me that you had! You have such poise for ya-ur age! 16 means you're now in or about to start your A-levels what are or will you study? I spent a year living in the NE along the coast east of Newcastle teaching A & A-Level physics and a general studies class in astronomy. We spent weekend staying in a cottage on your side of the border freezing over the Christmas hoildays. Love your Bortel 2-3 skies. Gud luck! 😘
2:24 I was worried the scope was going to hit you for a moment there! Happy that you are pleased with your Esprit. I bought the 150 last year and it's a wonderful scope! You have inspired me to take the plunge and try Pixinsight (I've always been scared of it before!). Thanks Helena!
Check your bottle sky descriptors and consider using an Sky Quality Meter to get a proper measurement. Mag21.7 would be very good... many people would want to go starpartying under those!
Hello Helena. I come from Poland. I have a question for you or your viewers. : Is it possible to see asteroids or comets through an amateur telescope before NASA sees them, etc. For example, the Chelyabinsk meteor
Helena, love your videos. You are so down to earth. I enjoyed Astrobackyard but Trevor seems to have gone commercial and has lost some of his initial charm. You don't have Rudy but it's your excitement and explanation even if it is a goof makes you so enjoyable. You are my new go to channel. Keep up the great work. Sky Bill
When you have problems placing the squares for the DBE process, because the nebula fills almost the entire image, try ABE. From my experience this works often quite well with this sort of Images.
Very nice! I live in a Bortle 4 sky and turfed my light pollution filter. I found it didn't make a big difference and I think I'm getting a bit more signal without. When I got to a darker Bortle 1/2 site I don't bother with a filter unless the moon is out and I'm shooting duo narrowband. I have the Esprit 100 and love it. I use the ASI2600MC Camera with it.
@@HelenasAstrophotography well we are just beginner but already got amazing results with the Esprit 100... i guess in a year or two we are looking for a bigger one, like 140-150 ☺️ Hope weather changing soon here in Switzerland... guess same up there 🙈 Have a great weekend Helena 💫🪐✨
You are going to love using that monster. TJ of AstroByard has one and he's been taking fabulous images with it. M81 and M82 are just waiting to be imaged through that beastie, as well as all the galaxies come, galaxy season. But in the meantime. Enjoy Narrowband season. Stay safe.
Awesome video, I have one of the first esprit 120 off the production line, great scope I run atik 460ex with my kit, the scope is great I did have to back off the element screws, as my optics would pinch under cold conditions given iron cross on bright stars but the cells are cemented in place on production so don't move.. the scope is right up against highend price tag scopes taks/tecs/ not bad given the price tag.
That is defo a telescope that I’ll add to next years purchases, as someone who hails from Scotland one of the best places in the country for photographing deep sky objects is the Galloway forest. Highly recommend.
Literally enjoyed the Crisp and vivid image of rosette, that you got on your very first session with the Esprit 120ed, nd the finished image was also very very detailed, just as always loved what you did there, and waiting for the review on Esprit 120 ed!!!!!!
The tif file you shared at the end of the video which was "straight out of DSS"... I assume that's been auto-stretched in PI or boost stretched? Because that's awfully bright for a linear view. How long were your individual subs? Bortle 2/3... I won't be jealous... I won't be jealous... I won't... OK, I'm jealous :)
Yes, expensive, but think about it a second, she's young, let's say 20 (I don't know how old she is...), that refractor will last a long time if she takes care of it, let's say 60 years...If she plays with it until 80, 2500/60 = €41.7/year, is that really too much ? Maybe she'll give it to her grand childrens... If she wants another, it's the kind of refractor that she can still sell if needed because it will most probably keep close to its original value... Personnally, I prefer something expensive that lasts and gives pleasure for a long period of time than being endlessly frustrated, buying and buying "cheap" tubes...
Happy New Telescope and of course Happy New Year! I'm sure you will produce some excellent images with the scope. You getting the dump of snow at the moment or has it passed you by? Lang may yer lum reek and clear skies!
Happy New year Helena! Very nice shots and enjoyable video to watch! Where I live in Scotland the weather has been pretty bad lately but hopefully better weather soon with clear skies. That's a nice scope and you'll get plenty of great images. Hopefully by summer I'll do astrophotography in the highlands as quite a few places where it's bortle 1 skies so I'll take my portable setup to these places when the pandemic ends. I know Uig in the isle of Skye is very dark so I should try area out. Just fed up with light pollution as that's why I bought this portable setup to travel to dark locations. I wish you a great 2021 with great images and all the best tae! Clear skies!
Thank you for the lovely comment! Scotland has been all round terrible for this weather so far in 2021 so wishing you clear skies for February at least. I've always wanted to go to The Isle of Skye! Definitely a filming and photography location that's on my list.
Camera is a ZWO ASI294MC, right ? Were all accessories needed for backfocus in the box ? I also have an Esprit 120ED with its field corrector and I'd like to buy a camera...
@@HelenasAstrophotography Thanks a lot for that information because a retailer here told me I have to purchase 2 extra additional extenders, which apparently aren't needed...
@@gloubiboulgazeblob actually, they may be correct! My apologies, I was just doing some research as it has been ages and can hardly remember what I purchased/what came with the scope! If you see page 7 of the Esprit 120 manual (which I have linked) I believe the adapters they are referring to are number 1 and number 3. So that's the draw tube adapter, and the extender tube that goes onto the field flattener. From there, you'll attach an M48 ring and then the camera adapters. Sorry for causing so much confusion!! inter-static.skywatcher.com/upfiles/en_download_caty01416868621.pdf
@@HelenasAstrophotography I think you were correct : look at page 11, at the bottom. We need a total backfocus of 75 mm. 1) there's the "DSLRl Ext. tube M62x1-M48x0.75" of 20 mm (actually made of 2 pieces, 3a and 3b, and that comes with the field flattener, so we have those already !!! With the field flattener come 1, 2, 3a, 3b and probably 4) that are placed JUST after the field flattener itself . 2) + 16.5 mm M42(or T2?)-M48 (in ASIM294MC Pro box) = 36.5 mm 3) + 21 mm M42(or T2 ?) (also in ASIM294MC Pro box)= 57.5 mm 4) + 17.5 mm (11 mm black ring that is screwed in the camera + 6.5 mm from the body of the camera to the sensor) = 75 mm !
Great video Helena - Thankyou. Enjoy your new 120. Can I ask a stupid Question - How far on the tube's scale did you have your scope "racked out" to achieve focus? Thanks.
Hi Tony! Great question. With the filter cell for the Esprit attached and all the required ZWO adapters, the focuser was pretty much out to the end, with a little to spare. This is okay though, as you can just re-balance with no issues! :)
Haha thanks! As a beginner to the hobby last year, I just wasn't ready to guide at 840mm and as a result I always recommend small wide field refractors to beginners. It can be super overwhelming without guiding issues so wanted to make it as easy as possible!
Oh heyy a new video nice :) The video is left audio channel only for the first half of the video, I just checked my sound system and unplugged my speakers before I realized lol
@@HelenasAstrophotography you can really just fix that in editing (or recording settings) there is no need to get a new mic if that's what you planned to do 😊
I ordered my Esprit 120 a couple of days before you did your unboxing video, and recieved it just a week ago, in time for the new moon. Just a question - did you balance the telescope with the lens cap on, and with the dew shield retracted? Is that the same as just the few shield extended?
So happy it got to you safely!! Yes, I always balance with all cables attached and dew heater out. This is especially important in a higher focal length like the 840mm as guiding has to be on point. I don't balance with the lens cap on however, as this would not be on while imaging is taking place :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography thank you for your reply - I had wondered if you knew a trick - about 55 seconds onwards in the video, it looks like you are balancing the scope with the lens cap on! Clear skies!
Hello Helena from published Amateur Astronomer @chrisgrohusko of @elpasotelescopecafe on instagram, APOD 15sep 2000, aurora in west texas. what do you use for your editing software for the videos? it is excellent presentation you have. are you using any special sound equipment as far as mics and other studio production stuff?
Hi Chris! So great to hear from you. Congrats on the APOD! Thank you very much. I am currently using Davinci Resolve 16 as I find it easy to use and does everything I need it to within my editing process. I just use a little lav mic at the moment but hoping to invest in some new filming equipment soon which should consist of better mics :)
Oooeoo these audio channels are funky!! I’ll get it fixed for next time guys. Enjoy! -H
kept checking my headphone plug until it got to the screen capture part and went back to normal! no big whoop though
No worries Helena! You do an amazing job with your content and it's a pleasure to watch them! Thanks so much luv! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Wonderful scope and first light! Congrats Helena!!
Thank you Nico! She’s a beauty. Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Love the dirty beats in this one H 🚀
Aw thank you Dylan! Hope you are keeping safe :)
I think that music would have gone well with the Pac-Man nebula. It sounds a bit like the noise Pac-Man makes has he is moving around the board!
YESSS I’ve been waiting for this moment for soo long!!! You did incredible job
Aw thanks Jasa!
That looks amazing! And I love editing with Starnet!
Me too, it's so good!
I couldn't give a hoot about stargazing ... I just stayed for the accent and the enthusiasm. 😘 from AU.
Nice work Helena. How you kept the Esprit in its box for nearly a year, I don’t know; scopes wanna be under dark skies :)
Thanks Simon! A year ago I wasn't as experienced in astro so felt it was better to wait until I knew my way around. Worth it though :)
Jeez. Even though I've seen an Esprit 120 up close, it's still a cannon. Makes the 80ED look like a small widefield scope. Interesting to see the nice magenta gradient in the unfiltered shot. I think you'll just need a UV/IR filter and you'll be well away. B2/3 skies though. Not envious at all 😂 Looking forwards to the follow up. Oh and nice music choices, must teach me your ways cus I blow at music haha
It is a mighty beast Ruz but part of that might just be me being 5ft 2" lol! You are more than welcome to come for a visit when the world opens up again, so forever grateful for my skies! I actually think the music in your videos is super and so well chosen lol but happy to give links if need be!! ;)
I actually started writing the question " Did you pawn the 120 ?" On the unboxing video but deleted it. Haha
Hey Helena should I consider buying a 10 inch dobsonian for looking at planets and the moon? Also, what DSO’s can I see with a 10 inch dob?
Hey Alex! One of the best scopes I recommend to beginners is a 10 inch dobsonian. This is for many reasons! One, it is easy to use and learn the night sky with before/if you would like to progress into astrophotography. Two, they are fantastic visual scopes! So as you said, they are insane for viewing the moon. As for planets, I've seen as far as Saturn with a barlow lens attached and witnessed a moon passing across it which was breath taking!
Through my Sky-Watcher 10" I have also managed to see M42, The Orion Nebula with pinks clearly coming from it, as well as the Andromeda galaxy and its dust lanes.
The only thing you have to worry about is keeping is steady so you don't have to realign the mirrors as often, and portability. It isn't the most portable scope but can detach into two parts and easily be placed in the boot of a car!
Hope this helps! -H
@@HelenasAstrophotography Thanks! I love watching astrophotography videos on RUclips like yours and AstroBackyard’s but I haven’t gotten into the hobby myself because of how expensive the mounts and the scopes are. I still find visual astronomy pretty amazing
Hello, i've a new esprit 120,. What Backfocus is needed for a ASI533MC?, Thanks
Hi Helena, I also have the Esprit 120/840 and I wanted to know if you did have to purchase any additional extenders to use your camera with the field flattener.
As I can see at ~1:03, you seem to only use 2 adapters that comes with the camera : the 16.5mm M42-M48 and the 21mm extender (M42), am I right ?
If my calculations are correct, you can achieve a 75mm backfocus (distance needed from the field flattener to the sensor) with those 2 adapters :
20 mm with the extender that comes with the field flattener (M62x1-M48x0.75)
+ 16.5 mm (M48-M42 or T2 ?)
+ 21 mm (M42 or T2 ?)
+ 11 mm (T2 already on the camera)
+ 6.5 mm (distance from body of the camera to the sensor)
= 75 mm
The problem is : M42 is not exactly the same as T2. Can you screw a male T2 in a female M42 (or M42 male in T2 female). I've been told M42 and T2 are not EXCATLY the same...
Hi Helena
I am Hriman from India and I am 15.
I have a question that is "Celestron Nexstar 6se good for astrophotography with Nikon D5300"?
as even I am thinking of starting a youtube channel on astrophotography.
I hope you reply!
Love ur vids:)
Nice picture !
I did the same with the same instrument and a ASI294MC, but as I live near a city, I have to use a filter (L-Enhance from Optolong).
I almost don't have that nice shiny pink color in the center and the picture is quite noisy,
Yours is much clearer and cleaner. Nice try without any filter !
That refractor is really cool to use, I don't regret it. All adaptors from camera ASI294MC are ready to use on the refractor.
I also have the ZWO Off-Axis Guider with ASI224MC, all fits well, no headake.
Beautiful work Helena. What was the focal length of your guide scope that you used with the Esprit? Just curious. I have an Orion 110mm Eon (660 mm FL refractor) and am using a 120 mm FL William Optics guide scope. Had it out for the first time and the combo seemed to work beautifully on the eastern veil nebula. Still have to stack and process (work schedule has gotten in the way). It’s my first time ever trying something like this but the raw 3 minute subs look amazing. So glad I took up this hobby this year. Thanks again. You are an inspiration to us newbies! Dr B from Manitoba 🇨🇦
Helena:
Before I watch the last 99% of this video, I will give you some feedback.
First, I have had both the E120 and the EQ6R Pro for over 5 years and I have learned a few things.
1) take off the lens cap when balancing
2) you will find the tripod extension useful with the long tube
3) the focuser has a limited lifetime. After 5 years, keep you fingers crossed.
4) Each time you assemble the mount head to the tripod, the three female screw threads in mount head wear a little.
With a fair amount of regular use, they wear out. You can drill and tap them out to 5/16” thread. Threads in cast aluminum? Not good.
5) Any easy way to adjust weight positions is to put one on the screw at the bottom. Then place the other weight about 12-15 cm from the top. The top one becomes the “fine” adjustment because the bottom one is out at the end of a much longer radius and has more influence on the angular momentum.
I will now enjoy the rest of the video.
Kevin
For your information, if you want to put a filter, you don't need the piece you show at 1:53 (and that you're waiting for), you can screw a 2" filter in the adaptor "3b" (so called in the manual of the Esprit 120 ED, page 7).
That scope looks like a beast! Glad to hear that your first imaging session with the scope worked out!
Oh have I been waiting for this, awesome first light! This equipment is super capable, I am sure you'll be able utilize it and push out even more beautiful pics. Clear skies :)
Thanks so much Abood! Super excited to see what I can pull out of it this year :)
Helena, it looks like you have installed the field flattener. Can you take a moment and review your optical setup and what sort of backfocus you used please? The documentation from Skywatcher is really difficult to follow. Any help will be appreciated.
I only see this now Helena. Excellent picture and video! Bortle class 3, WOW. I'll try to convince my family to leave the city :-). Clear skies, stay safe.
Certainly makes me think the 120 APO is a logiv=cal choice for my next scope
New subscriber. Incredible image I keep thinking about getting this scope
Just got my Esprit 120 two days ago (gotta love back order!) and excited for first light here pretty soon as I'm moving from a 305mm WO Z61 to this behemoth. I was concerned about how my Eq6r Pro would handle the weight but so relieved to see your guiding!! Well done!!
I have a fl=210mm guide scope that works well.
Great video and first light, I remember watching your unboxing of this scope aaages ago! - I now have the same scope :D
Looking forward to seeing more :)
Why do you fit the counterweight extension and not need the extra length? I would be banging into that in the dark for sure. Nice set up Helen.
YAY! I Was waiting so long for your review on the Esprit 120 even though I can’t afford it 😂
Hi Helena, try ABE instead of DBE for such rich fields.
Nice scope! Can I ask you if it has a threaded connection or locking screws? CS!
Hey! From focusing tube to the end of the camera it is all threaded. :)
You take good pictures ever thought of selling them or is there a market for that? I know how heavy that mount head is. Have a good day
Great video and great advice. I just got my first tracker and went out last night to catch the same nebula however by the time I got it up and running the clouds closed in. Oh well there's always another night.
Thanks again!
Keep at it Frank! Each night you go out is one closer to capturing your first photo. Let me know how it goes the next time around and if there is anything I can help with don't hesitate to shoot me a DM on Insta (helenas_astro). Have fun with the stars!
Beautiful! Really nice subs! Bortle 3 = jealous! :)
Good work with the new telescope. Greetings from Missouri!
Super!!! Greetings from Poland.
Good video, how long is the telescope with the camera attached, i am thinking of getting one but i have a 7 x 5 roll off roof shed and i am limited to the length of the telescope, i don't want it to hit the side of the shed when it is slewing.
u LIVE under a bortle scale 3 sky and i call it the luckiest year when i am able to visit that kind of sky even once ,, u are lucky plus SOOOPER TALENTED
I know right? I have to travel a bit over an hour to reach my bortle 3 site. I have yet to observe/image from a bortle 1 or 2 but the first night that I do, I'm going to be in such awe!
Just caught your video Helena while sitting here impatiently waiting for my own Esprit 120 to arrive; hopefully I can play around with the setup ready for the next season. I think I'm similar re Bortle 3 sky so I'm interested to see your comparison regarding the light pollution filters. I haven't really worked with filters much beyond the IR/UV cut filter. Love your enthusiasm and clear presentation in the videos - thanks for sharing the knowledge.
That is so exciting, I hope you enjoy the Esprit. In Bortle 3 I have never had to use any dramatic light pollution filters, the Optolong L-eNhance has worked wonders and even something simple like the Svbony UV IR Cut would minimise your star bloating.
Hi Helena. Happy New Year tae ye. Hope it was a gid yin😁.
A wee question if I may?
You have a 10" dobsonian, I was wondering what attachment you have to attach you camera.
I've been away from the telescope for many a lang year and have the space and time to start up my favourite evening activity.
If you can advise, it would be appreciated.
Ta muckel. A few miles down the road fae ye. Perth
Hello fellow Scot! My new year was fair gid and hope yours was too ☺️. So for the SkyWatcher dobsonian, it came with a Canon t-ring adapter that just slides straight into the focusing tube of the scope! If the one you are looking at doesn’t come with one, search up “T-Ring” and then the name of the camera brand. Hope this helps!
awesome work Helena! You've come such a long way! edit: very jealous of your b2/3 skies.
I agreee young Lass since l watched one if your first. I asked you if you knew of and perhaps spoken to Dr. Becky and ye told me that you had! You have such poise for ya-ur age! 16 means you're now in or about to start your A-levels what are or will you study? I spent a year living in the NE along the coast east of Newcastle teaching A & A-Level physics and a general studies class in astronomy. We spent weekend staying in a cottage on your side of the border freezing over the Christmas hoildays. Love your Bortel 2-3 skies. Gud luck! 😘
That telescope is a monster, and I love it and need it. Beautiful shots, Helena, and happy new year to you as well!
Happy new year!
Great job. From Lanzarote island
Congratulations on your article in the BBC!
Great picture and then some amazing
I'm so jealous of your Bortle 3 Sky 😑
The refractor of my dreams 😭🤩
2:24 I was worried the scope was going to hit you for a moment there! Happy that you are pleased with your Esprit. I bought the 150 last year and it's a wonderful scope! You have inspired me to take the plunge and try Pixinsight (I've always been scared of it before!). Thanks Helena!
Check your bottle sky descriptors and consider using an Sky Quality Meter to get a proper measurement. Mag21.7 would be very good... many people would want to go starpartying under those!
Great video, keep it up !!! Bortle class 3.... I envy you....
Hello Helena. I come from Poland. I have a question for you or your viewers. : Is it possible to see asteroids or comets through an amateur telescope before NASA sees them, etc. For example, the Chelyabinsk meteor
Helena, love your videos. You are so down to earth. I enjoyed Astrobackyard but Trevor seems to have gone commercial and has lost some of his initial charm. You don't have Rudy but it's your excitement and explanation even if it is a goof makes you so enjoyable. You are my new go to channel. Keep up the great work. Sky Bill
When you have problems placing the squares for the DBE process, because the nebula fills almost the entire image, try ABE. From my experience this works often quite well with this sort of Images.
Very nice! I live in a Bortle 4 sky and turfed my light pollution filter. I found it didn't make a big difference and I think I'm getting a bit more signal without. When I got to a darker Bortle 1/2 site I don't bother with a filter unless the moon is out and I'm shooting duo narrowband. I have the Esprit 100 and love it. I use the ASI2600MC Camera with it.
Hi, nice presentation. Which model imaging camera are you using.
Hi Mike! Thank you :). I am using the ZWO ASI 294mc Pro!
Looks a great piece of kit wouldn't mind that focal length one day although I'll probably need a mount upgrade. 👍
Beautiful picture! 👍🏻 I have the Esprit 100 and I am also very happy with it!
Keep going and look forward of your reviews
Thanks so much Marcel! Heard so many good things about the Esprit 100, glad you are enjoying it. :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography well we are just beginner but already got amazing results with the Esprit 100... i guess in a year or two we are looking for a bigger one, like 140-150 ☺️
Hope weather changing soon here in Switzerland... guess same up there 🙈
Have a great weekend Helena 💫🪐✨
You are going to love using that monster. TJ of AstroByard has one and he's been taking fabulous images with it. M81 and M82 are just waiting to be imaged through that beastie, as well as all the galaxies come, galaxy season. But in the meantime. Enjoy Narrowband season. Stay safe.
first video of yours, and a new sub
Awesome video, I have one of the first esprit 120 off the production line, great scope I run atik 460ex with my kit, the scope is great I did have to back off the element screws, as my optics would pinch under cold conditions given iron cross on bright stars but the cells are cemented in place on production so don't move.. the scope is right up against highend price tag scopes taks/tecs/ not bad given the price tag.
That is defo a telescope that I’ll add to next years purchases, as someone who hails from Scotland one of the best places in the country for photographing deep sky objects is the Galloway forest. Highly recommend.
hello helena's how much the telescope
Great work on the Rosette! I love how variable the structure in this one is- I discover a new feature just about every time I look at an image of it.
Thanks Rob! I completely agree, each time I flip it a different way I see something different! :)
The worst scope I have ever owned.
You look so cute and beautiful
How does the nebula look in visual mode compared to picture
It’s nearly invisible if not invisible
Awesome photography
Nice work. Looking forward to a comparison with a filter, as someone who lives in similar Bortle 2-3 skies I've been debating purchasing one recently.
Literally enjoyed the Crisp and vivid image of rosette, that you got on your very first session with the Esprit 120ed, nd the finished image was also very very detailed, just as always loved what you did there, and waiting for the review on Esprit 120 ed!!!!!!
Great! I rarely have weather and while without an electric drive I still drive in my hand with a star in my glasses. I will try to make the same video
Great video and just saw the BBC article on you. Way to go!!!
what exposure did you use on the 294 please?
Just 60s this time around, getting used to guiding at 840mm!
The tif file you shared at the end of the video which was "straight out of DSS"... I assume that's been auto-stretched in PI or boost stretched? Because that's awfully bright for a linear view. How long were your individual subs? Bortle 2/3... I won't be jealous... I won't be jealous... I won't...
OK, I'm jealous :)
Hey Jonny! I used 120s sub exposures. Yep it was stretched slightly. Thanks for pointing that out, should've mentioned it in the video :)
Stunning image.
Skywatcher Esprit 120ED Super APO Triplet Refractor
€2500
Yes, expensive, but think about it a second, she's young, let's say 20 (I don't know how old she is...), that refractor will last a long time if she takes care of it, let's say 60 years...If she plays with it until 80, 2500/60 = €41.7/year, is that really too much ? Maybe she'll give it to her grand childrens...
If she wants another, it's the kind of refractor that she can still sell if needed because it will most probably keep close to its original value...
Personnally, I prefer something expensive that lasts and gives pleasure for a long period of time than being endlessly frustrated, buying and buying "cheap" tubes...
Super work with first light! Great to see you enjoying the 120!
Cool video!!
Happy New Telescope and of course Happy New Year! I'm sure you will produce some excellent images with the scope. You getting the dump of snow at the moment or has it passed you by? Lang may yer lum reek and clear skies!
Thank you Dave haha!! No snow where I am at the moment although I would say it is quite a possibility soon.
Happy New year Helena! Very nice shots and enjoyable video to watch! Where I live in Scotland the weather has been pretty bad lately but hopefully better weather soon with clear skies. That's a nice scope and you'll get plenty of great images. Hopefully by summer I'll do astrophotography in the highlands as quite a few places where it's bortle 1 skies so I'll take my portable setup to these places when the pandemic ends. I know Uig in the isle of Skye is very dark so I should try area out. Just fed up with light pollution as that's why I bought this portable setup to travel to dark locations. I wish you a great 2021 with great images and all the best tae! Clear skies!
Thank you for the lovely comment! Scotland has been all round terrible for this weather so far in 2021 so wishing you clear skies for February at least. I've always wanted to go to The Isle of Skye! Definitely a filming and photography location that's on my list.
i Love You😍
Nice
Hi Helena, good work. Which Filter do you plan to use?
Regards
Andreas
Hey Andreas! Currently planning on using the Optolong l-eNhance filter :)
Cannot wait to give this one a go with my setup under Bortle 2 skies. Thanks for sharing your experience with the 120 also, very nice looking scope.
Good luck! Bortle 2 is insane, you'll love it.
I Clicked very fast!
@@notflare I know for a whole bunch of time
Congratulations on your BBC interview very well done indeed
Very nice pic, good work ! Jeez Bortle 2 to 3, I'm jealous 🙂 ! Congrats.
Thanks Adrien!
Wow, amazing Helena!👍🏻. Love the video and your quote in the description is perfect!!
Thank you so much Barry!!
Camera is a ZWO ASI294MC, right ? Were all accessories needed for backfocus in the box ? I also have an Esprit 120ED with its field corrector and I'd like to buy a camera...
Yeah! All adapters came in the box with the camera/with the scope. ZWO are excellent for proving the typical 55mm spacers required which is terrific!
@@HelenasAstrophotography Thanks a lot for that information because a retailer here told me I have to purchase 2 extra additional extenders, which apparently aren't needed...
@@gloubiboulgazeblob actually, they may be correct! My apologies, I was just doing some research as it has been ages and can hardly remember what I purchased/what came with the scope! If you see page 7 of the Esprit 120 manual (which I have linked) I believe the adapters they are referring to are number 1 and number 3. So that's the draw tube adapter, and the extender tube that goes onto the field flattener. From there, you'll attach an M48 ring and then the camera adapters. Sorry for causing so much confusion!!
inter-static.skywatcher.com/upfiles/en_download_caty01416868621.pdf
@@HelenasAstrophotography I think you were correct : look at page 11, at the bottom.
We need a total backfocus of 75 mm.
1) there's the "DSLRl Ext. tube M62x1-M48x0.75" of 20 mm (actually made of 2 pieces, 3a and 3b, and that comes with the field flattener, so we have those already !!! With the field flattener come 1, 2, 3a, 3b and probably 4) that are placed JUST after the field flattener itself .
2) + 16.5 mm M42(or T2?)-M48 (in ASIM294MC Pro box) = 36.5 mm
3) + 21 mm M42(or T2 ?) (also in ASIM294MC Pro box)= 57.5 mm
4) + 17.5 mm (11 mm black ring that is screwed in the camera + 6.5 mm from the body of the camera to the sensor) = 75 mm !
@@gloubiboulgazeblob you’ve got it now!! Glad I could be of help :)
Haloo
Didn’t find this till now? What was I thinking haha. Epic Video Helena!
Aw thanks Finley!! 👊
Great video! Thanks for using my music (^^)
Thanks so much for watching! It was an honour, your music is incredible and really added something special to the video :)
Beautiful Capture of Rossetta Nebula👍🔭🌌
Great video Helena - Thankyou. Enjoy your new 120. Can I ask a stupid Question - How far on the tube's scale did you have your scope "racked out" to achieve focus? Thanks.
Hi Tony! Great question. With the filter cell for the Esprit attached and all the required ZWO adapters, the focuser was pretty much out to the end, with a little to spare. This is okay though, as you can just re-balance with no issues! :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography Thanks Helena much appreciated. Cheers
Very nice image.
I'm glad you like it!
😲 How do you keep that beauty tucked under your bed for almost a year! I admire your patience.
Haha thanks! As a beginner to the hobby last year, I just wasn't ready to guide at 840mm and as a result I always recommend small wide field refractors to beginners. It can be super overwhelming without guiding issues so wanted to make it as easy as possible!
Which editing software you are using for your videos??
Davinci Resolve 16!
Oh heyy a new video nice :) The video is left audio channel only for the first half of the video, I just checked my sound system and unplugged my speakers before I realized lol
Thank you! Yeah, got to figure a few things with mics out soon. :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography you can really just fix that in editing (or recording settings) there is no need to get a new mic if that's what you planned to do 😊
I ordered my Esprit 120 a couple of days before you did your unboxing video, and recieved it just a week ago, in time for the new moon.
Just a question - did you balance the telescope with the lens cap on, and with the dew shield retracted? Is that the same as just the few shield extended?
So happy it got to you safely!! Yes, I always balance with all cables attached and dew heater out. This is especially important in a higher focal length like the 840mm as guiding has to be on point. I don't balance with the lens cap on however, as this would not be on while imaging is taking place :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography thank you for your reply - I had wondered if you knew a trick - about 55 seconds onwards in the video, it looks like you are balancing the scope with the lens cap on!
Clear skies!
Some impressive gear there and more impressive skills! Great video and love the result. Thanks and clear skies 😃
Thank you!!
Hello Helena from published Amateur Astronomer @chrisgrohusko of @elpasotelescopecafe on instagram, APOD 15sep 2000, aurora in west texas.
what do you use for your editing software for the videos? it is excellent presentation you have. are you using any special sound equipment as far as mics and other studio production stuff?
Hi Chris! So great to hear from you. Congrats on the APOD! Thank you very much. I am currently using Davinci Resolve 16 as I find it easy to use and does everything I need it to within my editing process. I just use a little lav mic at the moment but hoping to invest in some new filming equipment soon which should consist of better mics :)
@@HelenasAstrophotography i just left a comment and it was deleted?
@@grohuskochris that’s odd!! Was it in reply to this one? I didn’t get a notification 🤔
@@HelenasAstrophotography i just left it 10 seconds ago and its gone again.
@@HelenasAstrophotography yes in reply to this
Nice work, i'm very envious of those Bortle 3-ish skies 🥺
Haha I am super lucky! Going to miss them when I go away to study in a couple of years :)
That image is amazeballs!!! Great job.