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Message: <blockquote data-quote="birdeast" data-source="post: 1505603" data-attributes="member: 25124">Thanks for the input Paul.  The Zenithstar I am using has the FPL-53 aftermarket upgrade.  I have been told by a couple of telescope buffs that the APOgrade Zenithstar is pretty formidable in the world of 80mm scopes.  I have to say that I am a little disappointed in the color fringing that is visible in 100% crops. This scope is the extent of my firsthand knowledge, so I really cant compare to anything else.I am going to continue to experiment with the gear I already have (LX3, D300 and later the 50D).  Some observations : I had 68mm of extension tubes and a Nikon 1.4TC hooked up along with a 2in telescope extention tube (part of the APOgrade focal length correction kit) and I have to say this is not very stable.  I am thinking I will pull at least 2in out of the focal tube on my next outing.  The shutter really does cause this setup to 'bounce'.  I am also considering creating a balance bar to assist with stabilizing this setup.  I have a TV qwikview that arrived today.  This will be a big help for 'finding' my subject.  Currently, I am using the Manfrotto fluid head 501.... not really ideal.  I am thinking that once I get the balance bar sorted, I will use my Manfrotto gimbal head.The D300 seems to have more noise at ISO800 than I can handle.  I generally try to stay at ISO400 or lower.  I could probably play around with a noise removal program and get more comfortable with ISO800, but just havent yet.Cant help but think that a 900mm x 100 or 125mm FPL-53 Triplet would be like!</blockquote>

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