Deep SkyLab
Deep SkyLab — let’s see what we see.
I’m Francisco, a beginner learning in public. I test astro myths and gear so you don’t waste clear nights. Expect real-sky experiments with side-by-sides, fair rules (same target, same night), no hype, just data. Weekly(-ish), we rotate through three segments: Mythbusting (common beliefs, put to the test), Astro Oddities (quirky/vintage hardware that still slaps?), and 3D-Printed Tech (prints that actually help under the stars). You’ll see smart scopes (SeeStar), first-rig builds (Z61 + trackers), DSLR vs cooled OSC face-offs, EQ mode, wedges, guiding, filters, and simple, beginner-level processing—with the WHY explained as we go. Ask questions in the comments; I’ll test what you want next. Start with “Smart Scope vs First Rig,” then stick around for old-vs-new shoots and quick field guides. Clear skies!
Deep SkyLab
On this trip (to #ces ) … I’m listening to Hail Mary. amzn.to/49FkA2F An amazing science fiction book by the venerable Andy Weir. I love the detail and accuracy of the science in his books. If you liked The Martian (book and or movie) you should read this one too!
5 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
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Deep SkyLab
Ok! Ive managed to procure a ticket to #CES 2026! Ill be on the show floor Tuesday! Anyone else going? @ZWO-ASIAIR will be there!
1 week ago | [YT] | 6
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Deep SkyLab
These images were produced from two separate C8's, yet have the same distortion around bright stars.
I'm doing experiments around the value of an EDGE HD vs Classic Celestron C8
The images on the left are EDGE HD, right are Normal C8
I am trying to understand how they ended up with the same distortion around bright stars as seen here. They used the same imaging train and aluminum dew shield, both have the Celestron Dew Heater Ring.
So what's causing this??
Dew Ring
Dew Shield
Camera?
Extension tubes?
Aliens?
Let me know, ill be swapping out components tonight to see if i can pinpoint this oddity
1 week ago | [YT] | 14
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Deep SkyLab
Hi all! Anyone have access to passes to @CES 2026? I don’t have a large enough following yet to qualify for a media pass quite yet. Please email me francisco@deepskylab.org or respond here if you can get me in. I’m in Phoenix / Southern California so I can easily get to Las Vegas.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3
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Deep SkyLab
Im working on a long term review of the 2600 Duo Twins (OSC, Mono). Do you have any thoughts on this pair? I have thoughts on where to use each, what they do well, and what they do poorly. I want to cover some community thoughts in this long term review. So?
1. Why dont you own one of these?
2. What is the first thing you think of when someone says the have one of these?
3. If you do have one, why? what do you use it for?
Clear Skies!
Francisco
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 21
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Deep SkyLab
I just need another couple clear nights to get this full review shot and edited! Thanks @Svbony for sending this over. I genuinely might have to buy one.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 14
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Deep SkyLab
Just heard from @Svbony ! They are releasing an update to the firmware on the SV241 pro. This is great. They heard from the community that we didn’t like the setting being lost if you power cycle the unit. Seems like they will be fixing that!
Clear Skies!
Francisco
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 7
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Deep SkyLab
Imaging from the top of a 10000 foot mountain. To test some filters!
Bortle 1 VS Bortle 6 | Do filters really help that much on Color Astrophotography ?
https://youtu.be/UMT7J3xFFw8
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
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Deep SkyLab
The next big versus battle
2 William optics scopes versus the SV555
I want to focus on travel use. As my small scopes get the most use when I’m out and about.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
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Deep SkyLab
Just got an @Svbony SV555 Wide Field Petzval for testing. Anything you all would like to see me test? Im going to be comparing it to the much more expensive RedCat 51, which has been a workhorse for me.
What questions can i answer for you in my review?
1 month ago | [YT] | 6
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