The Elephant's Trunk Nebula (IC 1396) is located in the constellation Cepheus about 2,400 light years away from Earth. The gas and dust in and around the Elephant's Trunk are being illuminated and ionized by a very bright, massive star (HD 206267). The Elephant's Trunk appears on the right side of the wide field image and is light up on the sides.

Although it took a while to process, I did not really have to do much in PI or PS. I am growing very fond of this new monochrome cooled camera as images appear virtually noise free compared to what I used to capture. I especially like how the Elephant's Trunk resembles a canyon upon close examination. The trunk itself is a dark elongated area composed of gas and dust with many young proto-stars not visible with optical telescopes. It is revealed by the Spitzer Telescope's infra red detectors (http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu). The wide field image shows much of the nebulosity of the whole region as well as the colorful star field.

I believe the camera has taken my telescope to its limit, meaning I need a new telescope. The F7.5 ED80 has been a proven workhorse and all my telescope deep sky images on Astrobin have been taken with it. It is a very sturdy, inexpensive telescope at less than $500. Although it is listed as an apochromatic, it is a doublet with extra-low dispersion glass on one of the lenses, still OK, just not a triplet. I do recommend it for anyone who wants to get started in AP but you might get a better deal if you just start of with a slightly more expensive triplet if the accessories are included.

For example, the Orion currently lists the ED80 at $479 for the optical tube only and single speed focuser. Add in the rings, dual speed focuser, and diagonal standard on most entry level 80mm triplets and you are up to $800 or more. The Astro-Tech AT80 currently lists at $749. You may be able to this scope cheaper on Ebay or you get it as a package deal with the Sirius mount which includes all the extras. Of course I did neither and opted for the more expensive way. I suppose this little review would be better served on a buyers guide or something since most Astrobin users are far beyond the ED80.