Piggybacking / does Rho Ophiuci need astro modded camera?

[Stonius (Markus)]

Hi all, I've always loved the Rho Ophiuchi region, but never tried to image it because I assume it requires an astro modded camera to get the best colours out of it.


It occurred to me that I could just piggyback a wide-field camera on my mount while I image other regions of the sky in more detail with the whole OAG setup. I believe the extra weight would be manageable on my mount.


I have a cannon 5D Mk 4 I could mount up there, but I worry the shutter would vibrate the telescope. Also, I'm not sure what the best method of control software is.


The alternative is to upgrade to a 2600 (or 6200) and use my old 1600 to capture wide-fields using another instance of voyager. This is the better option, obviously (no vibration!), but also more $$$$!


And apart from all that, I wonder if the fact that the DSLR is un-modded will make a difference in the red regions which, I'm assuming are Ha or SII?


Best,


Markus

[AdamJL]

Hi Markus

Can't answer the vibration question as I've never piggybacked.

Rho has all the nebula types pretty much so you'll encounter the same issues DSLR users have for all reflection nebula... You can counter this by upping the total integration time (a LOT) or just accept it as a cost of using a DSLR. For the reflection nebula, few globs and dark nebula, your DSLR will be absolutely fine.

Here's an example of the 5D IV on Rho. There's a definite lack of red emission nebula detail.
https://www.astrobin.com/412926/?ima...gr&user_page=2
vs an image (my own) of Rho with an astro camera.
https://adamlawler.smugmug.com/Astro...ts/i-2mw5rdG/A

I have the same camera in my Canon collection and it's pretty good but be aware of issues with calibration files. Bias files on this camera can actually make sensor banding worse. I would suggest taking a whole gamut of calibration files (darks, flats, dark flats and biases) and then pick and choose the right combination when you edit.

Good luck

edit: just another 5D IV example here, with the same lens I used for my image. There's a difference!
https://www.astrobin.com/406736/0/?mod=solved

[Stonius (Markus)]

Ah Adam, you have decided me. The difference is chalk and cheese! If I were to shoot it, I would definitely want the beautiful coloours - that's kind of the point of that region!


I guess it will have to wait until I'm cashed up (or feeling brave!).


Many Thanks


Markus

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

astronobob has a nice rho with an unmodded 6dII
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...d.php?t=192363

[JA]

Originally Posted by Stonius

Hi all, I've always loved the Rho Ophiuchi region, but never tried to image it because I assume it requires an astro modded camera to get the best colours out of it.

Hi Markus,

I recall seeing an absolutely wonderful and colourful Rho Oph taken using a unmodified Nikon D600 or D610 with a Nikon lens( I don't recall 100% which camera model, but they use the same sensor/cam anyway). Seeing that should give you no cause for concern about using a unmodified DSLR or mirrorless vs a modified camera or even vs an Astro Cam. I will see if I can find it and link to it.

Best
JA

[AdamJL]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

astronobob has a nice rho with an unmodded 6dII
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...d.php?t=192363

well that puts paid to my theory

Great shot! I wonder if the 6D II is just better at this than the 5D IV? (I tried to provide 5D IV examples).
I know the 6D series historically has been the go-to for low light work.

[JA]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

astronobob has a nice rho with an unmodded 6dII
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...d.php?t=192363

Hi Russell,

Yes, he certainly does (BTW: Well done Bob), especially when we consider it is forum image downsampled by the forum software and not an externally hosted higher resolution image.

Best
JA