This was my first attempt with a new telescope, a WO Z61. It also the first image I've taken that I like enough to share.
I found it much easier to focus than the f/2.8 lens I had been using. No doubt a combination of the built in bahtinov mask and the scope being a lot slower at f/5.9.
Still getting used to the Star Adventurer. Stars are rounder than my previous efforts but still need work. Not sure if this is a tracking issue or a back focus issue with the flattener? It was a bit windy at times. Polar alignment is still a struggle.
Although I was going for off centre, it's further against the edge of the frame than I had intended. I underestimated the extent of the luminosity. I probably knocked the framing off a bit at some point too.
I notice it's a lot paler than most of the M42 images I see. The red channel of my stacked image was quite prominent across the whole frame. I reduced that with photometric colour calibration in Siril, but I think it took colour away from the nebula. That being said I've grown quite fond of the pinkish white look.
Overall I'm really happy with the new telescope. Can't wait to get more experience with it.
Capture details:
Date: 2021-01-12
Location: Kinglake, Vic. Bortle Class ~4
WO Z61 and FLAT61A
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
Fuji X-T10
ISO: 2500
Lights: 158 @ 28s (~1h 10m)
Darks: 30 @ 28s
Flats: 31
Bias: 43
That's a damned fine M42. I wouldn't worry about colouring, everyone has a different idea (and abilities in PS/PI) as to what it should look like, I'm a believer in do what you like and that's the right hue.