An M45 cause I just bought a suby!

[pluto]

Well I pick up my new (2nd hand) Forester this arvo so last night's imaging was devoted to M45.

Sydney finally had a clear night, the transparency was up and down but not bad and the seeing was probably the best I've seen from my spot on the coast near Vaucluse. Of course it was pretty humid and, after drift aligning, I only got about an hour of imaging in before everything was completely covered in condensation.

It was also my first chance to try out my new 2" Astronomik CLS filter and although M45 is not the best target, as I don't think the CLS is great for reflection nebula, I am pretty happy with how much light Pollution it cuts out.

I'm not all that happy with this image but, all things considered, it's not too bad.

5DmkII + SW ED80 + EQ5
~15 x 45 sec @ ISO 1600
~15 x 45 sec @ ISO 6400
~15 x 45 sec @ ISO 12800
+ about 10 darks for each ISO
I need to do flats next time...

[WingnutR32]

Very impressive, Hugh. I think it looks great!

M45 will be my target soon, however it is very low on the north east which is directly over Canberra's city for me, so I would love to get an image anywhere close to what you have achieved.

Well done and thanks for sharing.

[pluto]

Thanks Sam!

[ZeroID]

Nice pic, lovely depth and sharpness.

[Varangian]

M45 really is very beautiful. i always think that whenever I observe it. Nice pic.

[pluto]

Thanks Brent, John :)