A few DSOs with my SDM

[mbaddah]

I managed to take a few shots with my 14.5” SDM last weekend. Subs were limited to around 10-15seconds max due to the long focal length of the scope and tracking in Alt/Az.

The first 4 were taken from my light polluted (Mag 3?) skies. The Lagoon and NGC253 were taken from reasonably dark skies.

1) 47_Tuc (single sub 8 sec, ISO1600)
2) Tarantula Nebula (16min, ISO1600, 5D Mark II)
3) Helix Nebula (~1hr total exposure, Canon 600D, CCD-CLS filter ISO1600)
4) M16 - Eagle nebula(~1hr total exposure, Canon 600D, CCD-CLS filter ISO1600)

5) Lagoon Nebula (10 min, ISO1600/ISO3200, 5d Mark II)
6) NGC253 - Sculptor Galaxy (~10 min exposure, 5D Mark II, ISO1600)

These were stacked in DSS, slightly processed in DSS and then I copied the image as it looked in DSS (“Copy to Clipboard” option) over to PS6 for adjusting Levels, Curves and Saturation. Unfortunately for some strange reason, when I export the image in DSS into a TIFF file (either 16 or 32 bit) and then adjust the TIFF file in PS6, I get a terrible looking image and I’m not sure why? I’ll post up an image of what it looks like tonight when I get home.

As I’m always looking to improve my photography and processing skills, critique is (encouraged) and most welcome  Thanks for looking.

[TimberLand]

Looks like you have been busy adding a few favourites, maybe they could do with some deeper exposures.

A bit more critical focus and or tracking to get more detail. Some of my earlier images suffered from me forgetting to focus regularly through the night, and sleep deprivation didn't help me remember either.

For a quick set of images they are pretty good, 15 years ago they would have been very noteworthy.

Keep at it. Good deep sky images are a combination of good gear that is setup well, knowledge and patients.

[mbaddah]

Hi Justin,

Many thanks for your feedback. You're right I'll need to collect some more subs and check the focus throughout the night. As the 5D is quite a heavy camera I won't be surprised if focus shifts during the night.

I found this thread which relates to the issue I'm having in DSS/PS, namely when opening the TIFF file generated by DSS it is been clipped entirely to the left side:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056902634

I'll take another crack it, cheers.

[strongmanmike]

That beautiful SDM was designed for visual observing and I would looove one :prey:, so to have grabbed some beaut snaps like these is just a bonus I recon :thumbsup:

Mike

[Ross G]

Some very good looking captures Mohhamed.

Not an easy task with an alt/az visual mount.

Cybereye (Mario) on this forum I think has a DSS routine to fix the colour balance of pollution filters.

Good luck and looking forward to more photos from you.

Ross.

[mbaddah]

Thanks guys :) I've managed to make some adjustments to fix the colours and tease out a little more detail. Getting there!