Barnard 33, the Horsehead nebula in HaRGB

[broca]

Here is the latest from Southeast U.S. (http://coatesastrophotography.blogspot.com/2013/12/barnard-33-horsehead-nebula.html) (where it dipped into the 50's one night )! This was imaged over several nights in November and December using the AT8RC and QSI 683 wsg-8.
RGB data: 50 minute Red, Green and Blue (binned 2x2)
Ha: 5 hours (binned 1x1) using the 8 inch RCT.
Processed in Photoshop CS5
Imaging telescope: Astro-Tech 8" Ritchey-Chrétien (FL 1625mm).
Imaging camera: QSI 683 wsg-8
Losmandy G-11 with Gemini II
Astrodon Tru-balance E-Series Generation II LRGB filters
Astrodon 5nm Ha filter
Please click the image for a higher resolution image. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

[batema]

Great horsehead Steve. The actual horsehead looks a little over sharpened to the rest of the image but it looks good every where else.

[RickS]

Looks great, Steve, except I'd agree with Mark about the HH itself looking a little too crispy.

[broca]

Thanks Mark and Rick for your feedback. After looking at this image for several hours yesterday it is nice to have a fresh set of eyes. I went ahead and toned down the heavy handed sharpness as you suggested and posted the new version on the OP.
Thanks again!!

[dutch2]

Lovely image, I never get tired of seeing the Horsehead.
Well done.:thumbsup:

[batema]

Yes STeve that looks better. Great work. Full moon so I will have to wait for a week to have a crack at my 2013 HH.

[strongmanmike]

The repro looks better Steve, nice work, blending the Ha in is certainly a challenge with this target.

Mike

[broca]

Thanks again all for your input. I certainly appreciate it!

[Ross G]

A beautiful Horse Head photo Steve.

I prefer the sharper one.

Ross.

[Spookyer]

Very atmospheric! good work