Antares and RHO Ophiuchi

[avandonk]

This image is made up of 18 exposures, two lots of nine taken on two different nights while this region was close to the zenith to minimise the effects of light pollution.

Details
Canon 5DH, Canon 300mm F2.8L at F2.8, Hutech LPR filter, 18X10min at an ISO of 200, in camera noise reduction on. Processed with flats in ImagesPlus stacked with Registar and adjusted levels and curves in PS. Also a bit of R&L 5x5 for ten cycles.

This would be much better from a dark site. As the LPR filter blocks some of the blue from the reflection nebula.
1.4MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~trlee8/RHO_m.jpg

Here is a version only digitally developed in IP and used GradientXterminator no levels or curves in PS
1.0MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~trlee8/RHO_75.jpg


Bert

[Astroman]

Nice one Bert. Have you tried stopping the lens down one click on the apature to reduce the amount of flaring on the stars? Not sure if it would work, but I have heard it done before with good results. Of course you will need a slightly longer exposure.

Still as a wide field image its breath taking, you really have to sit back and admire how much is out there.

[avandonk]

Andrew the Canon 300mm F2.8L lens is almost as good wide open at F2.8 as it is at F8!

Bert

[h0ughy]

excellent image Bert. But I have a question. I have seen this region in several shots with vivid colours, are they manupulated or could more colour come from your images?

[ving]

drool, drool, drool...

thats my fave piece of sky for pictures :)

[avandonk]

Most published images really push the colour, that is why I put a pic up before PS manipulation. Did you notice it shows far more detail and resolution. Sure you can really get bright colours but like everything it is a matter of balance. It also depends what you are trying to show.

I suppose it is ultimately a matter of taste.

I prefer the subtle which overwhelms slowly.

Bert

[tornado33]

Good shot Bert, yes these Flourite lenses are amazing, returning better results @F2.8 then my 50mmf1.8 stopped down to F4!
Yes I find that the nebula filters cut into blue emissions too.
Scott