Photoshop for RGB imaging

[AstroTom]

Hi Everyone,

I have recently bought a monochrome camera and some RGB filters for Astro imaging. I was wondering which version of Adobe photoshop I need in order to process and combine the RGB images. There seems to be several versions of photoshop I have seen online - premiere edition, CS6 and Lightroom.

I already own Lightroom but from what I am reading online it seems that this version will not allow me to combine the RGB images.

I would be greatful of any advice on the above.

Regards,

Tom

[pluto]

As you say you won't be able to combine LRGB images in Lightroom.
I use, and can recommend, Startools to combine LRGB images. It's not too expensive, it's simple to use, and it provides some handy tools.

After I've combined my LRGB image and done some initial processing in Startools then I'll take it into Photoshop to balance the channels and more processing. Then I'll either export the finished image from Photoshop or I'll take it into Lightroom for a few final overall tweaks and noise reduction (Lightroom has by far the best noise reduction of anything I've ever used).

Photoshop, and all Adobe CC software, is now available only through subscription. They have a deal for Photoshop plus Lightroom for $10 per month. Photoshop on its own is $20 per month.
As you already own Lightroom, and if the cost of PS is an issue, you could get away with just using Lightroom to finish your images though you won't have quite the same level of control as you would have in Photoshop.

[peter_4059]

If you are going to spend any money on image processing software and you are starting out it would be best to get Pixinsight. Although it is a steep learning curve it can do everything you will ever need.

[AstroTom]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have decided to go with the star tools and I signed up for photoshop. I'll see how I go with these and I may get the pixinsight later.

The signing up of photoshop explains why I can never just find photoshop in the shops.

Thanks again, Tom