Helix nebula response to filtering

[tornado33]

Hi all
Here is a image of the helix nebula taken last night, 4x10 mins (40 mins total) no nebula filter used. Its longer then the 30 mins used with the triffid nebula image I took , see http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=12007
I expected to get a much deeper image but it didnt happen, and this was despite the fact that the Triffid was well past Zenith, but the helix was very near the zenith and thus better placed for imaging. So it seems that some objects do better without filtering then others. The helix definately requires the UHCS filter for best results.
Scott

[h0ughy]

nice image, I found the helix to have a very low surface brightness and will tak much longer to get the same level of brightness required to achieve a good image and reveal details. But thats only my opinion.

[tornado33]

Youre right, it is VERY faint in surface brightness, and a filter helps pull it from the sky background. I suspect a filter wont be necessary at a dark site
Scott

[Striker]

Still a really nice image Scott...I know how difficult this target is to get much detail and brightness on this image....something I am going to work on later next month.

Yours is about 500% better then my first attempt...I will have a go with the UHC-S filter.

[tornado33]

Thanks Tony, I reckon you will do well with a focal recucer on your rig, that will concentrate the faint light of the helix on a smaller area.
Scott

[Lester]

Hi Scott,

that is a very deep image= outer swirl and also the small galaxy within the bottom of the Helix. That galaxy is not captured very often. Don't know if it is possible, but all it needs is the sky to be darkened without losing the outer swirl.