What filter for light pollution/?

[Woodgnome]

Hi all,

I've just started doing astrophotography, using a Canon 600D with 18-200ES lens. At present, I'm not mounting to my scope, just a tripod.

Beginner photos have been OK, but I get a lot of red in the background when I push some processing settings. At first I assumed it was probably noise, but I'm wondering if it could also be light pollution.

If so, does this manifest like noise, or in some other way? If LP does add to the "redness", would using a filter resolve some of this? What filter should I look for?

I'd upload a file, but can't save my jpg in a small enough format on my Mac (can I rename a jp2 file extension??).

David

[Poita]

Go into iphoto, select the image, then go to FILE/EXPORT, and choose either 'small' or 'Custom' and make the image the size you require.

If you select 'sequential' for the filename, then you can name it whatever you like.

Either that or go to imgur.com, and upload the image there, then you can post a link to the large image.

My LP is usually yellow/green, not red, but let's take a look!

[Woodgnome]

D'oh! Forgot about iPhoto!

Try these. Apologies if I haven't cited the correct sky location...

Note, some processing done on original CR2 files via Canon Digital Photo Professional (basic stuff only).

David

[Regulus]

I know there's a learning curve David, but it does look like ur having fun.
Keep them coming.
Trevor

[cometcatcher]

An LP filter is a bit of a bandaid for wide field. A trip to a dark sky site would be 100x better. But since you asked about LP filters, IDAS LPS, Baader Moon and Skyglow, Semi-Apo would take a bit off.

[noeyedeer]

I'd say let the camera do the work and post process a little less. I'm no photogapher but it seems everyone wants to push the limits with their gear and sometimes too far, not just with astro .. with all types of digital imaging.

I like your first pic and 3rd .. seems natural .. (can't help only observe)
matt

[Woodgnome]

Yes Matt, agreed on the processing.

I am really just starting out. The images were simply me testing things like aperture vs exposure vs iso adjustments, as well as mirror flip up delays and learning to focus more carefully. Having been a daylight photographer for a long time, I've managed to get lazy about using creative controls. When it got too cold, bringing the images into the house and playing with post processing is the next challenge. I've never relied on digital processing before - I preferred composition to get things right. So even simple histograms are new to me.

It's also been a bit challenging learning where all the camera buttons are without seeing them, and where all the previously unused menu settings are.

But it's all fascinating, and I'm really enjoying the learning process.

Looks like I could be out tonight again. Sky is cloudless, and its going to be very cold. Might practice using the laptop camera control software and let it do its thing while I do some visual work with my new zoom EP.

Cheers,
David