Lagoon Nebula

[archioptic]

After many frustrating nights of learning drift alignment, I was finally able to do some long exposure imaging for the first time.

Larger version available here. (http://www.astrobin.com/120429/0/)

16x60"@ISO800
14x60"@ISO1600
Nikon D3100
Skywatcher Black Diamond ED100
NEQ6 Pro
Stacked in DSS, post processing in PS

I managed to leave the extension tube needed to get my OAG in focus at home, so no guiding. Very happy with the results considering. I'm waiting on my Pixinsight trial licence, so looking forward to reprocessing this. Any suggestions or critique is welcome.

[raymo]

Very nice.
raymo

[Rex]

Good one Nathan. Some faint nebulous wisps starting to come out there!

[archioptic]

Thanks guys. I figure it can do with some longer exposures to bring out the rest of the detail.

[cometcatcher]

It's a good start and your stars are really nice and tiny.

[archioptic]

Thanks Kevin. I seem to be able to get pretty good focus using the camera's live view function which makes me wonder whether I should bother making a Bahtoniv mask for focusing.

[cometcatcher]

Personally I find liveview easier to focus with than the Baht mask, although both are good.

I have the same ED100. Nice scope, I just wish it was bigger, along with my bank balance. ;)

[archioptic]

Isn't it always the case!

[SimmoW]

Great start, esp unguided. PI has a steep learning curve but keep at it, it's worth the effort.

[archioptic]

Thanks Simon. At this point I'm convinced everything involved in AP has a steep learning curve! Practice makes perfect.

[PeterEde]

Very nice.
I'll wait till it's lower in the sky before I attempt it