PDA

View Full Version here: : Eta Carinae Widefield


kkara4
20-04-2015, 07:10 AM
(full res link below, couldnt compress 12mb down to 200kb for a preview)

I titled this one as a widefield image - which got me thinking what is the definition of widefiled? :question:. For me and my equipment, i take it to mean anything not taken with my telescope :rofl:.

Anyway this was taken with my 5D MK III and 120-300mm f/2.8 lens piggybacked on the telescope. I thought i was fully zoomed but forgot to check from a previous day's photography and was actually at 274mm (final image is a 66% crop due to vignetting and no flat frames) :lol:.

Settings were ISO 1250, f/3.5 and a total of 30x20 second lights and darks and 30 bias frames. This time i was more careful about ensuring i reached an optimum exposure in terms of nebulosity vs light pollution. I also improved my light pollution subtraction and DSS pre-processing technique.

This was unguided. I am working on a side-by-side setup to be able to autoguide while imaging with a normal camera configuration, and also to accurately polar align while using this configuration.

This image was using DARV drift alignment such that i had no drift through the telescope for a minute (not that accurate but good enough for 20s exposures at 274mm). Afterwards, i made time to practice PA with PHD2 and the bookmark technique. I got DEC drift to under 2 arcseconds every 3 minutes, after only 15 minutes of back and forth between computer and az adjustment, so PHD2 drift alignment is really showing promise!

I tried not to over process this one, or over saturate it, and kept the colours close to how the camera captured it. Any feedback is welcomed.

Now i have my PA routine sorted, just need a clear, dew free night and im going to image deeeeep into this one :D.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z377/kkara4/Space/Eta_Carinae1_zpsx6feumpu.jpg

RickS
20-04-2015, 08:41 AM
That's nice, Krishan. Despite being a very wide shot there's some nice detail.

kkara4
20-04-2015, 09:45 AM
Thanks Rick, the small pixels of the 5D and lens quality certainly helps :)

rrussell1962
20-04-2015, 01:45 PM
That is a damn fine picture. I may need lessons from you!

kkara4
20-04-2015, 01:55 PM
haha thankyou Richard. you may be swayed back towards visual after i tell you the $ and time i have invested into this endeavour :P.

totally worth it though IMO :)

Ever since you showed it to me for the first time in your ginormous newt i have wanted to image it haha

rrussell1962
20-04-2015, 03:21 PM
Hi Krishan, I can well imagine the investment you have made. In time as well as money. If I may say so it has paid off. Visual is a slippery slope greased with money as well! I think I will always be a visual observer, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Plus I like the challenge of the faint fuzzy objects! Now autumn is here, Virgo is up, it is time for you to turn to the dark side.

kkara4
20-04-2015, 04:59 PM
thankyou for the kind words (not so kind on yourself :P) :). will PM you later tonight!

Regulus
20-04-2015, 06:18 PM
That's a really nice image Krishan.

Trev

kkara4
21-04-2015, 06:34 AM
Thankyou Trev :)

Ross G
23-04-2015, 08:33 PM
Hi Krishan,

That's a very nice widefield photo.

Sharp and nice colours.

I have been experimenting with widefields using a Nikon 180mm F2.8 lens.

I use a 50mm finderscope as a guide scope mounted next to the lens on a WO dovetail bar and this works quite well allowing me 10 minute and 20 minute exposures on HEQ5 mount.

BTW really like your comet photo.

Good luck.

Ross.

kkara4
24-04-2015, 07:24 AM
Thankyou Ross - if i did a 10 minute exposure i would have a completely orange rectangle from all the light pollution lol. i am working on a side by side setup so i can guide while doing widefield, and drop the ISO right down for a superior image.

comets are difficult for me because of the surface brightness of the tails and the light pollution i have. im glad you like it!

cometcatcher
26-04-2015, 02:22 PM
Lovely image. Very sharp with a nice balance of colour. :)

kkara4
26-04-2015, 02:30 PM
Thankyou Kevin :thanx:

Ross G
27-04-2015, 10:15 PM
[QUOTE=kkara4;1169916]Thankyou Ross - if i did a 10 minute exposure i would have a completely orange rectangle from all the light pollution lol. i am working on a side by side setup so i can guide while doing widefield, and drop the ISO right down for a superior image.

Hi Krishan.
Here are a couple of photos of my widefield setup that might help you.

kkara4
28-04-2015, 07:03 AM
[QUOTE=Ross G;1170814]

Thanks Ross, my setup is a LOT heavier than yours :lol:. A few ideas i have in mind, just have to spend some time working on it :)