SMC better version?

[avandonk]

Here is a SMC image from this morning. I think it has a better framing and colour etc. Looks more 'natural'.
Details
Canon 5DH, Canon 300mm F2.8L at F2.8, 6x8min at ISO 200. Hutech LPR filter. In CAm niose reduction ON, corrected for flats with ImagesPlus, stacked with Registar, adjusted in PS.
Large image 3MB
http://users.bigpond.net.au/avandonk/SMC_m.jpg

Would have done more frames, but high level cloud rolled in and lost framing.

Bert

[[1ponders]]

That's a beautiful shot Bert. I like it a lot :thumbsup: Nice composition.

[Lester]

Good one Bert.

[EzyStyles]

that's much nicer bert.

[PhotonCollector]

Well done, that's a good image. I particularly like the absence of coma and chromatism.

best regards
Paul M

[Striker]

Looks great Berty Beetle.

What a fine job you have done.

[h0ughy]

Losts of stars in that shot, nicely composed too

[gbeal]

Nice shot Bert, very nice. I too was at the SMC last night, but I doubt it looks that good.

[sheeny]

Just beautiful, Bert!:thumbsup:

Al.

[andrew]

Incredible image, very very nice :)

[janoskiss]

That is just magnificent! Amazing job, Bert!

[avandonk]

Thank's all for the compliments. I was very pleased with it myself. Just shows what an awesome combination the 5DH and the 300mm F2.8L are. Then all you need is a clear sky, perfect focus, accurate tracking and intelligent processing. All these things apart from clear skies come with practice. I am afraid I still have a lot to learn.

Bert

[tornado33]

Great image Bert. Gee Im glad the Universe has substances like Flourite in it. It still amazes me how its possible to make a refractor as fast as F2.8 with sharp stars to the edge of a full 35mm frame :)
Scott

[avandonk]

As I think James Clerk Maxwell once said, 'if i have seen further it is because I stand on the back of giants'. I think Canon spent literally tens of millions developing the design and construction of these lenses. The 300mm F2.8L is considered to be one of the 'best' lenses ever built.
Here is it's MTF plot.
The fact that all the plotted lines are near 100% contrast means that the lens is as good at f2.8 as it is at F8! The lower dotted lines tell you it is not perfect and has slight astigmatism past about 15mm off axis. Here is how to read MTF charts.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-mtf.shtml

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/lens-contrast.shtml

Bert

[avandonk]

I reprocessed the same data to get more of the faint and dim objects to show almost to noise level. This processing is a never ending learning curve that just doesn't seem to level off.
Large image 3.3MB
http://users.bigpond.net.au/avandonk/SMC_m.jpg

Bert

[CometGuy]

Bert,

Not sure if you mentioned this but what sort of filter does your 5DH have?

Yeah that lens is amazing at f2.8, designed to be use wide open. Pity you don't see them for sale too often :(. How did it perform with your 20D?

Terry

[CometGuy]

Just finished downloading the 3 MB image and viewing it full size. 47 Tuc looks great, oh hang on thats NGC362, just moved up and found 47 Tuc - wow!

Terry

[avandonk]

Terry I opted for the UV/IR mark II as I can only fit one 48mm filter in the rear of the 300mm lens.

Bert

[ballaratdragons]

I love the very faint satellite trail going thru 47Tuc and down into the SMC :thumbsup:

Excellent work Bert!!! :eyepop:

[Ric]

Stunning images Bert, you've done fantastic job with them.

cheers

[spacezebra]

Absolutely beautiful image. We have no chance of seeing the SMC in my light polluted area, and as such your images keep me going until next time Im in dark skies.

Thank you for sharing

Cheers Petra