Omega Centauri, second attempt

[thegableguy]

My first attempt at this target two weeks ago was pretty ordinary - I was still learning to drift align and my processing & editing wasn't great. This one is significantly better, but keen to hear any suggestions of how it can be improved. 22 x 60-second subs (unguided) at ISO 1600.

[Sorry for the constant stream of new threads here - I'm just excited I've learnt to drift align and have clear moonless skies, making the most of it]

[raymo]

Looking good; my only comment is that the core is a bit blown out. You
needed some much shorter subs so that you could use layers to correct that.
raymo

[Atmos]

Don't be sorry at all Chris, it is always exciting to start having images come out :) Always better to have a new thread for each target otherwise it becomes complicated within the thread.

On a target like this I would probably suggest dropping the ISO to 800 (others may disagree) so to increase the dynamic range. The core of the cluster is a lot brighter than the dimmer areas due to star density.

It is looking good though :)

[leon]

Not bad at all Chris, yes a little over cooked in the middle, but a great effort indeed.
As suggested, drop your ISO even further, when i was imaging i never went over 400 ISO, and it did make a difference, however that is just a suggestion.

Leon

[thegableguy]

I assume you were guided..? I'm at the mercy of my own alignment. I could probably get away with 400 for targets this bright, but nebulae need at least 800 for 2 mins (which is about my maximum). My cheap DSLR wouldn't pick up any faint detail at all, the sensor simply isn't sophisticated enough.

Quick question, though - if I shoot at several different ISOs for the one target, do I just chuck them all in together in DSS or do I need to make two separate TIFs and then combine them in Photoshop?

[rustigsmed]

nice one chris, I have always struggled with globs.
this is really good.
if you go for a couple of iso's stack separately in DSS and combine later on.

[glend]

Your all assuming he knows how to layer, cut and combine. Chris do you understand that processing jargon? And how to do it?

[thegableguy]

If you're talking about stuff done in Photoshop, then yes - that was my best guess as to what to try next.

If you're talking about something done in DSS, however, then not a clue!