1st deep space pics

[Kal]

A few weeks ago i got a few new toys, namely a 10" LX200R, a 3.3FR, and a DSI PRO camera. I've done some planetary/solar imaging before with my ETX90 (I'm still cursing that small sunspot I thought was mercury :whistle: ) but I've never tried deep space.

Most of these images are just getting to know my way around my new equipment, but I think I have some potential :D All images are alt/az and unguided (got some mounting rings / counterweight system on the way so I can stick my etx there for now). I also forgot to take some flats so I had to use photoshop magic wand took to remove dust motes :P

*Saturn nebula (1st target I shot at F10 making sure my DSI worked). Couldn't image the 'ears' without saturating the central nebula.

*M79 (using 3.3FR)

*NGC1535 (using F3.3 FR, 150% enlarged in photoshop)

-Andrew

[jjjnettie]

Geez, if you can get them that good unguided, imagine what you can do when you're fully set up!
How long were your exposures?

[Lee]

Not bad mate.... My first DSI attempt didn't result in even one recognisable image! There's a learning curve here, welcome aboard! :thumbsup:

[Kal]

I was trying all different exposure lengths using autostar suite to stack em, I seemed to get best results with <15 second exposures. I think the saturn nebula one was 1 second exposures (100 frames), M79 was 8 or 15 second exposures (only about 10 stacked) and NGC1535 was 8 seconds (again about 10 stacked).

[Kal]

Thanks :) My first night out with the 3.3FR I couldn't evenm get it to focus, I stuck on all the extenders and though "oh no! not enough length!!" then the next day I realised I had too much length :rofl: The software learning curve is even more intimidating! All fun though :thumbsup:

[leon]

Nice going Kal, you should have seen my first attemt, but then again maybe you shouldn't see it, your on your way.

Cheers leon

[Ric]

Hi Kal, they are nice images for your first attempt, I like your Saturn Nebula.
The f/3.3 can be a bit tricky to start with but it doen't take long to get the hang of it and then it will prove to be a great tool.

looking forward to more images