NGC6188 repro

[Benjamin]

Not sure what to think about this. I've not invested a lot of time in reprocessing but am happy enough with the result. I've attached the original (processed in StarTools) and the new image reprocessed (in PixInsight). HaRGB, around5 hours in total, with my usual setup - ED80, HEQ5, ASI1600MM-Pro - taken a couple of months back under some dark skies. PixInsight trial about to expire so getting in what I can!
Astrobin:https://www.astrobin.com/full/347862/C/?nc=user

[Atmos]

Although there is gradients in the original star tools version, I do prefer its contrast and colour :)
Both are nice but I do prefer the original image overall.

[Benjamin]

Thanks for the reply Colin. I just hated the stars in the StarTools version (the second picture attached in this thread) and thought it was quite flat, especially when, in Astrobin, it’s zoomed in on (noise etc.), and its a bit one colour perhaps. However the contrast in the clouds is better. I think it needs a lot more data so I don't have to push the image quite so hard. I see more gradient in the PixInsight version (first image) but maybe I'm not seeing this correctly? A newer version with some gradient removed and cropped a bit more on Astrobin - https://www.astrobin.com/full/347862/E/?nc=Brasspoodle&real=&mod=

[multiweb]

Beautiful colours and details. I prefer the original (startools). :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Benjamin]

Thanks Marc. Fascinating in regards to what is preferable. I think a lot can be said about instant decision making when first processing an image - the reliance on intuitive response, which then gets a bit lost when thinking through a reprocess. Sometimes things are best left as they are and move on! Many thanks for your thoughts.

[Benjamin]

Couldn't resist one more. This is basically straight out of PixInsight with a boost to red but no extra saturation, so its lighter but 'dustier'. More like the first one but finer I think with some extra work in PixInsight. I wonder if the reduced stars in the first StarTools add a lot to the image? Anyway, no more on this, no more...:screwy:
Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/full/347862/G/?real=&mod=

Of course the first one is still probably the best...:rolleyes:

[RickS]

Sometimes you just want a little of column A and a little of column B :) It does take a while to get to the stage where you can do what you want with PI. After that the hard part is deciding what you want!