Start of a Lagoon

[Benjamin]

Haven’t really done any processing yet but was kind of excited by the colour and detail. Lots to draw out of it yet I think (tone mapping, deconvolution, adding luminance data, white stars - at least until the moon keeps its head down to get some RGB - etc. etc.) although I’m quite happy with the straight up SHO combo. Comments always welcome.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/415094/B/?nc=Brasspoodle&real=&mod=
Quattro F4 8” Newt
EQ6-R
60x120s in each of Ha (5nm), O3 (3nm) and S2 (3nm)
Backyard with a portable setup

[strongmanmike]

So far looking good Ben an excellent NB Lagoon :thumbsup:

Mikr

[Benjamin]

Thanks Mike. Should be a few more versions soon :-/

[Andy01]

Shows promise already Ben, looking forward to seeing the final image :thumbsup:

[Placidus]

That is a proper Lagoon. Very well done.

[Benjamin]

Thanks Mike n Trish and Andy. Here is a link to the more processed version :-)
https://www.astrobin.com/full/415094/C/?nc=user
Also attached here the starless version and the new image. Adding RGB stars might be a way off given moon and a lack of time.
As always appreciated thoughts and comments.

[Placidus]

Much more fine detail now. Really good!

[multiweb]

Terrific shot! :eyepop:

[Benjamin]

Thanks for the comments Marc and again Placidus. Latest version keeps the reds/pinks/purples a bit more subdued.
https://www.astrobin.com/full/415094/F/?nc=user

[Imme]

Great work Ben....it really pops out doesn't it!

I'd be interested to know what camera settings you are using (guessing Gain 200?) Seems you're getting some pretty good data through fairly narrow filters

[Benjamin]

Thanks Jon. I’m using the ASI1600MM-Pro at a gain of 139, offset 21. It was just one of those recommended settings from somewhere (?) and my dark library is mostly at that gain and offset. I really should explore more! The f4 Newt really sucks in the light although with the 1.25” filters there is a bit of vignetting, especially noticeable with the O3 filter. The O3 filter also seems to really highlight what I assume are colimation errors. Waiting on a 2” sight-tube to help sort out the secondary.

[Ross G]

Great looking photo Ben.


Amazing detail and so sharp.


Ross.

[Benjamin]

Thanks Ross. I was experimenting a bit with some PixInsight things to see if I could get a bit more detail so glad it’s come through :-)

[strongmanmike]

It's a tough one this NB colour palette thing huh?... :lol:...I do like the first two versions though, particularity how the core was handled in those, looks very natural and like it is behind a thin foreground layer of translucent gas, looks lovely...aaaand I am actually a fan of leaving a little magenta in the stars too, seems more scientifically aesthetic to me.

See?.. clear as mud! :lol:

Mike

[Imme]

Cheers Ben.

I'm just starting to play with some narrowband stuff myself however am having trouble dialing in exposure times.

Your exposure kind of fit in what the 'accepted standard' is which backs up the rest of the ASI 1600 sub exposure table I tracked down on here (and CN) a couple weeks ago.

....back to fine tuning for me!

Well done on what is looking like a great image!!!

[Benjamin]

I hear ya! I kind of like the magenta stars when the image is a bit more green/blue orange/yellow so I figured without the magenta highlights I needed to up the pink/red a little in the image to compensate? All very intuitive really but ultimately I’m hoping it looks ‘nice’ and has enough complexity in the colour. I feel the danger is that it starts to NOT look or feel like a deep space object, which, for me, is important.

[strongmanmike]

100% agree on that :thumbsup:

Mike

[Benjamin]

I think I know that table. I don’t reference it so much with narrowband although in imaging M8 I went for slightly shorter subs to keep the core somewhat resolved. I think the 800mm focal length of my f4 Newt is a good match for the camera in terms of arc seconds per pixel so feel like I’m getting the most out of it too.

[Imme]

Well whatever you're doing Ben keep doing it because you're getting some great data.

[Benjamin]

It also occurs to me that coming from a visual observational background (still love my 12” Dob) I’m really keen to seek out all the detail in the images I take...like observing through imaging... :shrug: Processing and uncovering all these little ridges, bumps and lumps is pretty exciting at times, which could mean overdoing it all.

[AstroBogan]

Stunning!

Makes me really regret selling my gear :(

[Benjamin]

Thanks Jacob and thanks for the ZWO OAG! Sounds like you’re getting your drive to do some astrophotography back???

[AstroBogan]

Glad you're getting good use out of it!
Seeing images like yours makes the drive come back almost instantly :lol:
Financially not possible for the meantime, though I will be back! :D

[Benjamin]

The $ add up right!? Someone said to me the other day when looking at my setup, “Oh, that must cost a lot of money” and my immediate response was no, it was basically all second hand BUT you do the sums and all these little costs add up to something not insignificant!