NGC6188 - The Fighting Dragons

[Craig_]

Put some time onto NGC6188 last week from country NSW. This was my first time getting the gear out of Sydney since picking up this hobby (without weather spoiling the party anyway) so was nice to shoot under proper dark skies for once.

EQ6-R Pro
ASI533MC Pro
Esprit 80
ASI183MM Mini guide body
Orion 50 guide scope
Optolong L-eNhance filter

Lights 75 * 240" (5 hours)
Darks 40 * 240"
Bias 40x

I tried a couple of approaches to processing in this, one being processing it as an RGB stack and the other being splitting out the Ha and Oiii channels in APP and colourising it in PS assigning Ha to red, Oiii to blue and using a Ha/Oiii synthesised layer for green. I am not sure which output I prefer, though :confused2:

[Mickoid]

They are both very good Craig, not much between them but if I had a choice I'd pick your second version. You're a natural at this and with images such as these, you won't be hanging around the beginners section for long! You certainly took advantage of those nice dark skies. :thumbsup:

[xelasnave]

Both are excellent images. When I get two favorites I layer them in Photshop and move the slider and that often gets me there.
The 80mm sure is a great scope.
Alex

[John W]

Nice images Craig. I prefer the second image as it looks more natural.
Does the enhance filter make much difference ?

Cheers,
John W

[Craig_]

Thanks! Actually managed to image a few targets on that trip and did this one over two nights as I wasn't happy with the data gathered in just the first night.



Thank you. I have spent a while flicking between them in PS but to no avail :lol: But 3/3 so far have said the 2nd image so looks like that is the preferred one! I do like the 80, but have my eye on the 120 already...



Cheers. I think the Enhance filter does make a difference, especially when imaging from Sydney or close to Sydney, as it seems very effective at cutting LP. That said, I am new at this and did not capture much data without the filter prior to getting it, so it's hard to say how much of a difference it has made.

[PKay]

Good result Craig

As Alex used to say, 'put that one on the wall...'

[ChrisV]

Both look excellent to me!

[LostInSp_ce]

Splitting hairs Craig, either one will look great up on the wall. Very well done! :thumbsup:

[Kuz]

Nice work Craig. I will have to go against the flow and say I like the first one better I think the red just brings out the details better .but like LIS said splitting hairs both nice images.

[Sunfish]

Great image. Lots of detail . Shows what can be done with an OSC.
You don’t mention flats.

[Fernando]

Craig, both are just beautiful!!!

[Craig_]

Cheers.



Thanks!



Just have to free up some wall space :lol:



Cheers!



Thanks! Flats not mentioned as they were not used. I have not spent the time learning how to shoot them yet, although that said, I have not encountered any need to do so (yet) - no dust bunnies visible to my eye, and no vignette visible either, probably due to the very small sensor (1")



Thanks!

I have been continuing to mess around with the colours and this is my latest version.

[Anth10]

Craig,
Awesome dragons, you have taken this hobby like a duck to water,’well done keep them coming.

Anth

[Craig_]

Thanks. I did manage to image a few targets on this trip :)

[kosh]

I think your latest one looks the best to my eye. Nice job mate!