NGC 6357 Lobster in SHO

[CoolhandJo]

Here is an SHO version of my recent Lobster Nebula image. I added about 3 hours Sii (I wanted more but clouds had other ideas!). Basically used duo band extracted and added Sii. Is 169 x 240 sec L-Extreme, and 46 x 240 sec Svbony 2 inch Sii. Processed in Pixinsight. ED72 ASI 533 Star Adventurer Pro Guided. Thanks for viewing. :)

Best View here -----> https://astrob.in/09bvwc/0/

[gregbradley]

Very good Paul. You amaze me with what you achieve.

Greg.

[CoolhandJo]

Greg thanks. It's good to be able to image in these strange times. Glad to be getting back into this hobby with so much advancement in technology than all those years ago. And great that many familiar faces are still active! I love viewing all the amazing images that you and others post here in IIS. :)

[Startrek]

Paul,
Brilliant SHO rendition of your Lobster
I think capturing Sii with your dedicated filter has made all the difference
I tried re processing my Lobster using my L Extreme data in Startools with an SHO matrix and could not get a decent bi colour contrast across the object ( only the core area)
The L Extreme obviously only lets through Ha and Oiii.The Lobster is a different beast
Well done indeed !!
Martin

[CoolhandJo]

Thanks Martin! I totally agree that the Sii is definitely needed if you want any resemblance to SHO. When I first downloaded the raw FITS I was skeptical that the Sii would make any difference because it looked so noisy and faint. But when you combine in processing its makes ALL the difference. I use the LUM channel from the Sii but I think next time Ill try the Red channel only as its less noisy. It all depends on how much integration time I can get with the Sii filter. The more the better given its only going to give 25% due to Bayer matrix.

Thanks again! :)