Pointers and Southern Cross

[2020BC]

Subject: Southern Cross, Pointers and Coal Sack.

Canon 350D unmod, 50mm f1.8 lens at f6.3; LXD-75 mount unguided.

16 x 4 mins 800 ISO (64 minutes); 10 median darks; 10 averaged flats.

To view click here (http://www.zodiaclight.com/images/CrossAndPointers16x4Mins50mmf1-8atf6-3UnguidedISO800DarkFlat15Jul07go2Po ster1280.jpg) (0.9 MB)

For a close-up of the pointers click here (http://www.zodiaclight.com/images/ThePointers16x4Mins50mmf1-8atf6-3UnguidedISO800DarkFlat15Jul07go2Po ster1280.jpg) (1.0 MB)

[davidpretorius]

thats a first for my eyes.

lovely!

[Garyh]

Nice and sharp Bill, could do with a little more contrast and saturation but a nice job done!!
cheers

[iceman]

Lovely image Bill, it's really full of stars out there!

I agree with Gary about the saturation and contrast, but an otherwise excellent result.

[Dietmar]

hi Bill,

very nice image!
that reminds me when I was on hony moon vacation on Reunion and Maricius.
when my wife and me were on the top of a 9000feet high mountain at night, we encountered a nightsky, that I have never seend before and after. 7m0 stars!!!
well, coming form the north, it took me a while to recognize the constellations - You know - usually I have sagittarus and scorio some 15 or 20° above the horizon - at 25° south they were near the zenit and upside down.
I recall having seen the LMC and SMC...what a beautiful sight that was!

[RB]

Very nice image Bill, nice pinpoint stars too.

I agree with Gary and Mike, a slight adjustment to the levels should bring out more contrast and boost saturation.

:thumbsup:

[Ric]

Lovely image Bill, what a star rich area it is.

Cheers

[2020BC]

Thanks guys for the encouragement, and also the advice.

Here's a ramped version with your suggested boost to the contrast and saturation.

What do you think? Any different?

click here (http://www.zodiaclight.com/images/CrossAndPointers16x4Mins50mmf1-8atf6-3UnguidedISO800DarkFlatgo2ICERamped .jpg) for boosted version (1.4MB)

click here (http://www.zodiaclight.com/images/CrossAndPointers16x4Mins50mmf1-8atf6-3UnguidedISO800DarkFlat15Jul07go2Po ster1280.jpg) for the original (1 MB)

[ballaratdragons]

Yes Bill, the boosted one is lovely.

And that's with an UN-modified 350D!!! Wow! I like it :)

[iceman]

Much imrpoved, well done Bill!

[jase]

Sensational work Bill. The contrast and colour enhancement has made a positive improvement. Very well done!

[RB]

Yep, I like the new version better Bill, great work.
I also love the star bursts on the main stars from the camera blades, looks cool !

:thumbsup:

[2020BC]

Yep, Sag & Sco overhead are a fine sight, and the LMC & SMC - knowing what they are - they are awesome.