Taking Darks?

[Matty P]

So far in my imaging career I have been using ICNR Darks. I know many DSLR users use this function but the only real problem that ICNR Darks poses is that it doubles the time it takes to image one object. I like to be able to get as much imaging done in one session so I think taking individual darks is probably a much better option.

I would really like to start taking my own dark exposures but I am reluctant to do so.
How do you take a Dark exposure with a DSLR? :eyepop:

Thanks. :thumbsup:

[Robert_T]

Hi Matty, with Images Plus software, I just schedule the darks with the same exposure settings as the lights, IS controls the exposure sequence and tells you what stage it is up to, and when it get's up to the darks I put the lens cap on the camera. :thumbsup:

[Matty P]

Thanks Rob,

Does it matter when you take the Darks?

Do you take all your light frames together then take a bunch of Darks together?

Thanks for your help. :thumbsup:

[Robert_T]

Thats what I do ...but then I could hardly be called an expert.:P It's the way the showed it being done in one of the video demos that came with Images Plus.

[leon]

Matty, your best option is ICNR, as the lights are taken, I know this doubles your imaging run but dose give you the best results, as the darks temp, is then exactly the same as the lights.

However if you don't wish to do this, try and take the darks either during your exposure run, say one every three lights, or take then at the end, but as close as possible to the temp of the lights, give or take a degree.

Leon :thumbsup:

[Matty P]

Thanks Leon,

ICNR darks sure make imaging easy and it is what I am use to but I might give taking individual darks a go and see what kind of results I get.

How many darks are supposed to take compared to your light expsoures?

[leon]

Matty that can vary i suppose, although one is probably not enough it however is still better than none.

Ideally a dark for a light, which ICNR dose, but 5 or 6 would be OK as well, as long as you get a few for the imaging run the more the better, but then conditions and time also decide this.

Leon

[Matty P]

Thanks for your help Leon.

Do you just put the lens cap on the scope before taking the dark or do you remove the camera?

[cookie8]

Hi Matty
I read somewhere that you have to cover the viewfinder as well when taking darks. Can anyone fill me in?
:screwy:
Vincent

[leon]

Matty it is probably best to take your darks later in the day or eveing when it is at least cooler and no chance of light leakage.

Just cover you lens/scope, and as Vincent said your view finder and match the time with the times of your lights,

It is pretty basic, but the finer you can tune your darks, like temp and time with your lights, the better

sorry for the late response

Leon

[bindibadgi]

It's best to cover the viewfinder when taking any exposures. It simply stops any stray light from entering there and disturbing the exposure. It's unlikely that it will have any effect unless it's a bright light in the viewfinder, which would reduce the contrast in your shot.