M8 - attempt by a newby

[zipdrive]

Hi people,
This is my 2nd attempt at deep sky object photography...took it last night.
10 x 2 mins ISO 800 Canon 350d, 10" skywatcher Reflector.
No flat or dark frames.. (don't know how) :confuse2:
registax'ed and adjusted levels in photoshop..
coma looks bad and i think it needs collimating too... :ashamed:
i hope it passes the quality check... :)

[iceman]

Hey mate, that's a great shot for your 2nd attempt!
Is it an 8 or 10" scope? The image says 200mm (8") but up top you say 10". What's it driven on?

It definitely looks like you've got collimation and/or astigmatism problems. Those flares around the bright stars are tell-tale signs. Have you followed the advice in Geoff's how-to for checking your mirrors for astigmatism? It's a must-do for newt owners.

It's a great effort, well done! Beautiful colours.

[davidpretorius]

beautiful mate, i am a nooby too, i have not got tracking yet, so i can't wait!

i have been doing darkframes by leaving the large scope cap on and taking a similiar length exposure and then when it comes to registax, you tell it where your dark frame is on your computer and then tick the option to include the dark frame.

there is an article on flats and darks by the master Eddie T here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,211,0,0,1,0

i tried M8 without tracking, just 2 second shots, but not much detail!

excellent stuff!

[Robby]

That's very nice Zip. Well done!

[[1ponders]]

Fantastic second shot Zip. Looks like good tracking an focus. Agree with Ice though about maybe collimation is off a tad. For a bit mor colour, try slowly and in small increments adjusting the red channel in levels. Its not the be all and end all in processing, but it will bring out more of the reds and mute the purples a bit.

[zipdrive]

thanks guys i will definitely follow your advices..
i don't know how i put down 10" as my scope..it is actually 8"..i think i was wishing i had a 10" at the time... it was very late in the night for me... lol
Also it is on a EQ6 skyscan mount..i posted a pic of it in the show your equipment section :)

[atalas]

Good looking short Zip ! keep It up.


Louie :thumbsup:

[seeker372011]

good work!

[ving]

choice bro! :)

[Striker]

Nice one Zippy.....excellant work for noobs like us.

[h0ughy]

geez I wish I could get images like that. well done! I woulkd love to see your Eq6 and skyscan setup! I just bought a EQ6 from Mick Pinner, and will be looking to put a skscan kit on it shortly.

[rmcpb]

Brilliant photo, I don't know anything about astrophotography except I like looking ato other blokes efforts. Maybe one day. BUT don't go wishing for a faster focal length 10", the 8" gives flatter images for a given eyepiece and this should extend over into photography. Also with your ability to track its just a bit more time per exposure isn't it??

Great effort :)

[asimov]

Nice shootin' Zip! well done. Splendid 2nd effort.