Copernicus and Rupes Recta (Straight Wall)

[troypiggo]

First attempt at some close-in moon action. I think the collimation on my scope was a little out, but am overall quite happy with these. Might try to practise some more.

Any tips about composition or presentation?

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

I’m guessing that the 640x480 format indicates a DMK21?

Composition looks fine to me and in terms of presentation, I sometimes add a darker toned frame with details of the location, date, equipment, configuration etc. but that’s just a personal thing.

Did you use Registax for these? They look a little soft and I was wondering if that could be a focusing issue?

The histograms look a little bunched to the left (especially Copernicus) so it might be worth having a look at your capture settings (assuming DMK21). I don’t mind blowing out the occasional crater rim if that helps push my data more to the right of the histogram, so the tones have more space to breathe.

I use IC Capture for my DMK cameras and always have the Histogram panel visible to help me optimise the exposure settings.

Cheers

Dennis

[michaellxv]

Being the expert that I am not :P

They look a little dark to me, maybe that's cos I was looking at a nearly full moon last night.

The focus does appear sharper in the center.

I prefer the way you have Copernicus centered in the frame for presentation.

[troypiggo]

Thanks so much for the feedback guys.

Dennis - good guess. Close - I have the DBK21. I did use Registax. You're right about them being a little soft. Not sure if it was collimation or focus. Need to refine my workflow/routine probably.

I used K3CCDTools for image capture. I was keeping an eye on the histogram, but more to ensure I didn't blow any highlights. Guess that's why they're a little dark near the terminator there.

Thanks again. I'll file those comments away for next time.

[Troy]

Not bad at all Troy,
what scope was used?

[troypiggo]

Thanks Troy.

I have a Celestron SCT similar to yours. Come to think of it, I can't even remember if I used the 2.5x powermate for these shots or not. I was having a go at some planetary shots of Mars and Saturn as well, and I know I had the powermate on for those, but don't recall if I did for these.

[Lester]

Hi Troy, they are a nice start to your Moon imaging. Focus looks a bit soft, although seeing conditions can cause this with atmospheric turbulance.

All the best.