Ngc253

[MarkA]

Hi All,

I’m a relatively new in this game, circa 8-9 months and this is the first time I’m presenting my work. Any comments or critique will be appreciated.

Images taken at Wiruna on 07/08/10.
L-12x5minutes @ 1x1 binned, RGB – 5x5 minutes @ 2x2 binned @ -25C
QSI583 + 8”Meade LX200 mounted on EQ6
Taken with Maxim, processed with CCDStack and PS.

Thank you for looking

Regards

Mark

[gregbradley]

What a great image. Well done. What a fantastic start to posting images!

Greg.

[spearo]

Welcome Mark
That is a pretty nice first post!
just a suggestion (and my screen is NOT calibrated) it might be a bit bright in background sky?
perhaps adjusting the black point a bit would let the galaxy pop out a bit more
just a suggestion
well done
keep it up look forward to more of your work
cheers
frank

[strongmanmike]

An excellent image Mark, some nice detail and a traditional colour pallet, reminiscent of the film days, I like it :thumbsup:

Mike

[Martin Pugh]

A super start Mark

is that the QSI583 with the built in filter wheel and OAG? If so, how do you like it?

cheers
Martin

[MarkA]

Guys big thanks to all of you for your worm reception and kind word.

Martin, I’m using QSI583WS with Ha LRGB filters made by Astrodon. I don’t have the Guider option at this stage. It was a purely financial decision made at the time of purchase. One day I’ll get the WSG cover, I hope...
As a matter of fact heaving the WS cover allows to attach the Canon/Nikon lenses making the whole setup more versatile.

Regards
Mark

[DavidTrap]

Very impressive for a "beginner" Mark. Is your LX-200 OTA an ACF or standard SCT? Were you using a focal reducer?

DT

[multiweb]

Awesome shot Mark. :thumbsup: Glad you're starting to post your beaut shots. Where's that M8 RGB of yours? ;)

[Bassnut]

Precise composition, and excellent technicals generally, top work on an EQ6 (not that I have it in for EQ6s, but you must have it set up pretty well).

[MarkA]

David, my LX200 it is the ACF model, I’m imaging at full focal length of 2000mm.
I do have the Meade 6.3 reducer unfortunately in my configuration - Optec focuser + LX200 OTA the 6.3 reducer is in conflict with the back focus making a warped image. I’m sure there is a fix for it but beyond my capacity.

Thank you Marc, the M8 has a sibling now, all done in Ha. The stars are so small. It was so tempting to go with the flow but...... One day, one day


Fred, I’m just a keen student surrounded by masters every last Wednesday of the month. I’m lucky that’s for sure. Thank you.

[DavidTrap]

Again, very impressive to see such quality at 2000mm focal length. My understanding is that the Meade ACF optics and their 6.3 focal reducer are "incompatible" - the reducer tries to flatten an already "flat" field.

There is little info on the web about what reducer to use with corrected SCTs - I think the optec next-gen reducer is meant to work, or there is an Astrophysics reducer.

DT

[Lester]

Hi Mark, that is an exceptional image. All the best for more.

[trent_julie]

Nice work indeed Mark,
The framing and detail seems spot on

Trent and Julie

[tonybarry]

Hello Mark,

For a discussion on focal reducers / flatteners for ACF scopes you may wish to persue this thread:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=57878&highlight=reducer

The knowledgeable people offer their thoughts and experience.

Regards,
Tony Barry