Hi all. In the last few weeks I have a new telescope and new camera which is really working out well together. The Skywatcher BD ED100 was on special for $899 at Astro Pete's, cheaper than the ED80! How could I resist?
I also needed an upgrade to my Pentax K-x, so I got a used K-5 based on very good ISO mark for low noise / high ISO. It's also GPS capable of tracking stars with the moving sensor for short f/L portable shots without a polarie or similar.
With a focal reducer, the combination of scope and camera has been churning out some really pretty pictures. And that's what I'm in this for, pretty pictures!
I also find it easier to process colours in C Y M. After all, this is an unmodified camera which is red deficient, green is banned in OSC astrophotography and blue is full of CA!
That leaves cyan, yellow and magenta. The colours are strong, but I like them that way, they have a tricolour look about them. So what do you think? Do ya like it or hate it?
NGC3324 Gabriela Mistral Nebula and surrounds, SW ED100 at F7.2, Baader Semi-Apo filter, 103 x 1 minute subs unguided, HEQ5 Pro, Pentax K-5.
Bigger at Astrobin.
http://astrob.in/105158/0/