[SkyViking (Rolf)]

Originally Posted by rmuhlack

That is really special - another benchmark image

Thank you Richard!

Originally Posted by Placidus

Very special indeed. I like the way you've preserved the fine detail inside NGC 2023.

Thanks Mike, yes NGC2023 is in my opinion overlooked due to its proximity to the Horsehead, so I deliberately wanted to bring it out.

Originally Posted by alpal

Hi Rolf,
that's a beautiful sharp picture with plenty of colour.
You are getting top results from your 12" f4.

cheers
Allan

Thank you Allan, I do enjoy the 12.5" f.4 scope, and it is well suited to the KAF-8300 chip.

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Good colour and detail Rolf. The saturation is very pleasing. The full res image is quite interesting to view.

Thank you Paul, I'm glad you like the saturation level because I did experiment a bit with that here in order to find the right balance.

Originally Posted by pluto

That's a great image!
So much detail and so much shape to the HH, excellent work

Thanks very much Hugh, the H-alpha really helped sharpen up the HH and curtains.

Originally Posted by suma126

great work rolf love your images

Thanks for your kind words Shane

Originally Posted by RickS

One of the best horseheads that I've seen. Masterfully done, Rolf!

Thanks a lot Rick, I'm very happy with the result and glad you enjoyed it!

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Of course, it is an excellent image (goes without saying) but... when I compare this to your earlier version I have that notorious "maybe a combination of the two would be peeeerfect" feeling that can occur with repros This latest version certainly highlights the curtain striations but the magenta (and I have nothing against magenta remember ) seems slightly too strong, the earlier version is a little redder and has less harshness and less noise and reveals more dust and stars

Might be worth a try?

Great stuff regardless and the B&W version does look excellent

Mike

Thank you Mike, and thanks for the feedback. I'll have to differ regarding the noise level though. The old image definitely has a lot more noise, but that was somewhat masked by poor noise reduction, and when comparing with the new version I feel the old one has a bit of that (IMO) dreaded 'plastic' look due to overprocessing. I've actually deliberately held back on the noise reduction this time around, something which I've grown fond of over the last couple of years.
Re magenta, well that is the natural colour of emission nebulae such as IC 434 so that's what I'd expect to see in this image, but of course the saturation level itself is a matter of taste. ...have I possibly hit your magenta-limit??
The stars were reduced a bit due to the Ha blend which I liked because it helped emphasize the dust and nebulae without resorting to the starless look. Though a starless version would be tempting... I'll have to think about that

Originally Posted by gregbradley

Fabulous image Rolf. I like your images they are always top notch.

Greg.

Thanks very much Greg!

Originally Posted by multiweb

That's superb Rolf. Amazing colors and details. Sub zero cool.

Thank you Marc, too kind!

Originally Posted by Andy01

This is a standout, benchmark image - technically stunning and beautifully processed. However I have to agree with Mike, it's way too magenta for my taste and imo it loses impact that would be there from a bolder red.

Not that I'm any kind of expert mind you, the standard of this image is something I would one day aspire to, well done indeed

Andy

Thanks very much Andy, re the colour please see my comments to Mike above

Originally Posted by AstroJason

This looks incredible Rolf. I really like the colour and curtain structure you have brought out in this. Keep them coming Rolf.

Cheers,

Jason

Thanks you Jason, I'm glad you liked the details that I specifically felt were lacking in the old image

Originally Posted by Leonardo70

Very nice Rolf. Great image.

All the best,
Leo

Thank you Leo

Originally Posted by Ross G

What a beautiful Horse Head photo Rolf.

One of the best I have ever seen!

Ross.

Thanks a lot Ross, that's very kind of you!