G'day folks. Looking at recent posts it's obvious the Carina Nebula is popular, and rightly so as it's magnificent. But rather than do a widefield image I've got somewhat closer to the nebula's core ... and continued learning to image with my new SCT setup (now with 0.7 reducer). Also learning the essential art of SCT collimation using a tri-baht mask.
The resultant image is from two sessions; I lost about 2/3 of the 1st session's subs due clouds. 2nd session was great. Total integration is 3hrs 10 mins and I'm quite happy with the final image which has lots of detail when viewed full size (here:
https://pbase.com/image/173297695)
Key things I learnt are: 0.7 reducer introduces mild chromatic aberration, and, also distorts guide stars when viewed via an OAG (but PHD2 still guided perfectly). Subsequent research shows both are common. Regardless, I'll keep using the reducer as imaging at 1422mm is easier than 2032mm!
As always, thanks for looking. Alex
EdgeHD 8", 0.7 reducer
95 x 120s, Antlia dual NB, ASI294MC
D, F, DF. PI & PS