That looks great!
The lens you speak of, it wouldn't perhaps be a Sicor-XL 28mm f2.8 would it?
I just acquired one (pentax lens used on Cosina (I got the camera too)) and I have an adapter to fit Pentax PK lenses on my Nikon D810. Detail like you captured has me thinking it could be good to try. Last night would have been good if I didn't sink in my back yard).
The Pentax KF is it an APS-C sensor?
I'd get a wider field on my full frame Nikon I believe.
Sorry, last STUPID question, multiple exposures stacked or exposure time?
Hi, no its your standard Pentax SMC-M 28mm F2.8
60 lights, 20 darks, 24 flats, 50 bias. Just standard Deep Sky Stacker and the ancient PS 7. The KF is an APS-C. I have a lot of old Pentax lenses so thats why I use them over FF. I use Canon for FF. Conditions were quite misty and cold which is why I gave up after 60 frames.
I had a play tonight before the cloud rolled in but I just couldn't get the lens focused and I went from infinity right through to the other end of the scale in small increments. Bad eyesight doesn't help.
I have several Pentax lenses and the PK to Nikon F adapter but not sire if the adapter threw my focus out of whack somehow. I have used the adapter with a late 35mm plastic Pentax lens for the macro capability at 80mm and it was extremely crisp plus a couple of 70s zoon lenses.
I ran through 50 frames , bought the card inside to my computer and realised it couldn't be further out of focus if I tried.
I may have another Pentax 28mm f2.8, not sure what's on the Cosina body, could be 28, 35 or 50, I haven't looked, your image has inspired me to try and I like several of my much older lenses. It's a stunning image!
Throw in sub par live view in the dark for the Nikon D810, I can't even see stars on the screen at f2.8 and 3600 ISO.
If we get another clear night tomorrow I may try again but I'll take my hair dryer out, it was sub zero out there and that may not have helped achieving focus if the lens was frosting up.
Great image, Max. A lot of depth to the colours, and to my eyes, you have nailed the contrast between the 'dark heart' and the brighter edges of the core.
