Both Last and First Light

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

I have recently moved interstate from NSW to SA, and so I present here two images, both taken in the midst of moving...

1) "Last light" from Griffith NSW - The Running Chicken. 199 x 2min subs @ISO1600, modded Canon 1000D, Long Perng 80mm f6 achromat with a WO field flattener and a WO VR1 violet reducing filter. exif temps of around 12-15C. A slightly larger image here: http://www.astrobin.com/full/76856/0/

2) "First light" from Strathalbyn SA - the Tarantula Nebula and other significant features of the LMC. 239 x 3min subs and 14 x 4min subs @ ISO1600 with the same camera and scope setup as above. exif temps of around 18-22C. A slightly larger image here: http://www.astrobin.com/full/76858/0/

In the full res versions there are some very strange star shapes in the corners, which I have seen with this camera with other lenses and scopes, so I think that there might be some sensor tilt. Over the next month i hope to be able to dismantle the camera to fix. In the mean time I have reduced the "larger" images by 50% of the original size to improve the aesthetics, and these 50% images are the ones which have been uploaded to Astrobin.

Comments and feedback welcome..

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Two nice images Richard, nothing like imaging on the move

Where have you moved to in SA? Dark skies I hope?

Mike

[gregbradley]

Nice work Richard.

The one taken at the new location seems to have a bit more contrast. Are there darker skies there?

Greg.

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Thanks Mike/Greg. We've moved to Strathalbyn, which is a small town about 50km from suburban Adelaide. Skies are dark in both places but I reckon Strathalbyn has the edge.

The difference in contrast could also be a result of my processing rather than the location. I used the new Pixinsight "MaskedStretch" process for the second image, which may have helped to boost contrast

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

The WO VR1 and LP achro really work well together. I took a test shot at the chicken with my achro and said Nup. The CA was too strong.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Nice shots. I like the tarantula best. Great colors

[tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook)]

to S.A. Richard.

Both good images but your Tarantula is my favourite.

The colour balance is great!

Enjoy your self in the land of the Southern Argus.

Cheers,

Justin.

[cosmophoton (Luiz)]

Nice shots Richard, very well done.
Luiz

[RickS (Rick)]

I like 'em both, Richard!

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

thanks for the nice comments I must admit that the VR1 / LP achro combo worked much better than I expected. Now I just need to address those star shapes!

[Ross G]

Great looking photos Richard.

I also love your Tarantula shot.

Good luck with your new location.

Ross.