Tips on processing widefields

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi guys.

I'm after some tips on processing widefield shots, like these ones that I can do with my camera on a tripod on my EQ platform.

The ones in that thread are single shots only, with very minimal processing.

I took some shots on Saturday night, and have approx 5-10 shots each of 3 separate areas of sky. Obviously for each "set" of shots, I want to:
a) Stack/combine the shots
b) Process them
c) (optionally) Stitch them

What is the best software to use for (a) and (b), and what functions and techniques do you do?

I've only got Photoshop CS and Registax, as well as a demo version of Registar. I haven't tried ImagesPlus. I've got IRIS installed, and tried it once, but hated the user interface so gave up on it.

I took the shots in RAW, so once I covert them to 300dpi 16-bit TIF they'll be a set of 47meg TIF's.

What's the best software for stacking the widefield images? What do you use, and can you give a (brief) tutorial on using it for this purpose?

I can upload the RAW's or the converted TIFs tonight for you to have a play around with.

Thanks

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

If you have Registar Mike, you have one of the best registration, alignment and stacking programs around. PS for curves and levels. Stitch them with PS, though my preference for stitching for upload is still autostitch.

[Itchy]

Hi Mike

I process my wide field shots in a similar manner to my deep sky shots.

ie in ImagePlus: RAW conversion to prebayer CFA. Calibration with CFA darks, flats and bias. After calibration, the files are Bayer interpolated. I then align and stack, usuallly with translate and rotate. I then use Digital development, as I described in my article.

Other processing is done in Photoshop (Levels/Curves etc).

You do need to be a little careful when stretching, so as not to overblow the stars. But other than that is is pretty much the same.

If you want to post some RAWs, I'll have a go at them, but I won't be able to do anything until Friday this week as I am currently in Melbourne.

Cheers

[Striker (Tony)]

Imagesplus 2.75

I use the automatic image processing.....load all my images plus Flats, Darks & Bias frames under color image set process...hit Process...come back in about 10 minutes....shazam...done..
Then align with translate and rotate then combine.

Play around with levels in digital development to get a nice histogram then shoot it off to PhotoshopCS.

I use this for all my images.

[iceman (Mike)]

How much does imagesplus cost?

I'll upload the raws sometime today.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by iceman

How much does imagesplus cost?

I'll upload the raws sometime today.

Mike about 270 dollars,

send me some raws to h0ughy at tpg.com.au

[iceman (Mike)]

sif send 30+ meg of raws through email

I'll upload them shortly.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by iceman

sif send 30+ meg of raws through email

I'll upload them shortly.

great, now i have to get back to the garage and finish making a mess, ahh cleaning it