Trifid with a new reducer

[aarong (Aaron)]

Hi guys,

A break in the weather allowed me to test out a new Optec Lepus 0.62x focal reducer. Pretty happy that the stars are round towards to edges of the frame. Only a small crop to remove stacking errors. Seeing conditions were bad, so surprised with the result. Also still learning PixInsight and how to use the OAG. If it wasn't cloudy I'd be gathering more data!

Any suggestions welcome.

Trifid Nebula again.
LRGB 5 min subs, 35:25:25:25 mins
Total 110 min exposure
QSI 683WGS camera at -20C
OAG with image source camera, PHD2
Captured with SGP
Only Darks used.
LX90GPS 8"
1240mm @F/6.2

Processed in PixInsight and tweaks in PS6.

[Rex]

Hi Aaron, not bad at all mate. Learning knew equipment can take a lot of time and frustration, but generally once you get it sorted it all pays off.

[aarong (Aaron)]

Thanks Rex. Certainly a learning curve from the dslr.

I used the masked stretch tool in PixInsight and it doesn't have much contrast as a result. Tried to get it back, but still a bit lacking. May have another play soon.

Aaron

[Rex]

Aaron try the LHE (Local histogram equalization) tool. It's very good, but you will have to play with the settings to get the results you want. After mask stretch it does a good job of bringing back some contrast. Hope that helps.

[aarong (Aaron)]

Thanks Rex. I did play with the LHE but had another go. Also did some small curves adjustments. Here it is.

The dark lanes are starting to get a bit too dark, so didn't push it any further.

[SimmoW (SIMON)]

Lovely image and a nice camera I see.

Maybe post it to Astrobin or Flickr where we can see a decent rez pic, it's terrible what the IIS loader does to hard-fought images.