Some of you may have seen my posts about the SBIG ST-8300M. I have a Meade SN 8 inch scope at a fast f4 so I ordered a 2 inch filter wheel from SBIG. The beast arrived a few weeks back and the nose piece more recently.
The new camera rig is quite heavy - just under 2.8kg. This was a load for the EQ6 - especially as the OTA is weighty too. The camera was way too beefy for my humble JMI electronic focusser.
I was tempted to shift the camera set up and buy a QSI583 - the drop in the Aussie dollar and lack of interest for the SBIG put paid to that.
So... I upgraded to an RC8. The stock focuser is much more solid and handles the camera and filter wheel with ease. A bonus is that the weight distribution is so much better now the imager is at the back of the OTA. I managed to stretch my guiding out to 10 minute subs - at least on 1 side of the meridian.
Here's my first effort with the new set up. Its also my first attempt at LRGB and I'm quite happy with it.
There's about 1.5 hours of L (5 and 10 minute subs) and around 40 minutes each of R, G and B (5 minute subs binned at 2x). Aligned and combined in Maxim DL - quite easy once I figured out how to combine in Stack and then combine in Colour.
I've changed pcs so I have yet to load up Photoshop so there is no other processing applied other than the standard Medium stretch in Maxim.
Nice first shot Pete - some good detail in the galaxy!
A couple of things:
- Maxim appears to have black clipped the image somewhat? I don't use Maxim so don't know what control you have over this.
- There appears to be a line not far from the bottom below which has a marked difference in background level?
- There is a slight elongation in the stars due to guiding by the looks.
yes, I am very much a learner driver when it comes to Maxim. The odd background is a function of a shift in framing as a result of a meridian flip. Guiding was only so-so.
Very good for a first start and no Photoshoping on it yet.
Shadows/highlights will shrink the core of the galaxy.
Some curves and levels will boost the image. A bit of saturation to bring the colours up. Some cropping to get rid of the stacking overlap and frame it nicely.
Very good for a first start and no Photoshoping on it yet.
Shadows/highlights will shrink the core of the galaxy.
Some curves and levels will boost the image. A bit of saturation to bring the colours up. Some cropping to get rid of the stacking overlap and frame it nicely.
