I got some of this data at Christmas while at my parents place in Port Macquarie and the rest I got last night in Sydney. Both nights were pretty warm, humid and hazy but hey...
The first pic is straight out of DSS and processed in Lightroom. The second one I took into PS and did a bit of work to each colour channel separately to try and bring out a bit more of the faint stuff. Not sure which I prefer.
20x45sec @ ISO3200
20x45sec @ ISO6400
20x45sec @ ISO12800
with darks, no flats
Very nice image Hugh, seems like your setup is working just fine I prefer the first image, and a small change in colour balance will help bring out the details. Also perhaps try using curves to reduce the highlights, they're a little blown out from the faint stuff. Or alternatively, just select the core in photoshop (if you have it) and reduce its brightness. Not sure if lightroom allows you to 'spot' adjust histograms
Thanks guys
Brian - I use a SW 80ED on an EQ5 with my 5DmkII and an Astronomik CLS.
Meru - I agree the top end is a bit blown out, I'll have another go when I can get a bit more data. Looking forward to some colder weather as my 5DmkII was running at around 40degC for those!
I really think you need to move your pictures out of the beginners pages .. really beautiful work! I hope you dont mind, i made your picture my tablets wallpaper, I could only dream of getting results like yours. really fantastic work!!!!:thumbs up:
Those are very good photos Hugh , what scope did you use ? 
I prefer the first image, and a small change in colour balance will help bring out the details. Also perhaps try using curves to reduce the highlights, they're a little blown out from the faint stuff. Or alternatively, just select the core in photoshop (if you have it) and reduce its brightness. Not sure if lightroom allows you to 'spot' adjust histograms
