The Belt, a Horsey and a Witch

[bobbyf (Bob)]

Taken during a night last month in the southern Flinders Ranges, SA.

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED (at F5.6) on a D3300
NEQ6 mount with a ASI120MC on a finderguider for guiding.

5 min subs - about 40 for the belt and 6 for the witch.

Flats, darks and bias shots added.
Processed in DSS and PS.
Thanks

Bob

[JA]

Great Images and colour and detail, esp the outline of the witch. I'm sure they'd be great at Full Res.

Can I ask, did you stop down a lot for these images, as the diffraction spikes "sunstars" seem prominent. Usually that's when smaller than f/5.6-8.

Best
JA

[bobbyf (Bob)]

Thanks JA
Yes, the required compression certainly kills a lot of detail.

The sun stars are prominent at F5.6 with this lens, which i was really happy with, as that was exactly the look i wanted from this image.
I have a 200mm F4 too, and the sun stars are as prominent at F8, but then obviously your exposure time is increased.

Really happy with the 180mm lens so far though.
Looking forward to the next new moon

Cheers

Bob