My first image

[bert (Brett)]

My first image; 47 tucanae

60 secs exposure unguided.

Taken on Vixen ed103s, CG5 with autostar (roboscope custom) and Orion deep space imager.

Temperature was around -4c!

Criticism Please! This is first of hopefully many so hints, tips appreciated.

Brett

[multiweb (Marc)]

For a first it's just great. Bit over exposed. Try more exposures lower durations. In the future have a look into autoguiding then focusing aids. Hartman mask is a good way to start. I still use one to date. Keep up the good work.

[leon]

We all started somewhere, and for your first attempt you have done very well.

As mentioned a bit over exposed, but this will come with experimenting at different ISO settings, focusing and accurate guiding is pretty much essential for exposures over 15 to 20 seconds.

However keep at it and with the help of many experienced people on IIS you will be producing pretty decent images in no time, well done.

leon

[RB (Andrew)]

You're off to a good start Brett.
As mentioned it's overexposed and the focus isn't sharp.

Marc's suggestion of a Hartman mask is spot on.

Keep at it and you'll nail it quite quickly.

[bert (Brett)]

Thanks guys!

I'll make a hartmann mask up this afternoon.

Multiweb: I've got a ed80 mounted on top of the ed103 and a orion autoguider is on its way. I tried to guide with an LPI, but it has issues.

So Rb, Loen and multiweb thanks for the advice.

Brett

[multiweb (Marc)]

You can print one out for any size scope at: http://billyard.servehttp.com/Hartmann.html
Once you get your orion autoguider I recommend PHD guiding from www.stark-labs.com .
Good luck with it all.

[bert (Brett)]

I made a hartman mask from a paper plate, I cut 2 triangles in it, it really makes focusing very easy. I read somewhere that triangles give diffraction spikes and that show better fine focus than a hartman with circles. Seems to work!

Brett

[multiweb (Marc)]

Triangles will invert and you'll know if you go past the focus point. I usually take a shot bin 1x1, then zoom on faint star 200% until I see no more triangles in subsequent exposures. Then don't forget to remove the mask before starting your imaging session. It's easy to forget that last step.

[batema (Mark)]

I use a program called focus assist (free at the time) and another little magnifier that allows you to download images from my Canon to the laptop and as you adjust your focus you can use the magnifier to fine tune the image. Great start to a great hobby/interest.

Mark B

[Ric]

Originally Posted by bert

I made a hartman mask from a paper plate, I cut 2 triangles in it, it really makes focusing very easy. I read somewhere that triangles give diffraction spikes and that show better fine focus than a hartman with circles. Seems to work!

Brett

Hi Brett, a good first image. I use a Hartmann mask with three triangles and it definitely gives a better result when compared to circles in my opinion.

I made mine from cardboard glued onto an embroidery hoop, work perfectly.

Cheers

[Alchemy (Clive)]

Originally Posted by bert

Temperature was around -4c!

Criticism Please!

Brett

Sure brett, what on eath are you doing outside when its so cold.

welcome to imaging, look forward to watching your progress, at this point in time keep an eye on the focus and tracking, next start using multiple exposures....... and most of all enjoy the experience.

cheers clive

[Jen]

i love checking out the newbie pictures it gives me hope that one day i can do this too
well done Brett
cheers

[winensky]

Congratulations and welcome. Hope to see much more!

[bert (Brett)]

Winensky: Thanks for encouragement,

Jen: Give imaging a go!

Alchemy: Yeah I know. It was one the WARMER clear nights lately. I give up when the wine freezes.

Ric: I used 2 triangles but I'll give 3 a try, I made mine from paper plates and velcroed them to my ota, it works kinda well it even hinges off the ota.

Batema: I'll check it out.

Thanks all for comments