first try, no guiding

[Benno (Ben)]

bit embarrassing given the quality of images i se on here, but here is my first shot at astro imaging.
4 x 20 sec exposures to test the equipment before i got a phone call to go away for work.
granted more time is needed in ps and the likes but feel free to c & c where necessary

[TrevorW]

When posting photo's please supply details of camera/ scope/ ISO setting etc as it makes it easier to provide constructive feedback IMO.

As I've been finding out imaging takes a lot of dedication and time.

More time can in fact be spent processing to get the image exactly the way it should look and even then it may be wrong.

The one thing I learnt very quickly is that you need to go longer on your exposures for faint detail and more but shorter exposures for dynamic targets or a combination of two.

Keep it up the challenge can be self placating and all the help you may need can be found on this site.

[AlexN]

First things first.. For an initial attempt without guiding, its not bad.. you can clearly see that its M42, thats definitely a start!!

You might want to spend a bit of time drift aligning your mount.. I've managed to get mine good enough to run 4 minute unguided exposures with very nice round stars.. Guiding is generally seen as a requirement for good images.. even the big boys with over $100,000 worth of scope/mount/camera guide... this is because more than just the polar alignment affect how a resulting image will look..

PM me if you would like a copy of the easiest drift align method i've found on the net.. its very very easy to follow and it will definitely improve your imaging capabilities...

Cheers mate, Good going

Alex.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Hey there Benno

You gotta start somewhere, and that M42 is already better than many I've seen. Spend some of your time learning drift alignment techniques and then spend the rest exposing!

Well done!

[spearo (Frank)]

Good first image Benno
M42 was my first image posted on IIS too and I took a little trip down memory lane today looking at the replies the members gave me. It provided great advice and encouragement which spurred me on.

There's plenty of good advice here and you're off to a great start
have a look at MY first post from 2006 (and yes, though you can barely recognize it....it IS M42 ! )
Keep at it look forward to your other images
cheers
frank

[Benno (Ben)]

cheers for the comments and advice
sorry scope is skywatcher sw-252, eq6 goto mount, canon 400D unmodded