Helix Nebula

[Pepper (Steve)]

Hi all.
I bought a new asi533 the other day. I’ve been wanting to step into a ‘proper’ Astro camera and the 533 appealed to me from a performance vs price point.
Ordered from optics central on a Friday and it made its way to me by the Monday. For once paying the extra for express was worth it.!
Dabbled around with ngc55 on the first night to see how it performed against my Nikon d5300. Was very impressed I must say.
After learning a bit about it I was set to go last night for some helix action.
Here is the result of 1.5 hrs of 5min subs.
Guiding was superb last night and my 8inch newt stayed steady.
I also came to the conclusion that me and GIMP are not really getting along so I gave startools a try. The results were excellent compared to what I’m used to, and upon finding out I couldn’t save the image on free version I immediately paid the piper for a license. Fabulous software for a deadhead like me.
I’d also like to give a big thanks to Martin (Star Trek) for his basic workflow. What a legend. I’m sure it’s not 100% but the result is better than I used to!
Anyways. I hope you enjoy the result as much as I did.
Makes all the cash and hair pulling worth it to finally get a decent image that’s really worth posting.

[Marko of Oz (Mark)]

Nice. Imaging that one myself atm, while watching a huge storm front sweep across Tassie on the weather radar.

[Startrek (Martin)]

Steve,
Great image of the Helix with your new camera
Up and up from here
Well done !!
Glad your slowly getting your head around Startools , it’s really powerful software and the standard workflow always nets a reasonable result.
I’m assuming you used a filter ?
Even though I’ve used Startools for nearly 4 years I’m still finding new processing tips to improve, always a works in progress.
Always happy to assist folk on IIS ( where I can , I’m still a beginner )
Thanks for your kind comments too
Cheers
Martin
PS I’ve also got some procedures for narrowband Bi colour too ( if your interested) using a OSC Duoband or multiband filter and the Compose module in Startools. I have the Optolong L Extreme which is unbelievable

[Pepper (Steve)]

Thanks mark and Martin.
I didn’t use a filter on this one( I did forget to remove the ircut though)
I’ll be buying the optolong l enhance or extreme soon. Haven’t decided yet.
For now, I’m pretty stoked.

[Craig_]

Great job with this.
The 533 is an amazing camera for the price!

Originally Posted by Pepper

Thanks mark and Martin.
I didn’t use a filter on this one( I did forget to remove the ircut though)

You'll want to be using a UV/IR Cut filter with this camera if you are not using a dualband or LP filter though, otherwise you will get significant star bloat.

[Anth10 (Anthony M)]

That’s a fine effort Steve.
Anthony

[Sunfish (Ray)]

Good shot. Helps to have that filter on.

[Pepper (Steve)]

Thanks guys. I’m searching for a good wide field scope to use with this camera.
Anyone who owns a 533 might be able to advise filter size. My ircut is a 1.25inch. When I buy an optolong filter will the 1.25 be enough or is it worth going to the 2 inch?

[Sunfish (Ray)]

Not sure about the minimum size but I use a T2 ir/ uv straight on the 183mC and just keep it on. Makes it easy to adapt to everything else.