Omega Centauri, second attempt

[thegableguy (Chris)]

My first attempt at this target two weeks ago was pretty ordinary - I was still learning to drift align and my processing & editing wasn't great. This one is significantly better, but keen to hear any suggestions of how it can be improved. 22 x 60-second subs (unguided) at ISO 1600.

[Sorry for the constant stream of new threads here - I'm just excited I've learnt to drift align and have clear moonless skies, making the most of it]

[raymo]

Looking good; my only comment is that the core is a bit blown out. You
needed some much shorter subs so that you could use layers to correct that.
raymo

[Atmos (Colin)]

Don't be sorry at all Chris, it is always exciting to start having images come out Always better to have a new thread for each target otherwise it becomes complicated within the thread.

On a target like this I would probably suggest dropping the ISO to 800 (others may disagree) so to increase the dynamic range. The core of the cluster is a lot brighter than the dimmer areas due to star density.

It is looking good though

[leon]

Not bad at all Chris, yes a little over cooked in the middle, but a great effort indeed.
As suggested, drop your ISO even further, when i was imaging i never went over 400 ISO, and it did make a difference, however that is just a suggestion.

Leon

[thegableguy (Chris)]

Originally Posted by leon

Not bad at all Chris, yes a little over cooked in the middle, but a great effort indeed.
As suggested, drop your ISO even further, when i was imaging i never went over 400 ISO, and it did make a difference, however that is just a suggestion.

Leon

I assume you were guided..? I'm at the mercy of my own alignment. I could probably get away with 400 for targets this bright, but nebulae need at least 800 for 2 mins (which is about my maximum). My cheap DSLR wouldn't pick up any faint detail at all, the sensor simply isn't sophisticated enough.

Quick question, though - if I shoot at several different ISOs for the one target, do I just chuck them all in together in DSS or do I need to make two separate TIFs and then combine them in Photoshop?

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

nice one chris, I have always struggled with globs.
this is really good.
if you go for a couple of iso's stack separately in DSS and combine later on.

[glend (Glen)]

Your all assuming he knows how to layer, cut and combine. Chris do you understand that processing jargon? And how to do it?

[thegableguy (Chris)]

Originally Posted by glend

Your all assuming he knows how to layer, cut and combine. Chris do you understand that processing jargon? And how to do it?

If you're talking about stuff done in Photoshop, then yes - that was my best guess as to what to try next.

If you're talking about something done in DSS, however, then not a clue!