Had another go at a wide field of the Milky Way last night. After taking on advice from my last effort from the SPSP, I've tried longer exposures.
4 at ISO 800, F3.5, 5 minutes each + dark
2 at ISO 640, F3.5, 5 minutes each + dark
2 at ISO 400, F3.5, 6 minutes each + dark
1 at ISO 1600, 3.5, 3 minutes + dark
And 2 dead camera batteries....
I think I'm slowly making progress so, any advice and comments are always welcome.
I've also included the pic straight from DSS before I've had a tinker in Photo Shop.
Looking good. The image is a bit bright compared to some others I have seen but the detail is nice. Maybe the LP is causing this. I am not sure raising the black point would help but it may be worth a try.
Also, did you apply flats as these also have the effect of darkening the background? I can see from the original you have some vignetting and a flat would definately remove this and make for a much better image.
Looking good. The image is a bit bright compared to some others I have seen but the detail is nice. Maybe the LP is causing this. I am not sure raising the black point would help but it may be worth a try.
Also, did you apply flats as these also have the effect of darkening the background? I can see from the original you have some vignetting and a flat would definately remove this and make for a much better image.
Paul
Thanks Paul
Light pollution is a problem as there is a major shopping center just south east from here. Next time I will have a go at doing some flats.
Thanks Mike
I think I'm heading in the right direction. Still need to be more patient with focusing, and processing needs more practice. I won't be able to use as long exposures when I try and tackle something at longer focal lengths. Might also use a single ISO value next time and do more exposures?
Purchased a cheap German EQ mount last year and have the camera mounted directly on top. I find a couple of 5-10 minute exposures are all it takes to fine tune the polar alignment.
Deeno that's a HUGE improvement over your previous Milky Way.
Colour, detail and clarity is much better.
Next on your list will have to be to apply flats.