this is the first shot after my drift alignment with the Zenithstar 80 and 350D.
3 minutes @ISO 1600
UHC-S Baader filter
all comments from the experts ( good or bad gratefully accepted )
There doesn't seem to be any tracking problems (although difficult to tell at that focal length). Focus is good and the depth of nebulosity is very good.
Check the histogram of your image. You should be able to set the black point considerably higher (move the slider to the left edge of the histogram). That will improve contrast. However it will also show up the considerable vignetting.
To improve the results consider calibration with darks and flats and stack heaps of frames.
I am not an expert but the sky appears slightly blue, by reducing the blue you may find that the area of nebula will increase. (reduce blue will increase the red)
Mick...I had a little play with you Jpeg image as above...plenty of detail for 1 exposure...burnt out the keyhole a bit to much but plenty of Neb to be seen.
Howdy
Yes the origina is a good image. heres my effort at processing, I opened it in Photoshop and used Gradient exterminator to eliminate vignetting and to neutralise the bluish cast from the filter, it brings out the nebula detail. I tweaked Levels a bit in photoshop, heres the result.
Scott
