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Pages: << 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | >> (show all) Peter9 Post Laureate Reged: 10/30/08 Loc: Yorkshire - Born & Bred Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4763691 - 08/23/11 04:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Tel, You've certainly captured the Nebula very well. Like Dan and yourself, I think it's the amount of stars that detract somewhat from the overall look of the image. I look forward to seeing your next attempt when the weather permits. I'm not holding my breath on that one. Thanks for posting. Best Regards. Peter. Post Extras:       MushroomBill super member Reged: 02/26/09 Loc: Oxfordshire. UK. Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Peter9]       #4763869 - 08/23/11 08:36 AM Attachment (16 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   There have been so few chances to get out lately that I've almost forgotten on how to post in this thread! There are some excellent images in here - some of the recent Jupiter shots are absolutely brilliant. You know I thought I'd bought everything I needed (for at least 6 months anyway) then someone had the nerve to buy and post images using a filter!!! Here's a moon shot from Sunday night - 500 frames, stacked in Registax 6. Post Extras:       haytor Pooh-Bah Reged: 11/29/07 Loc: Smethwick near Birmingham UK. Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: MushroomBill]       #4763875 - 08/23/11 08:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ha Ha, or is that H-Alpha Great shot Andy!! regards, Tom Post Extras:       Alex Post Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/24/08 Loc: Iowa, USA Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4763907 - 08/23/11 09:09 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Tel, this kind of objects started to interest me as well recently. The sad part is we are deviating from alt-az NexStar idea rapidly. Not bad development and probably a simple matter of evolution. I think one thing this shows is versatility of NexStar. This is how beginners can try out many things with this simple setup and how it continues to be useful years after the orange tube gets off the original mount. Thanks for the picture. Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4764402 - 08/23/11 01:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Tel, Sounds like the idea of using a filter to cut down on the stars would be good, although I seem to recall seeing a tutorial by Anna Morris where she used PS to do that. IIRC, it is in the Advanced list here. Now I have a question. You mentioned using an IR filter because your camera is unmodded. How will that work? Doesn't the unmodded camera have an IR cut filter internally over the chip? Won't that negate an externally applied IR filter? And isn't that the purpose of doing the camera mod - getting rid of that IR cut filter? Shoot, maybe I'm totally confused! Anyway, I think that the reason your Veil is mostly blue is that your camera cut out the Ha red (in the IR part of the spectrum) and left you with what you see. Actually though, I like what you did get. Perusing the imaging forums, I seem to recall that the Veil is difficult to get right. You did a good job there, my friend! Post Extras:       Arthur Dent Galactic Hitch-Hiker Reged: 10/23/08 Loc: South Yorkshire, UK Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Skip]       #4764421 - 08/23/11 01:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Skip Yep, an un-modded SLR camera already has a filter over the CCD chip. To modify a DSLR for astrophotography involves the removal of the stock IR/UV filter that comes factory-installed in your DSLR. Several options exist with what to replace it with, and whether or not to replace it at all. A DSLR can be used un-modified but astroimages - particularly those with a significant amount of red (eg nebulae) due to hydrogen-alpha will suffer - the red will be virtually washed-out as the stock UV/IR filter blocks this light from reaching the sensor. Baader Planetarium Baader sell replacement filters and indeed here in Europe, Baader will modify your camera for you. The Baader filters are sold in the US by Alpine Astronomical. You can attempt to modify your camera yourself and there are several websites which detail this procedure but given the (a) cost of the camera and (b) the complexity therein, it is not something I would attempt myself. Call me a wuss if you like! Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Arthur Dent]       #4764439 - 08/23/11 01:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yo Art, I completely agree with you. I would NOT attempt the camera modification myself. One of the most popular vendors here in USA is Gary Honis. There are others as well. Many people replace the stock filter with the Baader replacement that you mentioned. Some just leave it filterless. I have no idea what the pros and cons are. Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Alex Post]       #4764675 - 08/23/11 03:59 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Tel, this kind of objects started to interest me as well recently. The sad part is we are deviating from alt-az NexStar idea rapidly. Not bad development and probably a simple matter of evolution. I think one thing this shows is versatility of NexStar. This is how beginners can try out many things with this simple setup and how it continues to be useful years after the orange tube gets off the original mount. Thanks for the picture. Hi Alex, Although there is always room for improvement and further imaging experimentation with the old chestnuts, (e.g. (M57, M13, M31,M81, M82 etc. etc.), I am beginning to look around for some, perhaps more challenging, DSOs. As to us deviating in our imaging methods, this is quite true but for certain it represents only a natural progression, the roots of which laying in our determination to get the best out of what equipment we had at the time and with you making a far better job of it than I ! Our aim therefore should be to nurture that determination and hope that some of our enthusiasm for this facet of our hobby rubs off on other "Nexstarers" so that they will at least try some basic imaging for which these 'scopes, even in original guise, are perfectly capable of achieving. Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       Smittty692k4 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/05/11 Loc: East Bernard, TX Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4764686 - 08/23/11 04:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dumb question) Is there any sort of Image processing tutorial?? Like an in depth guide for planets, clusters, nebula, galaxies.. etc. Im sure they are not all processed in the same fashion, using the same "tweaks".. Or is it just more of a "trial and error" type of thing? - Matt Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Skip]       #4764718 - 08/23/11 04:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Hi Tel, Sounds like the idea of using a filter to cut down on the stars would be good, although I seem to recall seeing a tutorial by Anna Morris where she used PS to do that. IIRC, it is in the Advanced list here. Now I have a question. You mentioned using an IR filter because your camera is unmodded. How will that work? Doesn't the unmodded camera have an IR cut filter internally over the chip? Won't that negate an externally applied IR filter? And isn't that the purpose of doing the camera mod - getting rid of that IR cut filter? Shoot, maybe I'm totally confused! Anyway, I think that the reason your Veil is mostly blue is that your camera cut out the Ha red (in the IR part of the spectrum) and left you with what you see. Actually though, I like what you did get. Perusing the imaging forums, I seem to recall that the Veil is difficult to get right. You did a good job there, my friend! Hi Skip, Firstly let me thank you for those invaluable PS tutorials. I have viewed them briefly but won't profess yet to understand them, particularly the one citing "destarification", (is there such a word or did I just make that up) ? Anything like this is useful where PS is concerened although there are so many techniques available it is difficult to know where to start ! I heard once that for every image modification required, PS offers 17 techniques by which the mod. can be achieved ! Confusing to say the least ! Talking of confusion, yes, I got it all wrong with my approach to the use of an IR filter with my DSLR. Having read Art's explanation and referred to Michael Covington's book on DSLR imaging, it was a total mistake on my part to ADD an IR filter ! I really should read more rather than just blunder on, but I assumed that as one needs to apply an IR blocking filter when using CCD cameras; I equally, but erroneously assumed that I was doing myself a favour in placing one on my DSLR, not realising that it's the integral IR filter which needs to be REMOVED rather than any to be inserted, to modify these cameras ! As to making use of the UHC filter, I'm looking forward to seeing what sort of a result is forthcoming. Anyone know in advance what the effects might be ? Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       Arthur Dent Galactic Hitch-Hiker Reged: 10/23/08 Loc: South Yorkshire, UK Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Skip]       #4764791 - 08/23/11 05:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Yo Art, I completely agree with you. I would NOT attempt the camera modification myself. One of the most popular vendors here in USA is Gary Honis. There are others as well. Many people replace the stock filter with the Baader replacement that you mentioned. Some just leave it filterless. I have no idea what the pros and cons are. Two cons of leaving the camera without a filter in place are it alters the position of the focal plane slightly and it can allow dust onto the sensor element I believe. This is why some people replace the original internal UV/IR filter with a plane glass filter, but if you are going to dissassemble the camera in order to do that, you might as well fit the Baader filter. Incidentally Tel, the IR filter needs to be added when the camera is being used 'as normal' - ie as an ordinary DSLR for day-time use (family / holidays etc). If the camera is left without the IR filter, the auto-focus may not operate quite as before, the exposures will be slightly under-exposed (I believe) and there will also be a slight colour-cast on the images because the IR which is normally blocked can now get to the camera's sensor (this is also why the images are slightly under-exposed as more radiation can now fall onto the CCD sensor which the calibrated exposure meter reads as more light - so reducing the exposure). Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Smittty692k4]       #4764803 - 08/23/11 05:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Dumb question) Is there any sort of Image processing tutorial?? Like an in depth guide for planets, clusters, nebula, galaxies.. etc. Im sure they are not all processed in the same fashion, using the same "tweaks".. Or is it just more of a "trial and error" type of thing? - Matt Hi Matt, In no way is that a dumb question because it asks for knowledge of a subject which is not readily accessible from general sources nor demands mere common sense. My own view is that of course books and video tutorials are available but as the subject is so large, their contents are, from necessity, diverse and thus divided as is in fact the art of astro-imaging itself. As a prime example and as I'm sure you're aware, the equipment and processing techniques used to capture lunar and planetary images differ significantly from those one uses to photograph DSOs. If then you think the bug is biting and given that you currently own a Nexstar 8SE standardly alt.az. mounted, your best introduction to the art might well be to consider lunar and planetary imaging with a simple, slightly modified webcam, (such as the Neximage). Capturing a multiframe video, this can be sifted frame by frame for quality, stacked and process enhanced by, for example, the free download software Registax 6 to produce excellent images. Diversely, the use of a DSLR camera plus the use of either Registax 6, its own accompanying software or many other processing downloads, is a feasible option for the capture of some DSOs from your alt./az. mount so long as exposure times are not excessive. This, as you realise, Matt, is merely a very shallow glossary of what's involved. If you could let us know where your interests might initally lie, I'm sure the folks here will be more than willing to assist you further. Hoping this basic overview helps, Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       Arthur Dent Galactic Hitch-Hiker Reged: 10/23/08 Loc: South Yorkshire, UK Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4764828 - 08/23/11 05:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Update: For those wishing to 'have a go' at DIY modifying their own Canon 350D for astrophotography... http://www.flickr.com/photos/20910939@N02/sets/72157603814702374/ http://www.lifepixel.com/tutorials/infrared-diy-tutorials/canon-rebel-xt-350d There you go Tel - no excuse now Post Extras:       Smittty692k4 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/05/11 Loc: East Bernard, TX Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Arthur Dent]       #4765235 - 08/23/11 09:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oh Tel, you know, just a little of everything! HAHA. But I think imaging might still be a ways away for me. I would love to be able to have a picture of Saturn framed that I took. Also several nebula, and a cluster or 2. But I have just ridiculous amounts of free time at work ( I read Choosing and Using a New Cat) in 2 days. So If there was some vids or books online to skim through, Id love to start sponging up some info on it. Thanks!! - Matt Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Smittty692k4]       #4765606 - 08/24/11 03:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Matt, You know what they say, "The devil finds work for idle hands" so we'd better try to keep you occupied ! Uncle Rod's book is a fair amount to digest in only two days so with all admiration for the feat, I can see it might be quite a job to keep you amused for any length of time ! As you can appreciate though, the amount written on astrophotography and all its facets must be legion. No doubt therefore, others may well advise you on what to view and read. Meantime, "Starizona" appear to cover this side of our hobby pretty well, so, assuming you have a laptop or desktop to hand, I'm going to recommend you start perhaps by taking a look at the following links which I hope you find interesting. http://starizona.com/acb/ccd/ccd.aspx & http://www.starizona.com/acb/ccd/advimagingplanet.aspx Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       ghataa professor emeritus Reged: 06/20/11 Loc: Central, NJ Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Tel]       #4766241 - 08/24/11 12:37 PM Attachment (16 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi All, We have been vacationing in South Carolina hoping Hurricane Irene stays east! May retreat to the mountains for a few days but that plan is still evolving. Anyway, I did take the 8SE with me on the trip with the tempation of imaging on the horizon over the ocean too great. Granted there is a trade off of having humid nights and wind but decided to give it a go. I gave M8 a try as it is hard for me to image from my home (trees) and I had a clear shot from the condo balcony. Skies here on the coast are orange vs red but it wasn't a perfectly controlled experiment as I tried the Astronimik CLS light pollution filter. Makes me wonder what a true dark sight would look like. 128 15 sec subs ISO 1600 15 darks Canon T3i Astronomik CLS light pollution filter (first time tried) DSS for stacking, PS CS5 for processing, one pass through noise Ninja. I had to do some cropping due to field rotation. I must say I was pleasantly suprised! The core was particulary pleasing to me. 8SE is grab and go! Best, George Post Extras:       haytor Pooh-Bah Reged: 11/29/07 Loc: Smethwick near Birmingham UK. Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: ghataa]       #4766376 - 08/24/11 01:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice indeed George, those 15 second exposures certainly keep those stars nice and round too. Kinda reminds me of the old sci fi series, The Time Tunnel, Thanks for sharing george!! regards, Tom. Post Extras:       Peter9 Post Laureate Reged: 10/30/08 Loc: Yorkshire - Born & Bred Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: haytor]       #4766440 - 08/24/11 01:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Great image George. M8 is one we don't see too often. I like the tunnel effect mentioned by Tom. Looks for all the world it is moving towards you. Thanks for posting. Regards. Peter. Post Extras:       Alex Post Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/24/08 Loc: Iowa, USA Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Peter9]       #4770976 - 08/26/11 06:57 PM Attachment (11 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Testing new C8/CGEM on pier setup: Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: NexStar Imaging Showcase [Re: Alex Post]       #4771031 - 08/26/11 07:38 PM Attachment (11 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   .#. 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