8 replies to this topic

[TomC_RR]

I was wondering what the thoughts are on using Masked Stretch for the initial stretch. 
I have been taking my images thru BXT, SPCC, Gradient Correction, then SXT. 
Initial stretch (or only stretch)  on stars is with Histogram Stretch. Then the starless with Masked Stretch.

It usually comes out too dark for my liking, but I feel like it is a good place to start. GHS has been my next step. Then a mixed bag of PI tricks after that until I feel it’s complete.
I don’t see or hear much about Masked Stretch, 

thoughts?

 

[StargazerLuigi]

I recall using MaskedStretch and not loving it (probably because I was doing it wrong). 

 

For quick processing I've been using the SetiAstro Statistical Stretch. GHS otherwise. We all have our favored tools; use whichever get the results you like. No reason that I know of the Masked Stretch isn't suitable for your use case.

[TXLS99]

For high dynamic range targets that require lots of iterations of stretching, I personally have enjoyed using Range Selection to mask small areas as needed, I just find it easier than Masked Stretch and I like the results.

[Zambiadarkskies]

I quite like the masked stretch.  On targets with a very wide dynamic range and very bright areas.  I used it last night as the initial stretch on the LMC as the tarantula nebula is extremely bright.  It worked well I felt.  

[macdonjh]

The first time I tried MaskedStretch, I liked the results.  Subsequent trials, not so much.  I didn't record what I changed, if anything, each time. If I remember, I got weird artifacts at the center of a galaxy and super-bright stars.  

 

I was having a heck of a time last night with a galaxy and hated the results of STF as the initial stretch.  I tried AdaptiveStretch and liked the results much better.  My $0.02. 

[17.5Dob]

Why use masked stretch when there's GHS? In the past 8 years since starting to use PI, I have tried essentially every stretching variant there is in PI, but once I tried GHS, back when it was first released, I have not used anything else.

Masked stretch consistently causes hideous color atrtifacts in star cores by replacing the actual color with the complementary color. I used it on maybe 4-5 images before dumping it and moving to something else. If you're looking for a simple one button push, it's hard to beat EZ- Soft stretch.

Edited by 17.5Dob, 25 March 2025 - 03:57 AM.

[unimatrix0]

Why use masked stretch when there's GHS? In the past 8 years since starting to use PI, I have tried essentially every stretching variant there is in PI, but once I tried GHS, back when it was first released, I have not used anything else.

Masked stretch consistently causes hideous color atrtifacts in star cores by replacing the actual color with the complementary color. I used it on maybe 4-5 images before dumping it and moving to something else. If you're looking for a simple one button push, it's hard to beat EZ- Soft stretch.

Same thing. With GHS, I pretty much know where to put the stretch point and know what the results is going to be so I can manipulate how and what to stretch. It's really hard to go back to any other way of stretching like the histogram stretch or some script that I don't know what or how it's doing it to the image. 

[TomC_RR]

I quite like the masked stretch.  On targets with a very wide dynamic range and very bright areas.  I used it last night as the initial stretch on the LMC as the tarantula nebula is extremely bright.  It worked well I felt.  

Do you make any adjustments to the “default” settings?

as others have said, GHS is great, but I have a time with the initial stretch using GHS alone. Masked stretch seems to work great to get started. 
 

I haven’t noticed any weird color artifacts, but I will watch for them. 

[Zambiadarkskies]

Do you make any adjustments to the “default” settings?

as others have said, GHS is great, but I have a time with the initial stretch using GHS alone. Masked stretch seems to work great to get started. 
 

I haven’t noticed any weird color artifacts, but I will watch for them. 

I leave it at default.  I also struggle a bit with just GHS.  Like you I (occasionally) use it as a starting point.  I am not a stretch expert, I generally try a few depending on the target