Hi all,
I've got the opportunity to buy the early bird package of the ToupTek ATR 585 + AFW-M + 7 x 1.25" filters (LRGBSHO).
This is my first mono camera, and after 5/6 years practicing astrophotgraphy, I'm no longer a newbie but not yet an expert...
Usually I let the unity gain for my OSC cameras (see my signature for current equipment) but the ATR 585 M camera is brand new and I've got the opportunity to shoot 3 targets up to now, LDN 1251, vdb 149 and currently IC1396.
I let the 120 gain and 50 offset, which were the default values.
I've came across a few posts where some people were using a gain of 100 and a higher offset, around 80/85.
When I asked to some how they were setting the offset value, usually I had no replies...
I can understand the notions of read noise, dynamic range, full well, but how do you optimize the offset?
I imagine that values are perhaps also linked to targets?
You wouldn't necessarily use the same values for a high-contrast galaxy like M41, a nebula like NGC 7000, a globular cluster or a dark nebula like LDN 1251, which was my first object with this mono camera!?
The exposure time must also be part of the equation, I imagine. I usually select 180 sec, but I've decided to test 120 sec for my last objects.
Thanks for your help
Philippe