I've now reprocessed this with a bit more attention and got rid of those stellar haloes.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6226717043_3bdbbb6e43_b.jpg)
Capture details:
Optics: Skywatcher MN190
Focal length: 1000mm
Focal Ratio: f/5.3
Camera: FLI ML8300
Filter: Baader Ha
Scale: 1.1 arcsec/pixel
Subs: 18 x 1200s (6 hours total)
Location: Orpington
Date: 28-29/09/2011
Processed in Pixinsight 1.7
A link to the fill size (just a little cropped) : http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6226717043_bbc4bfe969_o.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6226717043_bbc4bfe969_o.jpg)
TFL
Robert
Some fantastic smooth detail there Robert. I love the dark debulosity spilling over the wall, it shows up so clearly.
Carole
Looks much better Robert - I think you can push the contrast even more though... Great image - John
That's excellent Robert with so much detail.
Just noticed - 20 minute subs :o
That's much better Robert - no haloes and looking more vivid.
The detail in that image is incredible. It really is a beautifully smooth and detailed image.
Mark
Thanks for the positive comments, personally I reckon this is probably my best image to date. It's so much easier when there's virtually no noise or gradients.
John, I know what you mean though I'm loath to do it any more than it is already in case I spoil what's there.
Robert
Especially good from Orpington.
Did you not use the hyperstar?
Carole
Wow! Excellent Robert. I agree, probably your best to date.
Quote from: Carole on Oct 10, 2011, 12:50:01
Especially good from Orpington.
Did you not use the hyperstar?
Carole
No, it was the Skywatcher 190 Maksutov Newtonian and mono CCD camera. The conditions earlier on that week were exceptional for Orpington, I could even see one or two other stars in Cygnus than just those of the swans neck,body and wings.
Nice reprocess Robert, nice & smooth.
I've had a reprocess and brought out some more contrast but I think the highlights are a bit blown, anyway let me know what you think.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6241416415_dc314a2417_b.jpg)
Link to full size: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6241416415_91007a4194_o.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6241416415_91007a4194_o.jpg)
Robert
The improvement in contrast makes a significant difference. The slightly blown highlights are not destructive to my mind - they make the image that much more vivid.
It really is a stunning image.
Mark
Robert that is much better it has depth to it now whereas previously it looked a bit flat due to lack of contrast.
Nice one. John.
Excellent,
I've followed a Photoshop Guru for a few years now and what he dosent know about photoshop isnt worth knowing,
I've recently signed up so that i can follow all of his tutorials 70 in all on line, which covers using photoshop as a workflow.
everything he does is non destructive.
www.guygowan.com (http://www.guygowan.com)
So i just thought how would it work with astronomical images, so I had a go at reprocessing your image from the original jpg.
and this is what i managed to get in about 45 seconds!!.
with about 3 clicks of the workflow.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6242894209_c7cf009631_o.jpg)
If you want to know how its done i'll let you know.
Im going to quickly try it on on of the M42 and see how that fairs.
Mac.
Excellent reprocess Robert, much better.
Mac, your version does seem to bring out some fainter detail but at the cost of the contrast in the brighter areas
That's very interesting Mac and gives me a couple of ideas. I must admit I didn't realise it could be pushed that far and that processing has certainly brought out a lot more contrast and makes the others look a bit insipid. Maybe the highlights are a bit pushed but the rest looks remarkable.
I am interested in knowing how you processed it but having bought PixInsight I'm determined to get to grips with it. For now at least PS is off the menu.
Note to one's self: must not over do it !
Robert
I agree with Mick - it's killed the wall.
Well the 2nd one is better, the last one looks like a lot of noise has got into it.
Well I am afraid I much prefer the original process. I think the increase in contrast has spoilt it, but that's really my artistic eye saying this rather than my scientific one.
Carole
Quote from: Mac
I've followed a Photoshop Guru for a few years now
Is that known as stalking?
It is Mark, but the guy airbrushed Mac off.