StargeezerTim

Martin, I've just done this on dslr one shot rgb images. I found it does lower the saturation of the galaxy a bit but if you mask the galaxy and apply it to the space it works well. I think the key is getting a good starless image. I tried deleting the stars with the 'colour range' 'highlights' so didn't need blur the background.

Thats it. Normal for the middle layer. Adjusting its opacity applies the change.

I just used pin light for the top layer, no blend mode for the middle. Seemed to work for me...

Here is one with the layer at 75%. The galaxy is a little reduced in saturation, but nothing too great. The first is the original and the second the smaller stars version.

I had a try on a galaxy image and it works well using dust and scratches to get a starless layer provided the galaxy is masked off. I actually went up to 60% without problems and you can also lower the fill slider a little. Works well, thanks. If I could work out how to get a starless layer without affecting the DSO, it would be even better. More to learn!

Thanks... I don't have Annies Actions, do you know of a good way of getting a starless layer? (Preferably idiot proof ) The only way I know is with the dust and scratches filter, but thats quite destructive to the image (unless it doesnt matter for this..). Cheers Tim.

Here is the file Mark... I can't see that I'm doing anything wrong but you never know! I did try the colour sampler comparison and it looks like the stretched image is low on blue... Tim. Autosave.tif

Thanks Mark, I have been playing with the curves but the issue I have is the resultant pinkness of both nebula and small stars... I have tried three of the curves and tried differing placements of the black point but keep getting the following colour! If you have any ideas to prevent this, I'm all ears! I do like the way the curves and layers keep the stars under control

Thanks Mark... do you tweak/reset the black point between the gamma and curve applications?

I'm still having no luck Mark. Where do you have the black point on the source image? I usually start off with the black point about 30 from the left. Does it matter for this? Also, for the Gamma curve,, do you adjust the 'exposure' slider or the 'Gamma correction' slider? The only half reasonable results I'm getting is giving a pinkish rendition and is not as good as my normal curves approach. Also do you adjust the black point back on levels after the Gamma and curves applications? I attach the file I am using (obtained in poor seeing). If you could confirm the data is suitable for your approach I'd be grateful! Thanks... Tim. Autosave converted.tif

It's not working for me I'm afraid. Whenever I apply any gamma it just goes far too white. I'm using CC and tried the original instructions and the CC update with no success. Heres a screengrab... The layer names may be different but the top layer is set to 'divide' and the layer group set to multiply with the one above the bottom on normal. No posterization on my computer so I don't know what is going on!

Thanks for sharing this. Will give it a go. Would it work on Ha stacks or extracted red channels?

The Stargeezer Intercontinental Astro-imaging System Please note the technically complex mounting system (Amazon basics, cost nearly £11), and the mobile phone, complete with Stellarium. I can just about get this into my suitcase... It does work. Here is one from Oz.

I felt sure I wrote a review a few months back, but its not here so I write again! I have used Tring Astro for a couple of years. I bought a mount from them over a year ago and a scope and a few bits and bobs a couple of months ago. Their prices are competitive and delivery is free. Their service is excellent. Neil and Jane are helpful, friendly, not at all pushy and seem to value the principles of customer service. I feel they they value my custom and feel looked after by them. As an example, I recently queried the stars I was getting in my images from the scope and reducer I bought from them. Neil was very helpful and sent pics I provided to the Manufacturer for feedback etc. He replaced the reducer in question (free delivery, delivered next day), and as spacing was an issue, provided me with a complimentary set of spacers. Brilliant service! The showroom is packed with equipment. Its well over an hours drive from my home but I do look forward to my visits to Tring and Tring Astro. They provide coffee and a wc and a warm, friendly welcome. I would heartily recommend this supplier!

I had sort of similar problems a while back. I changed the stacking setting from auto to bicubic and it worked.

Very nice... I have been having a go at camera and lens imaging lately. It makes sense when to put a scope and mount up takes up to fourty minutes, then the clouds come! I tried first with my 50mm 1.8. prime, but the focus doesn't hold, and it is a cheap and old lens. I've just started trying with my 15-85 zoom, which is a much better lens (cost much more than my scope) and it looks like I might be able to get some decent images when I develop the knack of doing it! Tim.

Here is my contribution. Its my first real year after a false start last year so am very pleased overall. Even produced a calendar for the family at Christmas All shot with my modified 100D and processed with DSS, Photoshop and occasionally a touch of DBE (from Pixinsight Lite). Happy 2016, and clear skies all! Cone Nebula (Christmas tree) Just reprocessed. M42 (Orion Nebula) NGC 7000 (North American Nebula) Flame and Horsehead Nebulas Rosette Nebula. That's my 20 MB worth!

Shower cap... cured my problem with gradients! (its true... light from the camera, mount, power supply etc was getting in through the joint on the end where the primary is... most cost effective solution to date!)

About three months ago, I e-mailed Telescop Service with queries about buying a Baader Auto guider. I had an e-mail exchange over a week or so where their rep (Simon) basically tried to persuade me to buy the more expensive Lacerta MGEN. He was successful but when I agreed to buy the MGEN, he told me they did not have it in stock and were not expecting any for several months. I was quite annoyed that I was persuaded to buy a product they couldn't provide. I purchased it from another supplier. I now need a coma corrector and thought I would try them again. I again e-mailed them with a question about the product and and was contacted by Simon again. I then asked if they could offer any discount off the web price and was asked for my postal address after which he would make me an offer. I provided the address and the next day he sent me a written offer (as an e-mail attachment) for the same price as being offered on their website. It seemed a strange thing to do. In all my e-mail dealings with the shop, they have responded consistently to my e-mails but it always takes a minimum of a day for them to reply, even if it could be dealt with much quicker. I do like their website and their prices are good, but unfortunately my experience with them has been rather frustrating.