First light for modded 1000D (NGC7000 north american nebula)

[stan26]

Hello guys, This is very much WIP, I didn't initially have any intention to post it on here but its been soooo long since I have done any imaging I though I would. I struggled to remember how to set the rig up but got there in the end. The guiding wasn't great, I think the EQ3-2's dec drive needs some attention, and also the focus seemed to be ever so slightly off at the end of the session, not sure why, I let camera and lens cool and use a bahtinov to focus it, Maybe i knocked it whilst aligning on the target.

Its just 40 minutes of data made up of 1 min subs (because of guiding issues), ISO1600 using my canon 200L set to f4 (i must make a front aperture mask) obviously using my new modded 1000D with just the rear colour balance filter removed. I did use the skywatcher 1.25" LP filter as well although not sure if this improved things or not. other stuff used as per sig, home made guide scope/webcam etc etc....

I just need to add a lot more data now to try and smooth it out.

Stan

NCG7000 north american nebula by James stannard, on Flickr

[Keiran]

A stunning NAN Stan, bet you are pleased with that. That modded 1000D looks to be working very well.

[Psychobilly]

Nice

I use my Canon 200/2.8L at f2.8 by focusing on a star on a thirds point rather the centre of the fov... I use APT's FWHM based AF routine to do the actual focusing having locked off the focus ring using micropore tape as it sits under the dewband and I don't want to risk it shifting...

I posted a thread several months ago with sample images...

I also had a range of aperture masks made in 2.5mm steps... But dont use them anymore...

Peter..

[Gina]

Very nice image

[SJJ]

Great image, looks like the mod was worth it!

[stan26]

Thanks guys, Yeah I'm well chuffed with the 1000D, just need some clear nights to use it now!

I have just got a new laptop (my first actually) and whilst its very fast compared to my old tower PC the screen is awful to edit pics on ( IPS panel on order) and I haven't even attempted to calibrate it, so the above image may look a bit funky to some, whilst it looks great on my screen I have notice it looks very clipped and over saturated on other screens. I have also tried a bit of star reduction in this one to bring the neb through, I always think DSO targets in the milky way get washed out with the millions of stars grouped together.

Stan