M31, first successful DSO attempt

[petercoxphoto]

Hi folks -

This is my first attempt at Andromeda. Unmodded 5D Mk II, 70-200mm f/2.8L lens (at 200mm) mounted on an NEQ6 mount. About 60 2 minute subs at f/5.6, plus darks, flats and bias. Processed entirely in PI.

Haven't been able to do much in the couple of weeks since I made this as the clouds and rain have set in virtually every night.

Opinions and criticism welcome.

Cheers,

Peter

[Mark72]

This is a good image of M31 Peter.

Perhaps a black point is set a bit too low and blue stars got a little bit too much of colour.

Mark

[VigdisVZ]

That's a great image. Well done!

[petercoxphoto]

Hi Mark -

Thanks for the comment! I had this discussion with Tom OD over email. As a landscape photographer, I'm a firm believer in having good blacks in the image, and perhaps this is not a healthy tactic in astrophotography. However, when setting the black point I was careful not to block up any of the fine detail at the fringes of the galaxy. Is that the reason you'd prefer to have it set a bit higher? Or is there something else I'm missing?

As for the blue stars, I think you may be right.

Cheers,

Peter

[Velvet]

That is an extremely good first image, well done you must be pleased

Velvet

[Mark72]

Peter,

There is nothing wrong about this. Like you said you did not clip any data. It is just a first impression. As long as you like it it's perfectly fine.

Cheers,

Mark

[Gina]

Very nice and a great first attempt Well done

[petercoxphoto]

Mark -

No worries. Grateful for the feedback - this is a very different type of imaging to my normal work so still feeling around the edges.

Thanks Gina!

Cheers,

Peter

[StuartJPP]

Very nice.

I am considering an NEQ6 mount however for now I am still going to use my standard Canon lenses for imaging because they are pretty good, as this image proves.

[iksose7]

Spot on image Peter, looks great. I think i prefer these wider field shots of M31, adds to the feeling of scale in my mind. Hope i can get a result like this one day!

[petercoxphoto]

Stuart - I recommend the NEQ6. Anything smaller will not scale as you go to longer focal lengths for astro work, I think.

[petercoxphoto]

Thanks iksose.

[adamsp123]

cracking image

[jammo]

For a first attempt that is amazing......even for a 100th attempt it would be good, love it soooo sharp