M31 - Post your (DSLR) attempts

[StuartJPP]

Unmodified Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4 L IS, AstroTrac TT320X (unguided), 32x 120 second lights (@ ISO 1600)

Original Thread:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/223711-my-best-m31-attempt-so-far/

Full Size:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14845104518_97d0d70b1a_o.png

Although I will admit that CCD imaging is the way to go, I am still convinced that there is a lot of life in SLR imaging...especially if you have already got the kit.

[sharkmelley]

Here's mine - it's a DSLR image (Canon 350D) but I cheated by mounting on a Tak Epsilon at f/2.8 and taking over 4 hours of data.  I think I could do a better job now if I sat down and re-processed.  Outside air temperature was around 16C at the time.

Bigger version here: http://www.markshelley.co.uk/Astronomy/2010/m31_10082010v2.jpg

Mark

[Christopher Davenport]

Unmodified Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4 L IS, AstroTrac TT320X (unguided), 32x 120 second lights (@ ISO 1600)

Although I will admit that CCD imaging is the way to go, I am still convinced that there is a lot of life in SLR imaging...especially if you have already got the kit.

Nice images and well processed.

You did spot that some bright stars have strange artefacts around them.

This must be due to the lens and the diaphragm  used for aperture adjustment.

I agree DSLR is for the hobbyist, whereas as CCD is a sport!

[Christopher Davenport]

Here's mine - it's a DSLR image (Canon 350D) but I cheated by mounting on a Tak Epsilon at f/2.8 and taking over 4 hours of data.  I think I could do a better job now if I sat down and re-processed.  Outside air temperature was around 16C at the time.

That is very tasty! It is amazing what a good telescope can do. 

Edit : And good processing of cause

[laser_jock99]

Here is just 10 minutes worth of data (5x 120s) through a 12" F2.9 scope and Fuji S5 Pro DSLR

[Crebles]

I can beat all of those for beginner's M31's...!

[sharkmelley]

Here is just 10 minutes worth of data (5x 120s) through a 12" F2.9 scope and Fuji S5 Pro DSLR

Lovely result! 

[Mr Bergman]

Here is just 10 minutes worth of data (5x 120s) through a 12" F2.9 scope and Fuji S5 Pro DSLR

That's a really nice piece of work for ten minutes! Go for it with longer subs!

[Sleepy Kiki]

Here's my effort with a Canon 60D and SW ED80 using 1 min subs

[Christopher Davenport]

Here is just 10 minutes worth of data (5x 120s) through a 12" F2.9 scope and Fuji S5 Pro DSLR

Not fair ... That is sweet for 10 min, I so have to get a fast newt.

I agree, do 180min at 180s and you will have a image that they could publish!

[Christopher Davenport]

I can beat all of those for beginner's M31's...!

Good on you, nice one. That looks a lot better than my first attempt!

[Bizibilder]

Here's a swift hour in 5min subs from the 28th August - rather noisy and could do with a load more data.  Evostar ED 120mm APO and modded Canon 1000D, guided.

[Chris-A]

My go from a couple of years ago before moving to CCD. At 6.4hrs it was easily the longest shot I had taken at the time. It could end up being my only go at M31, as it would take a mosaic with my CCD setup, and life is far too short to be taking mosaics under Lancashire skies !

[Christopher Davenport]

Nice! Steady stream of pics coming in.

Keep them coming. I am waiting for somebody to post a 30hr mosaic that blows us all away.

Saw something like this a couple of months ago.

@Chris that's a beauty, you know you are up to the challenge or speed up the optics. Que the F2.9 above!

@bizbuilder - nice for a hours worth.

Does make me think if I should add more data or let it go.

[Fordos Moon]

Here is my attempt. I always get "crunchy" and trying to find a tutorial on "colour balance". No doubt I have overprocessed. It is is an addiction I am trying to get over - basically I enjoy processing too much. Will stand by for criticism. 41 x 420 second lights, darks, flats. Modded 1100D on ED80.

[PhotoGav]

Fascinating thread!

Here is my progression of attempts from last year:

First attempt, 30D, 15 x 60s subs with same darks, 1600ISO

Second attempt, 50D, 11 x 180s subs with 9 darks, 800ISO

Third attempt, 60D, 31 x 240s subs with 27 darks, 800ISO

I look forward to this year's attempt with a mono CCD, which I hope to start after the coming full moon.

Clear skies to all!

[Christopher Davenport]

Here is my attempt. I always get "crunchy" and trying to find a tutorial on "colour balance". No doubt I have overprocessed. It is is an addiction I am trying to get over - basically I enjoy processing too much. Will stand by for criticism. 41 x 420 second lights, darks, flats. Modded 1100D on ED80.

It is a little on the blue side but otherwise I think it is nice.

Some good detail in there.

I suffer from over processing syndrome. I normally know that I am guilty when I can't remember what I did in my workflow.

For this reason I always process twice, first time to see what's in there and second time to keep it natural.

[Christopher Davenport]

Fascinating thread!

Here is my progression of attempts from last year:

First attempt, 30D, 15 x 60s subs with same darks, 1600ISO

Second attempt, 50D, 11 x 180s subs with 9 darks, 800ISO

Third attempt, 60D, 31 x 240s subs with 27 darks

Thanks for posting! Fascinating to see your progression. Through camera and sub length.

Really like the last one, going to take some beating to improve on it.

Although based on what I have seen, I know you up to the task.

[mballak]

Not only is this my first M31 image, its my first DSO image.  Still got plenty to learn but I can't wait to compare this image to other in due time.  

Mike

 

12x300s lights

12x300s darks

no flats

20 bias

[gazzastone]

This is my first attempt 10 * 240 seconds at ISO 800 with a modified canon450d processed with Pixinsight

[Astronut1982]

Here is my final effort at M31 using a modded Canon 1000D, it's about 10.5 hours of data.

I now have a QHY8 so once I get another small frac, I'll be having another go at it as I can't fit in all onto the chip with my current scope.

Jeff

[Knight of Clear Skies]

Here's a couple of mine, taken earlier this week.

1 minute, Canon 55-250mm zoom lens at f5.6, ISO 3200.

20 seconds, 135mm Super-Takumar lens at f3.5, ISO 3200.

Both taken with a modded Canon 100D on my EQ3-2. Lots of noise but the dust lanes are showing up quite well. Quickly processed, I used the Canon software to reduce the noise.

[tingting44]

Some great attempts!

This is the only photon's i have ever managed to grab of M31.....it was taken from my light polluted garden after my M39 imaging session. It was just a quick stab in the dark really as i was tired from imaging M39 all night, so i slewed to M31, quickly took 180sec sub and that is all i have managed this far....

I do plan on capturing around 30 hours worth of data this season from my nice dark site, i plan on doing either 10 or 15 min subs, with core subs if needed ......

So, x1 120sec sub, ISO400, not going to be hard to better this attempt lol

(did not even bother putting this in PS to process, so this is a fresh RAW file simply converted to jpeg for posting here)

[kirkster501]

4 September 2012 - first ever astro image.  15 mins DSLR None modded Canon 1100d no darks, no flats, just bias frames.

[laser_jock99]

Some great DSLR M31 images so far folks- keep them coming! Such a big object that large (read DSLR sized CCD's) and camera lenses suit the target size!

Here's another recent one of mine from August.

M31 4x 300s, 300mm Sigma F2.8 APO lens, Fuji S5 Pro DSLR @ ISO1000, dark sky site in Mid Wales.