First Attempt at M42

[Knight of Clear Skies]

Some more data from earlier in the year I've just got around to looking at. Here's my first try at the Orion Nebula.

Taken with an old Takumar 200mm lens at f5.6, it's about 40 minutes of 75 second subs. I used StarTools to reveal the core and sharpen the nebulosity. Fairly pleased with it, there are hints of the dust surrounding the nebula and I've caught the edge of IC434 on the left. If I'd framed it corner-to-corner I may have been able to squeeze in the Flame & Horsehead, as I did in this 135mm shot.

Have to think about whether to to invest in a Canon 200mm L lens come the Autumn.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice shots. I should get out the 135mm F/2.8 I have and try something like that.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

Playing with it a bit more, there is a lot more of the extended reflection and emission nebulosity in there than I'd realised. Here's a more blinged version.

Any thoughts on the two versions would be welcome. I'll also have a go at reprocessing my 135mm shot - it's a faster lens and I used longer subs so there must be more in there too.

[belfieldi]

They're great shots, maybe it's time for me to hunt down a decent lens for my 550d.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

...and here's the Belt & Sword with extra (too much?) bling. It's fun to compare these with a really deep image to see what is and isn't showing.

[Atreta]

great m42 shots.

[happy-kat]

I particularly like the second image the best. Most pleasing to let the eye wander around.

[Altais]

Very nice images! I prefer the first version, as it looks more natural.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

I particularly like the second image the best. Most pleasing to let the eye wander around.

Very nice images! I prefer the first version, as it looks more natural.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll go back to this and try to produce something between the two versions. I like the way more of the background is showing in the second one but I think the overly blue background is distracting.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

Here's a new version that I've toned down a bit:

I don't think it's right but I do like how it shows the nebula embedded in the dust lanes of the Orion Molecular Cloud complex. The core could also use more work.

[Alien 13]

Great images a 200mm lens realy hits the spot in my view between good image scale and ease of tracking (assuming you where using your EQ3-2).

Alan