Lunar face off - ASI 290 vs ASI 174

[Owmuchonomy]

Well, now that our favourite gas giant is retreating low to the horizon I thought I would turn my ASI 290MC on to the Moon for a bit of imaging practice.  I also ran the ASI 174MM my usual Lunar tool for one video.  I fitted both cameras with an IR pass and used greyscale processing.  These captures were done on the evening of 2nd March in twilight at around 6pm when the Moon was about 20%.  To add more novelty I used my ED80 fitted with an Altair Astro 0.8x reducer to accommodate the crescent on the 290 chip.  About 800 frames were stacked in AS!2 for each image. Presented below are the two images plus one annotated version to show among other things Mare Humboldtium, an area not always visible due to libration conditions.  As you can imagine the dynamic range is greater in the 174 image but the 290 image resolution is very exciting especially on my 27" Mac.  The detail visible is very satisfying to my eye anyway. Click on the images for full size.

1) ASI 174MM (2.51"/pixel)

2) ASI 290MC (1.24"/pixel)

3) ASI 290MC (annotated)

[laudropb]

Very nice images. For me the 174 just wins it.

[Owmuchonomy]

2 hours ago, laudropb said:

Very nice images. For me the 174 just wins it.

Thanks very much for your comments.  The difference viewing the images on SGL and then on my MAC is quite discernible.  The detail in the 290 image is amazing at full size on my screen and I didn't have to mosaic! 

[johnfosteruk]

I prefer the 174 side by side at the same size, the Maria seem smoother, but that could just be processing (same workflow for both?)

However at full size, the 290 is a cracker as you say.

Both stunning, thanks for sharing.

[maltrabob]

Great post and great images in your gallery. Waiting for my 290MC I am glad you reassured me I've made a right choice.