M42 and M43

[GraemeH]

I've previously posted earlier versions of this image in the Getting Started section, but having spent several more hours reading various books and online guides I think I may now have reached the limit of what I can achieve with my current processing skills.  To be honest, having only gathered less than an hour's total exposure spread across 4 different exposure lengths I'm really happy with this as a newbie imager.

As always, I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who can suggest ways to improve.

Full details:

Edge HD8 on wedge mounted Nexstar Evolution, Unmodded Canon 6D, 6x300", 6x120", 5x60", 5x30", all through Baader UHC-S filter at ISO 800, QHY5Liic on Celestron OAG guided by PHD2 2.6.4dev8, captured in APT 3.50, all done as a test of my newly built DIY focus motor.

[Demonperformer]

For less than an hour's data using an unmodified DSLR, I think that is really very good. You are also imaging at f/10 and quite a long focal length, which is never the easiest option!

Well done.

[Allinthehead]

Yes very nicely done. Natural and unforced.

[Droogie 2001]

I like it. Good round stars which is not easy with the long FL.

[iansmith]

Great first image. Looks like you've got the guiding sorted.

Cheers, Ian.

[GraemeH]

Final revision. I never really expected much from such a small amount of data, but what I have has really whetted my appetite to spend a lot more time on this target. It's been a good exercise in learning about layer masking in Photoshop too. 

Thanks to all who have made kind and encouraging comments.