A collage of the 2017/2018 season

[SyedT]

Hi all,

It's been a very informative (and frustrating!) first season of imaging with an apochromat and specialised astrophotography camera. Having acquired an ASI 1600MM-C in early 2017 and my GT81 in August, I've had my fair share of gremlins, but managed to pull out a few keepers. Processing has always been a bit of a mystery to me, but I'm finally starting to get to grips with Pixinsight and APP; APP in particular has been a lifesaver for integration and LP removal. I thought I'd make a collage to chart my progress so far. Also includes a couple of widefield milky way shots and a lunar image for good measure. Counting down the days until next winter so I can get back to the GT81 and give my new Avalon a proper run for its money!

I've recently purchased an Altair Astro RC6 to give me a bit more reach for the upcoming galaxy season, so looking forward to that. I considered an Edge HD 8” so I could also do some planetary work, but even the used prices were prohibitive so I decided to stick with an RC6. It’s nice and light and hopefully the FL won’t be too challenging, plus I can use my old Lakeside focuser motor on it.

Happy to provide equipment details if anyone would like them.

Cheers!

[Demonperformer]

You have some nice images in that lot. I would be well-pleased with those from any season, let alone my first. Keep up the good work ... you have set yourself a very high bar for your second season.

[simmo39]

V nice, just so impressed with the narrow band stuff.  you are slowly pushing me into narrow band a ZWO ASI 1600mm!

[SyedT]

2 hours ago, Demonperformer said:

You have some nice images in that lot. I would be well-pleased with those from any season, let alone my first. Keep up the good work ... you have set yourself a very high bar for your second season.

Thank you, much appreciated! It's been a tough season getting to grips with mono imaging, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I'm hoping I've eliminated the majority of issues so next season should be better.  

2 hours ago, simmo39 said:

V nice, just so impressed with the narrow band stuff.  you are slowly pushing me into narrow band a ZWO ASI 1600mm!

Thank you. If you can, I'd say take the plunge. The 1600MM-C is an excellent performer at its price point; very sensitive, and with the NB filters in particular I've been able to take advantage of the minimal imaging time we get here in the UK despite living on the edge of a red zone.

[MikeODay]

What a great collection of images of various targets.  Congratulation on a nice collection of images.

[SyedT]

14 hours ago, MikeODay said:

What a great collection of images of various targets.  Congratulation on a nice collection of images.

Thanks Mike, appreciate it!