M81 and M82

[michaelmorris]

Here is the first image taken with my ZWO ASi 294 MC-Pro that I've actually got around to processing.  For some reason that I cannot yet fathom, I seem to be having a problem with flats - hence the dark blob on the lower left side of the image.

 

[Anthonyexmouth]

how much imagining time? how are you getting on with the 294? considering a cooled camera and can't decide on OSC or mono at the moment

[michaelmorris]

17 minutes ago, Anthonyexmouth said:

how much imagining time? how are you getting on with the 294? considering a cooled camera and can't decide on OSC or mono at the moment

Sorry, missed this info off.

30 x 240 secs.  Best 90% stacked in DSS, then processed in Photoshop.

I think I'm now starting to get to grips with the 294.   I requires a slightly different way of working than with my mono Atik 460EX, but I'm pleased with the performance.  The differences you will notice if you use a cooled 294 when compared to your DSLR will be

• The smaller field of view
• You'll need to take more, shorter subs
• It's essential to take darks
• Once calibrated and stacked, how much further you can stretch the data 

I have both mono (Atik 460EX) and colour (ZWO ASi 294 MC-pro) cameras.  When I switched from an astromodified DSLR, I bought the Atik mono camera so that I could get narrowband images from my light polluted back garden.  This has worked well.  I bought a full set of RGB filters to take normal RGB images as well, but to be honest, the amount of time taken to capture data and the paucity of clear nights I can spend away from my light polluted back garden capturing this data made me re-evaluate this approach.  The ZWO colour camera fulfils my needs much better in this respect.

[tooth_dr]

I’m having the exact same thoughts about RGB filter imaging.  Struggling with it too due to weather and other issues.

Thats a nice image.  If you don’t mind me saying, I would have expected a little more detail in M81 from 2 hours of data with a cooled camera. 

[AKB]

 

That’s really interesting.  I’ve recently got an ASI294 Pro.  One of my early attempts, including this target (27 minutes worth) is here:

 

 

I’m struck by the differences.  What scope did you use?

Fully agree that this is a different beast from a CCD (I also have a mono 460EX.)

Tony

 

[michaelmorris]

Your's is a lot better picture than mine. I think I need to have another look at my raw frames.