IC1396 and the Garnet Star

[GraemeH]

Hoping for some feedback and pointers on my latest capture. I know that more exposure time will help, but I'm interested in thoughts about what's achievable with the equipment I currently have. Happy to share my stacked subs if anyone would like to try processing.

 

Thanks for looking.

 

Graeme

 

Scope: Skywatcher Evostar ED72
Camera: Canon 6d (unmodified)
Filter: Baader UHC-S
Mount: Celestron Nexstar Evolution (on wedge)
Guider: QHY5Lii-c and Skywatcher 9 x 50 finder
Frames: 25 x 300", 50 flats, 50 bias
Software: APT, CPWI, PHD2, DSS, Photoshop CC

[GraemeH]

I have no idea why the spacing is weird, and I can't seem to edit it.

[Tommohawk]

Well that looks pretty good to me! Maybe some stars a bit big, but nice natural tone. No darks though?

[GraemeH]

3 minutes ago, Tommohawk said:

Well that looks pretty good to me! Maybe some stars a bit big, but nice natural tone. No darks though?

I've never tried using darks. I read a few articles when I first started that suggested that darks with DSLRs can do more harm than good and that dithering is better. I've also read than the 6d has very low dark current, so I've never felt motivated to try darks. I guess there's only one way to find out if they really help though... 

Thank you for the feedback

[Tommohawk]

Well I'm not saying your image is noisy... so maybe you don't need darks! 

[GraemeH]

Perhaps strangely, I do think it's a bit noisy but I've convinced myself (maybe incorrectly) that it's the type of noise that just needs more exposure time to control.