SGL 2023 Challenge 3 - DSLR and Mirrorless Deep Sky Challenge

[MartinB]

Just one page of entries for this challenge but this was more than made up for by the exceptional quality of the images presented.  There were splits in the judging and we could easily have selected a completely different set of winners.  Unfortunately we have to restrict ourselves to 3!  The competition has certainly shown the ability of non specialised astro cameras to deliver superb results in capable hands.

1) Woldsman - Rho Ophiuchi

 

Taken from the East Coast using a modified Canon 100d, a Samyang 135mm lens and a Star Adventurer tracker.  

This is a very low and challenging target from the UK.  Expert processing has pulled out the delicate nebulosity superbly.

 

2) 900SL - Orion

 

This Orion image was captured using an unmodded D5600 and a Fornax LT tracker.  This has allowed the beautiful reflection nebulosity to come to the fore.  The process has avoided over supressing the bright core which helps emphasise the dynamic nature of this popular target.

 

3) R26 oldtimer Heart and Soul

This classic Heart and Soul image was captured under a very heavily light polluted Athenean sky using a Canon RPfullspectrum camera with an Optolong L-extreme filter, a Canon 300L lens @ F2.8 and a Pegasus NYX mount.  The detail in the brighter areas of nebulosity has been superbly brought out along with some faint outer nebulosity despite the glowing sky.

It is really worth visiting the thread to view all the entries https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/407204-sgl-2023-challenge-3-dslr-and-mirrorless-deep-sky-challenge/.  There are some superb galaxy images along with other beautiful nebular submissions.  Well done to everyone who submitted an image.

 

[woldsman]

Wow - I didn’t expect this since there were so many excellent entries. The story behind the image was that I drove 270 miles down from East Yorkshire to Pett Level on the South Coast hoping to image Rho Ophiuchi on a new moon. About 25 miles from Pett, I ran over a pothole (after a road closure/diversion) that took out the front right tyre. Looked like the session wouldn’t be happening. I managed to find a emergency repair guy and paid a big premium to get back on the road. Some issues with tracking also kept the sub exposures shorter than I’d have liked but conditions that night at Pett were superb. 

[R26 oldtimer]

Thank you very much.

Congratulations to all participants and especially @woldsman and @900sl.

☺️

[900SL]

Thanks! I didn't expect to get selected, I thought there were better entries than my humble effort but honoured to be chosen. Well done all. 

[Luke Newbould]

Congratulations all! 😄Beautiful shots 👍

[astro mick]

Wow Simon.

I take my hat off to you,but i did tell you it was a great image.

Well done .

So low as well

Mick.

[WolfieGlos]

Congrats all, well deserved  

[Mr Spock]

Well done everyone. This was a real showcase of what you can achieve with a DSLR. Hopefully it will encourage more people to have a go.