Belt and sword - first widefield

[namreg]

First attempt at widefield.

I need more data in this to bring out the horsehead area more clearly and reduce the noise, and I need shorter exposures for the core of M42. Stars may be a little bloated because of the properties of the full spectrum sensor through glass - not a lot I can do about that

Nikon D70 full spectrum, 55-200 at 200mm mounted directly on an EQ5, f6.3, 1600iso

16x60sec subs, unguided

10 each darks, flats and bias.

Stacked and processed in DSS and CS5

[Porl]

great photo! How did you get it so sharp with no star trails at 60sec exposures unguided?

[namreg]

Thanks Porl. It's not too bad at 200mm - think I may be able to get a bit more out of it, but I get nervous above 60secs! Recently overhauled the EQ5 as well, although I don't know how much difference that's made.

EDIT: Sorry Porl - may have misunderstood: The EQ5 is obviously motorised, but not guided.

[Porl]

ah the sneaky motor!

A great photo! I will have to look up a motor as any exposures I do tend to have drift / trails in them without