When I started astrophotography a couple of years ago I began with a camera, lens and tripod. Since then I learned a few things and upgraded gear over time. Here's a comparison of where I started on M45 to the most recent capture. The first image was 1440 1" lights, with calibration frames, stacked in Sequator and processed in Gimp. This was captured in Nov. of 2021. The second is with a Redcat 51, asi533mc pro camera (gain 101, -10C), Star adventure GTi, Asiair plus, guided, EAF. Optolong L-pro filter, 247x180" subs, Calibration frames; darks, flats, bias, Bortle 5+, processed in Pixinisight. Both captured in my backyard.
M45 Then and Now
- Thread starter jsb
- Start date
AlanLichty
Moderator
Wow - quite a difference in the end result. The before and after makes it easy to justify the outlay for the better gear. Nice one.
Awesome progression James! You have really improved. I like your recent take on M45, that's some great feathery detail.
Now you want to know what's funny? I am actually imaging M45 at this exact moment. I have 2 hours in on it, I am just waiting for either the Flaming Star or the Horsehead to get high enough and then I will switch.
Now you want to know what's funny? I am actually imaging M45 at this exact moment. I have 2 hours in on it, I am just waiting for either the Flaming Star or the Horsehead to get high enough and then I will switch.
Thank you! The gear certainty helps a lot.
Thank you!
Thank you! I’ve learned a lot but there‘s so much more, which is a great aspect of this hobby. Hope you had a good session!
Dan Moorehead
Well-Known Member
Wonderful improvement
Thank you!
Mike Lewis
Staff Member
I think these type of comparisons are always so fun - it is exciting to see the incredible progress that can be made if you stick to it in this hobby. I also like to try to tell myself that it is much more instructive and productive to compare my results to my own previous results rather than to others' work. In any case, what a dramtic change. That second version is really something.
Makes me realize it is likely time for me to go back to some of those first imaged objects (M45, M42, M31, etc.) and give them some more love now that my gear and skills have progressed.
Great post - thanks for sharing!
ML
Makes me realize it is likely time for me to go back to some of those first imaged objects (M45, M42, M31, etc.) and give them some more love now that my gear and skills have progressed.
Great post - thanks for sharing!
ML
Thank you! It’s been a fun ride so far. The great thing is that there’s so much more to learn and explore.