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My early images Just starting
Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 5:17 pm
by Cathy51
Hi,
I am just starting out with imaging Saturn and Jupiter and just need to know what my expectations should be with my equipment. I have a Celestron 6SE and I shot these with my Celestron reducer/corrector, a ZWO ASI224, no filter (was not sure, which if any, I should be looking at getting). I captured the images using SharpCap, adjusted the wavelets in registax, then touched up in PS6. I have a slightly damaged right hand and find fine focusing difficult, however I have just acquired a JMI motofocus, which I am hoping will help with this.
I do have a 2x Barlow, which I haven't tried yet... I wanted to try and get imaging without it under some control first
Any suggestions would be absolutely appreciated!!
Thanks! Cathy
Re: My early images Just starting
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:33 am
by turfpit
Cathy
Those are good images if you are just starting out - Saturn's rings & moons and Jupiter's Great Red Spot captured. It might be worth posting the Capture Settings files. Have you tried without the reducer?
I have a Celestron C8 and a JMI focuser. The hands-off focusing really does help and was worth the money. If you are considering filters then an IR 685nm
pass filter can help with reducing the effects of 'seeing' for lunar/planetary.
The results with a 2x Barlow will depend mainly on how good the atmospheric conditions are.
Don't forget about lunar imaging - lots to learn (focusing, exposure/gain settings, processing) and practice there.
You might find this useful
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1156. There is also a Saturn version
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1157
Don't be in a rush to purchase new equipment - learn how to get the best out of what you already have.
Have a look at my posts in this
viewtopic.php?t=211 to learn how to use the histogram to control the capture settings. It is for an ASI120MC but will be similar for your camera.
Dave
Re: My early images Just starting
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:01 pm
by admin
Hi Cathy,
yes, as Dave says, great images for a first try
Removing the reducer will make everything about 50% bigger (which will help), but also fainter, meaning you will need to increase gain or exposure. Using the barlow will have the same effect again (even bigger, but even fainter). I also find focusing gets harder to judge at longer focal lengths, but that is part of the challenge
cheers,
Robin
Re: My early images Just starting
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 4:10 am
by nwoods6
Great photos.
turfpit wrote: ↑Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:33 am
Cathy
Those are good images if you are just starting out - Saturn's rings & moons and Jupiter's Great Red Spot captured. It might be worth posting the Capture Settings files. Have you tried without the reducer?
I have a Celestron C8 and a JMI focuser. The hands-off focusing really does help and was worth the money. If you are considering filters then an IR 685nm
pass filter can help with reducing the effects of 'seeing' for lunar/planetary.
The results with a 2x Barlow will depend mainly on how good the atmospheric conditions are.
Don't forget about lunar imaging - lots to learn (focusing, exposure/gain settings, processing) and practice there.
You might find this useful
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1156. There is also a Saturn version
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1157
Don't be in a rush to purchase new equipment - learn how to get the best out of what you already have.
Have a look at my posts in this
viewtopic.php?t=211 to learn how to use the histogram to control the capture settings. It is for an ASI120MC but will be similar for your camera.
Dave