Horsehead + Qs about exposure

bobzeq25

The Horsehead nebula. 80X30", 10 darks. Could have done with some flats (long story). Binned 2X2. Celestron 80ED.

I read here that short exposures are necessary. With darks, hot pixel removal, and noise removal options, why would that be true? Did this only work because it was cold (0C?) out. Am I just ignoring the noise too much? Would this picture have been better with 240X10"?

hhtifstartoolsv2.jpg

Sam@ZWO

its already very good!

longer exposure is always better if you don't consider the seeing change or guiding problem

dhellis59

Hi Bob,

Nice image. I now have the same scope and formerly had the same camera. I previously sold the camera due to financial reasons, but now am looking at my options.

I really liked the camera but my former setup did not properly support it. I am looking for the best all around camera option for my scope and mount. My C80ed is mounted on a SW Syncscan EQ3 goto.

I live in a light polluted suburb sometimes white/red on the darksky map.

My question is what are the skies like in your area? What scope/mount setup do you have? Anything you would suggest or advise regarding use of the camera and your scope. Feel free to share any other images you have taken with this scope and mount.

Again, really impressive image.

Thanks,

Darryl

bobzeq25

Celestron C80ED, ZEQ25. Usual lousy suburban skies.

The EQ3 would be a real trial for long exposures and DSOs. Not impossible, but close enough. Unfortunately the price of admission to decent DSO photography without massive frustration is about a $1000 mount. You can get away with an inexpensive scope and camera, but not with an inexpensive mount.

The inexpensive alternative is shooting with a DSLR and a lens (preferably fixed focal length, but that's not required) and a $300-400 camera tracker like a Skywatcher Staradventurer. People take nice images with that setup. You could also try mounting a camera and a lens on the EQ3, which _might_ be able to track with that. But the camera tracker would be better.

That's my only DSO with this camera. I used it only because my mirrorless was not modded, and had limited H alpha sensitivity. The ASI120MM fixed that.