First Galaxy attempt M51

This is my first attempt at imaging a galaxy (M51). 5 x 90 seconds at ISO 800. Canon 450D with CLS filter at F6.3. CGE 11 at prime focus. Stacked in DSS


Full picture at
farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3441060592_cf5f376c43_b.jpg

John - that's a good first effort. One tip for improving your next shot is to reduce the exposure time to avoid trailing stars but increase your number of images (try 50 * 30 second exposures).

Unfortunately, I've no experience of DSLR imaging so I couldn't comment on ISO settings etc...

Maybe try without the filter - the image looks very blue-ish to me on my screen here - the filter may be doing that...

Dave

Hi John,
Its a good start, like Dave says, more stacked images will help.

John,

I just got CLS EOS clip filter myself. Do you use a custom white balance on the camera before taking your shots? Been mucking about with this myself today, but the weather tonight is not helping a first light attempt. So far a custom white balance hasn't helped enormously with the colour cast but it is much better than without. Mice M51 by the way...

Hi John

I just checked the camera settings. The white balance was on normal daylight setting.

John