Capturing M31: A Beginner's Journey with the Canon EOS R100
This past weekend, I set out to capture one of the most iconic deep sky objects, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). As a relative beginner in astrophotography, I was eager to test out my setup and see what I could achieve. Here's a breakdown of my attempt and a call for your expert advice!
My Setup and Acquisition Details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R100
- Lens: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8
- Sky Conditions: Bortle 4 (a relatively dark sky), though a 66% moon was present above the horizon.
- ISO: 1600
- Lights: Approximately 500 frames, each exposed for 5 seconds.
- Darks: 30 frames
- Bias: 30 frames
The Processing:
I kept the processing relatively simple for this attempt, focusing on level stretching in Adobe Photoshop. I wanted to see the raw data before diving into more complex adjustments.
The Result:
Seeking Your Expertise:
While I'm pleased with the initial results, I'm always looking to learn and improve. I'm particularly interested in any advice you might have regarding:
- Camera Settings: Are there any specific settings I should be experimenting with on the Canon EOS R100 for astrophotography?
- Processing Techniques: Beyond level stretching, what other processing steps could enhance this image? Are there specific workflows or software you recommend for this type of object?
I'm eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below! Let's make our night sky images even better together.
