Capturing the Milky Way with a Modified Canon T2i: A Bortle 9 Triumph

Ever wondered what's possible with a slightly older DSLR camera and a bit of modification? This stunning image of the Milky Way, captured with a modified Canon T2i (550D), is a testament to dedicated astrophotography.

The Challenge: Bortle 9 Skies

This incredible shot was taken under Bortle 9 skies. For those unfamiliar, Bortle 9 represents the absolute worst light pollution conditions – think urban centers. Capturing the faint details of the Milky Way in such an environment requires dedication and a well-tuned setup.

The Gear and Technique

• Camera: Modified Canon T2i (550D) - The modification involves removing the internal infrared cut-off filter, which allows the camera to better capture the light from nebulae and other deep-sky objects that emit in specific wavelengths.
• Lens: 18mm f4
• Exposure: 37 lights, 13 seconds each at ISO 1600
• Calibration Frames: 12 darks

The Post-Processing Pipeline

Achieving such a detailed and vibrant image from raw data is a multi-step process. This photographer utilized a powerful suite of tools:

• Siril: A free and open-source astronomical image processing application, often used for stacking and initial processing.
• StarNet: Used for star removal, allowing for detailed processing of the nebulae and galactic core without stellar occlusion.
• Graxpert: Another tool often used for enhancing faint details and reducing noise in astronomical images.
• Adobe Lightroom: For final color grading, contrast adjustments, and overall polish.

Was the Modification Worth It?

A common question for astrophotographers considering a camera modification is whether it's truly worth the cost and effort. The response from the photographer is a resounding "yes," at least for dedicated astrophotography.

The modification, which cost around $300.00, significantly enhances the camera's sensitivity to wavelengths crucial for capturing nebulae. While this makes the camera less ideal for general daytime photography (resulting in a reddish cast), for the purpose of capturing deep-sky objects, it's a game-changer. The research and forum discussions overwhelmingly supported the worthiness of the modification, a sentiment clearly validated by this stunning image.

This image serves as an excellent inspiration for anyone looking to push the boundaries of their existing equipment and dive deeper into the fascinating world of astrophotography.