Christmas Tree Nebula NGC 2264

Another superb capture Steve

Thank you Peter sadly I could not post for real christmas.

Brilliant work Steve and an interesting spec. which is way above me'...// 38 ten minute shots,.. am I correct in thinking that if you did fewer shots to keep it simpler, but with a far longer exposure, say an hour or more,. then the session of photographs might over expose ?
... again marvellous work and info'.. Cheers from Dj. UK.

DJ taking shots with an astro camera is not the same as a DSLR you dont have the freedom of changing ISO to get the right balance more or less only time.

The shots where 10min each gives me optimal exposure , optimal guiding and optimal function of the mount.

1/ poor polar alignment very bad tracking only very short times or stars trailing with longer times .
2/ the guiding function is tied up with good polar alignment and good tracking ability of the mount. 10 min is a fairly standard tracking time . getting up to 20- 30min is very extended you tend to get very bad stars ( not round) more oblong. guiding is use to keep the mount 100% in the same spot by locking on to stars and holding the mount there. wind effects guiding very badly poor seeing conditions also effect guiding.

3/ the reason I bought this mount it has a very good record but it also was able to have all the gears inside removed and changed to belts so making the mount track even better.

4/ hour shot is very liable to be over blown big time, stars not round more banana shape even stars trailing for poor guiding with the extended time. longest shot time I have done is 15 min and still get the results I want out of the shot.

It is really a case of understanding your whole system and getting the best out of it why it does take some time to learn and get close to setting out shots like shelling peanuts. by in large each target you have to try out but you do build up a 6th sense like taking normal photos.

am I still enjoying it you bet still some challenges for me to come to terms with. thanks for asking hope this gives you some idea on the complexity of it all but I am doing things I only dreamed of as a kid.

Thanks Steve,.. for this comprehensive info'.. I have read all and copied,.. you have a very rewarding hobby,.. and we enjoy seeing your superb results.

A ''Happy new year'' to you - keep well and 'Good wishes' ,.. from Dj.

Love the Christmas Tree Nebula Steve beautiful.
HFF best for the New Year.
TOZ

glad you like it I have to say one I like as well just shows you that there are so many things out there to try. All the very best for your New Year hope it goes as well as ours.

Keep on producing wonderful images Steve ~ & have a happy 2023

Thank you Nick I hope to for a while yet I do hope your new year is peace full and you have a very good year in 2023. All the very best from the far west.

Super! I migliori auguri per un buon 2023 a te e famiglia
Con simpatia
Mariagrazia

Thank you Mariagrazia it i hope going to be a quiet news for us and Like wise hope 2023 is a good year for you and family as well.

Fascinating. Happy New Year!

You can just a boiut find everything out in space. Do have a COOL new years and hope for you also that 2023 is a good year.

A Christmas magic of special kind, Steve! Simply stunning.

Certainly a bit different to most Christmas trees thats for sure.

A Christmas tree that is out of this world Steve. Fascinating.
I hope you had a great Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year