Astro photography Stacking and Software
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 1:28 pm
Following up on my post about night sky photography, I would like to start a new thread on the stacking process and stacking software choices. I have researched this a bit online, but I am not really finding what is required when taking the images for stacking. I have found examples of final images from 2 to 80 stacked RAW files, but nothing about what they did when taking these images. So let's say I go out and take 20 images of Andromeda M31. Is there anything I need to do in camera that is different for each frame taken, and if so . . . . . what? From what I am reading, you just take 20 images and load them into special stacking software and voila. Is that it . . . . . . nothing different with regards to exposure, ISO, focus, etc. for each of those frames?
Next is the stacking software. I have found references to RegiStar, Deep Sky Stacker, ImagePlus, Maxim, CCDStack, Pixinsight and more. Some are free while others require purchasing. I am not opposed to purchasing the best software I can get for this purpose. Can anyone with experience in this area offer me some suggestions for the best software for astro photo stacking?
I have on order an Irix 15mm lens and a Sky Adventurer clock drive. My plan is to start with wide angle lenses for Milky Way and general night sky images. However, I do plan on moving up to closer subjects using my 300 f4 PF. With most of the images I am finding, the longest lens they are using is a 200mm. Since my 300 PF is very small and light, I am hoping it will work fine with the clock drive. I have seen reports of people using the 200-500 f5.6 with this drive and having some success.
Next is the stacking software. I have found references to RegiStar, Deep Sky Stacker, ImagePlus, Maxim, CCDStack, Pixinsight and more. Some are free while others require purchasing. I am not opposed to purchasing the best software I can get for this purpose. Can anyone with experience in this area offer me some suggestions for the best software for astro photo stacking?
I have on order an Irix 15mm lens and a Sky Adventurer clock drive. My plan is to start with wide angle lenses for Milky Way and general night sky images. However, I do plan on moving up to closer subjects using my 300 f4 PF. With most of the images I am finding, the longest lens they are using is a 200mm. Since my 300 PF is very small and light, I am hoping it will work fine with the clock drive. I have seen reports of people using the 200-500 f5.6 with this drive and having some success.