Opinions wanted please on the post processing

Ok, I know I have posted the image before, but I have been experimenting with several programs for combining of the RGBL and have another that I find to be rather pleasing. I wonder if you would all mind giving me your thoughts at to which of these photos is the better processed. This would help a lot, as I am trying hard to understand the process and the tools that I have at hand.
This image was done with CCDStack, using its color combine and processing techniques and then finished in CS2.

Attached Image:

This one was combined in CS2 and used the same subs, just the combining techniques and program used were the difference.

Attached Image:

Hi Floyd,

For me I like this first one,it looks rather good
Color looks right on and your processing is very natural.

It does look like it could stand a bit of sharpening in the galaxies however,maybe pull it and your original Lum into photoshop,sharpen up the lum and layer it back into the LRGB,then you will have a LLRGB

Really it is looking very good!


Jason

Floyd,
I like the first one better. The colors look better to me and I also like the smoother transition into the bright core of the galaxies better than the more abrupt transition in the second image. Overall, the image looks great!
Cheers,
Tyler

Hello Floyd,


I believe that CDStack wins this one hands down!

However, I like both images mate

Luca

First one for sure. Better color balance and detail.

Tom

Floyd,

Another vote for version 1 here. I usually do my RGB color combines in my CCD processing program (MaximDL for now), then do the LRGB in Photoshop. Interestingly, for my narrowband work I find that doing the color combines in Photoshop tends to be more pleasing.

Eric

I'll call the image attached to the message I am replying to "A" and the other one "B".

Image A:

* Better detail in low-contrast areas (e.g., pgc28757)
* More accurate color ("B" is quite magenta overall)
* A little less detail in the brighter parts of M81
* Core of M82 less blown out (more gradual transition from dim to bright)
* Less very dim detail on M82
* Better star colors
* More saturated color

Ron Wodaski