Virgo Galaxies

I did a wide field image of several galaxies in Virgo and Coma Berenices - pardon the DSLR post. I realize later that I have 5 Messier objects in the one image. Had I thought about it, a little focal length adjustment and I think I could have gotten 9 in one image - Oh well, next time. A full image is at:

http://www.jthommes.com/Astro/DSLR/VirgoGalaxies.htm
(be sure to click on link or image for full resolution image)

Scope - Zenithstar 66 mm at f/4.6
Camera - Canon 350D (Baader ACF modified) 15 exposures 5 minutes each ISO 800
Mount - CG5 - Goto
Guiding - 38 mm reducer lens converted to 180 mm FL refractor, Vesta 690 LE webcam, K3CCDTools

For a DSLR stack, it is very nice! I actually like the smaller image better as the field curvature is not as obvious. The colors are great, not extremely saturated. Good focus with nice subtle detail in the brighter galaxies. An incredible image considering the limitations imposed by the instruments used (DSLR capture, short focal length = high field curvature, etc). Very nice work processing and presenting the image Jim!

Great Galaxy cluster choice Jim ! a great field.

That's a beautiful rendition of this region.

Tom

Hi Jim. That sure is a great field of view with galaxies galore. I really love that region of the sky. Very nicely captured and processed.
Cheers,
Tyler

Terrific widefield, Jim!

Eric