The Iconic Pillars of Creation - The Eagle Nebula with the Askar 80PHQ

[@olly7248]

I totally agree, there is nothing to lose by just getting out there and imaging… I preferred your edit by the way, the Oiii looks perfect… 👍🏻

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks mate, I’m torn between which I prefer. Still can’t decide! Yours definitely has better Ha, mine has slightly more Oiii

[@HogarthsAstrophotography]

Wowsers a super result Russell. It’s a target I’ll sadly not get to image at my current location, it’s totally obstructed. Bravo on the image

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Nigel. Shame you don’t get to image the pillars, Lots if other awesome targets about though I guess. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Lostmissionary]

Fabulous style and presenting voice. Nice to watch thanks Russel I'm always enthralled with the images

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you so much Scott, really appreciate it. Ps sorry for the very slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@williamhouse5081]

I liked your version best. If we listened to the naysayers of the world, we would never make any advances, the world of science is full of them. Great video and beautiful capture!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much William, really appreciate it

[@stephenlast1897]

I agree with you . It is difficult at the moment with the twilight but the results can often surprise you . You can’t always get perfect conditions .

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Stephen, yes you definitely can’t alway get perfect conditions, you just have to image when you can. Thanks for watching, clear skies. Ps sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@JayPatel-ey6gb]

Hi Russel - your edit is wonderful. You've captured the drama that's happening in the night sky above us, in combination with the music you used, you've inspired me to get back out there and start imaging again!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Jay, really appreciate it. I hope you managed to get back out imaging. Clear skies 👍 Ps sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@ChrisM541]

Damn is that final image fantastic, and you've certainly proven a point. You never stop learning.

[@Victoria-qm4yx]

What an amazing final image!!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Victoria

[@billblanshan3021]

Very nice Russ! I just finished shooting M16, can't wait to process myself.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Bill, good luck with the edit 👍

[@mikeharden7904]

Both were processed nicely. Good detail. I like his selection of colors better. I'd image in the middle of the day if I thought I could get anything. Don't pay any attention to negative comments. They're just sitting on the couch criticizing while you're out doing 😁

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much Mike. I really like Olly’s edit as well, love his colours. Haha me to, maybe I need to get into Solar. Thanks for watching 👍 Ps sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@starlite.captures3338]

As with a lot of the comments I totally agree with just getting out there and doing it. Have always said you've got to be in it to win it..the worst that can happen is you just delete the images and try again another night. Personally I prefer the second image and I hope you don't mind if I say your colour balancing has come on leaps and bounds bearing in mind that you see the colours differently to other people. Outstanding Russell and one of the best eagle nebulae I've seen from an ameture astro photographer..🙌

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much. I completely agree, worst case is you don’t get an image, you might as well try. I really appreciate the comments on the edits and color balancing. It’s something that I’ve been working on and I’ve been really happy with the recent results. I do feel bad for my wife though, I’ve constantly been asking her “what colors are in this image” or “which edit do you prefer” she must get very bored with all my questioning, but so glad it’s appreciated. Thank you very much, clear skies 👍

[@robertprice4286]

Wow!! Excellent information!

[@AndyofAstro]

Russell, superb image, really superb and inspiring.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Andy, really appreciate it 👍

[@junnchavez9961]

Amazing capture! 😍

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much, really appreciate it

[@DawgcityClev]

Outstanding when you can prove the know-it-alls wrong. Love it!

[@alexalmeida8627]

Absolutely amazing, fits very well on 600mm focal length. Great job and really nice video.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Alex

[@enggashwani]

Beautiful and impressive

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much

[@OutlandishJourneys]

Nice job Russell...with the image and in ignoring the twilight imaging naysayers...we have to take what we get here in the UK, eh (especially in the light summer nights!)! Lol! Loving the quality of that Askar...thanks for sharing the results and have a great day! :)

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much. I’m really enjoying the Askar, the results have been brilliant. Completely agree, unless you’re will to pack the scope away for a few months we just have to get out and image during twilight! Thanks for watching

[@Uwwerasch]

Hi Russel, I recently captured the Eagle Nebula myself. My eyes got a little wet when I saw your image. It is so beautiful !!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind comment. So glad you enjoyed the image and thanks for watching. P.s., sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@Uwwerasch]

@@RussellsAstrophotography Hi Russell, thanks for your reply! Maybe could you tell me the origin of the music your are using during reveal of the final image. Thanks!

[@briankotak403]

Wow! Beautiful image given how low that target is in the sky for you (not to mention the obstacles in your way). Really nice final image. I’ve taken some of my most memorable images of the moon at twilight, or even in the early evening. You never know until you experiment! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Brian. It is such a great target, I do wish it got slightly higher in the sky thought

[@LogansAstro]

Beautiful image of the Eagle. I totally agree with you Russell - get out there and image when you can. Not having astronomical darkness for a few weeks shouldn't mean you can't do the hobby you love just because conditions aren't "perfect". Hell, if we all waited for perfect conditions, we'd never image at all. I've imaged with OIII on a super bright moon and still come away with an acceptable image. I think you have definitely shown that you can produce an excellent image despite the lack of astronomical darkness.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Logan. I agree, unless you’re willing to pack up for the summer months (which I’m not) there’s no other option to image. I’m been really happy with the results as well. Haha you’re right, if we only imaged when the conditions are perfect, we’d only have a few night per year…if that!

[@MarkSunner]

Fantastic image(s) and really well pitched, interesting commentary. Great job Russell - loving this channel 👍

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Mark. So pleased you’re enjoying the channel. Thanks for the support, really appreciate it

[@onewhostudies6856]

Great video. More, please!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much, new video will be out next week. Thanks for watching 👍

[@BLOVECU]

sublimely magnificent. bravo.

[@Astrobloke]

Lovely image Russel, well done mate. South from home for me is so tough with obstructions and light pollution, still will try this one day

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Glenn, yes not an easy target, you’ll have to take that astrobus out for a trip when it’s high next year 👍

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Hi Russell, Talk about timing, I am in the process of gathering narrowband images of M16 from my backyard as well. I do have an elevation advantage over you however with my location at 32N, it does get higher in the sky plus, I have a longer period of darkness. With that being said, your image is looking very much like my image, but I did like Ollie's image as well. I plan to gather another 3-4 hours of data on it tonight, weather permitting ... got to take advantage of no lunar interference. Clear skies my friend, and longer nights.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Clear skies mate, I hope you managed to get some good data. I’ve been away from social media for a few weeks, so will check out your channel and see if you’ve released a video. Clear skies mate 👍

[@N4GW]

I like your processing the best. Looks more natural

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much 👍

[@hesperidesbell4643]

i just started looking into astrophotraphy recently. capturing good images of the pillars like this, is all i want to do lol.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Good luck with your venture into astrophotography. It is such a fantastic hobby. If you need any advice I’d be happy to help. Clear skies Ps sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@astrojourneyuk]

I did exactly the same as you with this target. It feels so low and it’s too easy to hit buildings / trees etc. I didn’t bother recording any footage and then was pleasantly surprised with the result. I love your image too, thank you for sharing!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Marc, I’ll check out your image. Did you share it on instagram? I didn’t expect much from the image, but it turned out pretty well. Clear skies mate 👍

[@astrojourneyuk]

@@RussellsAstrophotography the image is on Instagram for your enjoyment. :)

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Fantastic images Russell! I like both edits as well. I think it's amazing you are capturing in twilight and getting those kind of results, keep it up man!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much mate really appreciate it. I’ve been loving using this scope over the summer and really surprised by the results. Clear skies 👍

[@jesuschrist2284]

I wondered what the ar option in skymaps was for. No i know and will actually use it, ty :)

[@nickambrose8606]

Your edit is really nice.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you Nick

[@astroheartuk4623]

Excellent image and totally with you on capturing when we don't have full darkness. Prefer your image btw, the colours seem more subtle and good contrast as well. You've definitely done this one justice

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it. Glad you like the image, I wasn’t sure on the edit to be honest, but people seem to be liking it 👍

[@joeydesmond7745]

I never new you could get it in the UK. I'm from Ireland I all ways do astrophotography in the summer when I have being told you can't. So I agree whit you

[@SimonsAstro]

Totally agree with you Russell, just get out and start shooting! You’ve inspired me to go for this target, I thought about it before then decided not to because it’s so low! But seeing your results, sod it, I’m going for it😀 Beautiful images Russell, great job, love your edit although Ollie’s was good! Keep it up mate👍 Thanks & Clear skies!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Simon. Hope you manage to get some good data. I was torn, but couldn’t resist giving it a go! It’s such an amazing target! Clear skies

[@Marcus_Aurelius_6]

Holly faq! Astonishing!

[@vanishingpointphotographys1281]

well done! i like both edits, but some how prefer yours over your friends. i think it is because the colors you select allow for more contrast between gradients. I just bought an askar phq 65 so hopefully i can attempt this shot as well from the USA.

[@AstroCrescent]

That’s an amazing image. You don’t need to underestimate yourself. I’m glad I subscribed to your channel. There no disappointment here 😊.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much, really appreciate it 👍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

People don't think you should image before or after astronomical darkness?!?!?! They must be those OSC people. hahah. Your images are proof that you can do it. The picture does not lie. :)

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much mate, really appreciate it. Sometimes you have no other option but to image when the conditions aren’t perfect. Clear skies mate 👍

[@anata5127]

To get details of pillars, I have imaged with 2500mm FL. It can be done. Small scopes show some features, but no details. Basically, small scopes give picture of Eagle nebula.

[@massimo541]

👏👏👏

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you

[@universeworld1782]

Your data and images were good enough for me. I'm in Africa right on the Western Equator so my sky is much different than your sky. Really a lot if advantages over the UK but as always pros and cons like I could not get the Green Asteroid passing by Earth in my location.

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Hi Russell you've done some amazing images there I do prefer your edit out of the two, I quite agree about imaging in twilight these past few weeks I've had more clear skies than ever so I weren't going to waste any time as you can guarantee in winter clear skies will be far & few between, when the temperatures in the UK went into their 40's I kinda said nope I aint imaging in this lol. I shoot with a OSC camera with an IDAS NBX filter with the RASA11 & I've collected some great data in such a short time period. I did shoot the Eagle nebula a couple of weeks ago with only an hour & a half worth of data & gave it a Hubble style colour scheme using Lukomatico's method in SIRIL I have to say it's my favourite image to date clear skies mate.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it. Haha I was out when we had the really hot day, the camera fan was working at 80/90% to cool the camera to -10°…it probably wants the best idea, but I did get some good data. That RASA must be such an incredible scope to use, I bet even with short nights you can get some awesome images. Thanks again for watching and clear skies 👍

[@jesuschrist2284]

Dunno about others, but id find "failure" videos valuable.

[@madb132]

Thinking outside the box is where you can gain knowlege. Love your imaging, It's your audio that needs sorting. I hear you have a soft voice, but when yoou record please check your audio levels on your voice. moving the volume up and down gets a bit anoying. I do love your images! Perfection. 👍

[@SonsofChivalry]

Completely agree I’ve made plenty of decent enough images this time of year with only twilight. Have to get whatever data you can in the UK! 🤣

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Completely agree, what other options are there? I’m not willing to pack up my scope for the whole summer! Thank you very much for watching, clear skies

[@Mistr_A]

Nice work Russ Have you playd with the reducer yet?. In termsd of which image I prefer a combination of both yours and Ollies. Your core for sure produced a little more detail

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much Nik. I’ve had two nights with the reducer yes. First night I forgot that when you add a reducer, you need to have 55mm back focus 🙈 second night (after correcting back focus) the stars looked great. They looked very good at the edges. I’ve not processed the data yet, but initial impressions are good. They might not be as perfect as without the reducer, but definitely very usable. I’m hoping to release a FRA400 vs Phq80 with the reducer video as soon as I can finish off the data collection.

[@winterpatriot1429]

Yeah, I wonder sometimes if those who said not to image outside of astronomical darkness have actually tried .. perhaps they just don’t have the seeing conditions. 🤷‍♂️ Nice pics, though! New sub, just came across your channel. Both images were nice, but I prefer the second - little less red tint, with a little bit more blue, yellow, somewhat grayness to it. Still, I’d be happy shooting either. I’m only about 3 months in, and still looking to capture the Pillars (and Horsehead is another favorite). 👍

[@scottrk4930]

Sorry Olly , I like Russel's Image more . I find I could stare at it for a while and still see various details . I'm envious of your PixInsight skills . Cheers ./SRK

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much Scott. Really appreciate it 👍 thanks for watching

[@olly7248]

Hi Scott… no worries, I agree with you anyway… Russell nailed this image 👍🏻

[@scottrk4930]

@@olly7248 The sign of a true gentleman . Very nice./SRK

[@davewilton6021]

Nice images! And you're right. Image what you can, regardless of the light conditions. If an object is only visible when there is no astronomical darkness, then you're only option is to do it during twilight. Would it be better to do it under optimal conditions? Sure, but that's not always an option.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks Dave, really appreciate it. You’re spot on, sometimes there’s no other option. Thanks for watching

[@across8339]

Amazing image considering the constraints that you had! Seriously considering this scope as a portable option now but would love to hear your thoughts on whether you would choose this over the FRA500.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Really touch decision, I think I might edge toward the 80phq and also purchase the reducer. This seems to be a great combo

[@callumgreer9683]

Great video Russel. I know they are different scopes but if you had to choose one would it be this one or the FRA 400?

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Hi Calum, that’s a very tricky question. I love both. I guess it depends on what you are after really. 600mm (or 456 with the reducer) or 400mm (275mm with the reducer). If you had to push me for an answer, I have been incredibly impressed with the 80PHQ, so I might go for that one. But you really can’t go wrong with either. I hope this helps 👍 Ps sorry for the slow response, I’ve been away on my holidays these past few weeks.

[@jesuschrist2284]

I like the look of your mahoosive tripod pier combo. It looks solid af. Is it supplied with your mount (whatever it is) or available separately?

[@jPaulofe]

Hi Russel. Great work! I do prefer your edit. One question if I may. Did you use the askar’s native FL or did you use any reducer? Clear skies PauloF

[@JonnyBravo0311]

Imaging during twilight isn't a bad thing... it's just light pollution. It'll be a gradient to remove in post. No big deal. Do you get _better_ data when imaging in astronomical darkness vs twilight? Of course... but that's not a reason to skip imaging, in my opinion. Speaking of the Eagle (and pretty much all of the good core Milky Way objects), I am extremely sky limited as well. I get at most an hour and a half of imaging time per night. I'm collecting more data on it as I can and combining it with last year's. Hopefully I'll eventually end up with a decently long integration :)

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Yeah I agree mate, there’s no reason not to try and capture some data. Us UK imagers don’t really have much choice, unless we just pack the scope away for the summer! I feel your pain mate, there are so many awesome targets in that region of the sky! I hope you get a run of clear nights and get a chance to finish the Eagle

[@tompage8674]

Hey Russel - I was wondering - I'm new to the hobby, and would love to know what you use to edit your images? Would you consider doing a video on your process?

[@chrismcgrew4692]

Did you use the Askar reducer for these images, or shoot natively at 600mm and f/7.5?

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

This image was shot natively at 600mm FL. My previous video looks at how good the recuser is (it’s fantastic) and shows a comparison with native stars vs stars with the reducer. Clear skies 👍

[@artsmodelstation9396]

Q: how much for that whole setup ?

[@samwilson6033]

what is the Best telescope to buy to use to take pictures or video???. why didn't you show how to take pictures of space or zoom in so we can see?

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Hi Sam, thanks for watching. Unfortunately, there really isn't one answer for what is the best telescope. It really depends on what you want to photograph and what budget you have. Telescopes used for taking images of nebula will be very different to those used for planetary/moon images. The price range of telescopes is also huge, you can start anywhere from a few hundred pounds or spend tens of thousands for extremely high end scopes. Taking images of space is a fairly complex process, I have show this in numerous other videos. I use a devise call the asiair pro to help with guiding, plate solving, image capture etc. The process for taking images takes weeks or even months for some particular images. I hope this helps, Russell

[@samwilson6033]

@@RussellsAstrophotography what do you mean?// The process for taking images takes weeks or even months

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

@@samwilson6033 you need multiple images to stack together to create one final astro photo. Some of my images range from 8-30 hours worth of individual photos all stacked together. That process takes multiple nights, sometimes the process of capturing all those photos can take months

[@samwilson6033]

@@RussellsAstrophotography How can you ZOOM in and snap a picture of outer space

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

@@samwilson6033 I’m not too sure what you mean by zoom in? The nebula are absolutely huge, so you don’t really need to zoom in much. This image here was taken at 600mm focal length and contains just over 7hours of images (taken with specific filters) stacked together to reveal the faint gases in space

[@astrobath]

Nice video, this will probably be my next target. I am shooting Witch’s Broom right at the moment! Testing 3nm filters by Optolong. 😳 Upd: the narrowband filters cut off the wavelength of the skyglow and all that short length waves from the sun, so there is no problem. You are correct. I am at 55 latitude myself. Nice contrast etc.

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thank you very much, so glad you enjoyed it. I’ve heard great things about the optolong 3nm filters. Olly Barrett, the guy who edited the first image in this video, has just purchased a set of them. You’ll have to let me know how good they are. Clear skies 👍

[@DavesAstrophotography]

Great captures Russell from both of you, although I do prefer the colours in yours. I totally agree with you regarding getting out and trying to capture. Nothing to lose, the equipment is there, not as if we are renting scope time or anything. Well done!

[@RussellsAstrophotography]

Thanks very much Dave, glad you like the images. Yes complete agree, you have nothing to lose, might as well capture some data!

[@humbertoandres923]

Did you ever wonderd what's in the hague. We are Lima thanks for what you did here is tipharet Look close,, look above, look with patience and you will see the soul, Visnhoe - Amor