This Makes Stacking Stupid Easy, ZWO ASIStudio Deep Stack

The ASI Studio is a great addition to the community. It is fast and available on multiple platforms. And it is fast. Even older computers seam to run very well with this and the newest machines definitely benefit and can take full advantage of all the processors cores in new computers.
Also its default stacking perimeters seam really well tuned so that any new or novice astrophotographer will find just works out of the box. You won't have to spend huge amounts of time getting to know this software because it is so easy.
Here is an affiliated link where you can buy astronomy gear and support my channel.
www.astrogear.net/?ref=Narrow...

[@JR-ey3oo]

It's awesome to see you making videos in spite of what you're going. You are such an inspiration. You have the attitude and mentality it takes to beat adversity. Thank you for being such incredible person.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you. I am a fighter. Hat to sit still.

[@TheSannaeriksson]

Totally agree! It is important to try to do what you love despite illness, it gives energy and strength to continue. I don't have cancer, but have been sick with ME/CFS for many years and photography is what keeps me alive when I can. Days with less energy are youtube tutorials lying on the sofa what I do when I'm not sleeping because I want to learn more about the art of photography, better days the camera follows me out because I then want to practice different types of photography. Put up a fight (I know you do) but also allow yourself to rest and gather strength when you need, it can sometimes be difficult if you are used to keep going all the time. But when you're sick, you have to be a little selfish and only think about yourself sometimes. 🌹⚘️🌺

[@Planetreefastro]

Ben, I met you at NEAF this year. I almost photobombed one of your interviews. I couldn’t keep my balance due to a bad outcome from back fusion. I enjoy your channel and it got me into narrowband. I survived Colon cancer in 2016 so I understand what you’re going through. But your strength clearly shows through in your will to keep fighting and making videos at the same time. I am praying for you and hope we can formally meet again as I live in New York. If you ever need an ear to listen to you give me a holla. Anytime. Great video. I use this software as well and I quite like it. God bless. I don’t know his to send a private message on here but I can send my phone number if you send me a request. Stay strong Luis

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Hi Luis I would love to talk some time. You can email me in the about section of the channel. It was a pleasure meeting you at NEAF. I'll be sure to see you next year.

[@earthling-fh2mg]

Ben, I think about how you are doing a lot. Hope you’re having as great a day as possible. Thoughts and wishes from Scotland.

[@davidnayler276]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery bud.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you David.

[@ohwell2790]

Just received the color ZWO planetary camera and found your channel. Look forward to using the camera and processing images. This will be a big help to get started, thanks.

[@Robin-Visser]

We love you dude. Thanks for another video while having a tough time.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Robin.

[@greghofmann5141]

Great stuff I just purchased my first dedicated astro rig and you were a big part of my decision making process. Thanks for all the work you put in. Looking forward to many more videos. Keep strong and stay the course.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad to help!

[@whyf16uy]

Keep your head up. You've helped me so much in this crazy hobby. Rooting for you.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you!

[@michaelhall2709]

Really happy to see you working, and (if I may say so) looking not too bad at all, if a little thin. Hang in there, and thanks for a typically useful video - that software looks pretty cool, and I’ll definitely want to try it out.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I sound terrible though. Today I sound better. Can't drive yet. Maybe by Monday or Tuesday I'll be able to drive again. Chemo is ruff.

[@CameraCombo]

This video was super helpful. I have been looking for software to make things "easy" for astro as I find the process of this type of photography a little daunting. Keep it up with the videos if you have the energy. I really admire that. I've been telling myself for years that it's too difficult to be a KZbinr, but here you are doing it WHILE on dialysis. That's a major inspiration. Thank you.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Did not think of it that way me being on the machine. When the machine comes off though is when it really hits me hard. Yesterday and today will be my hardest day. Last night was clear and it was so frustrating that I had not the energy to take out even one scope.

[@pinkzombie]

As a fellow Olympus shooter and Mac user, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for providing a fresh, free approach to process astrophotography. Wishing you a swift recovery. 🙏

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad I brought something new to you. Love to see ZWO take this software even farther.

[@andesastro]

Great to see you back! Hope these days go smooth for you in your treatment, sending good cosmic energy your way! Best wishes!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you! The support has been very mentally helpful.

[@aw7425]

Very helpful our super Astro friend. Feel better and thanks again and of course we wish you and your family clear skies forever and a day 💕

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you. It's clear to night but man I am not sure I can drag out even one scope.

[@GenesCustoms.]

Thank you very much for this video! I tried the ASI Studio ASI DeepStack yesterday and wow what a difference it made. It's great.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad you like it. Makes OSC stacking so easy and quick.

[@kevincaballa7986]

Hey man! I wanted to drop by and say you’re the reason why I got that Svbony Maksutov last month and I really appreciate all the content. I’ve learned a lot of cool stuff from you. I’m rooting for you ok!!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad to hear it! I hope you have lots of fun with that little scope. The speed is its only draw back I think.

[@gregerianne3880]

I used ASIStudio for the first time the other day when I had to send some image files to ZWO. What a nice piece of software! I'm looking forward to trying this out. Stay strong and keep working!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Great to hear! No one has talked about this software. I hope to get some more interest as it does have merits. ZWO might even put more into its development if they get more downloads.

[@gparham]

I enjoy your content so much. Thank you for informing my interest in astronomy! May the wind continue at your back and the sun upon your face. 👍🏽

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you!

[@joaquinfabrega]

Thanks for taking your time to do the video. All my best and get well soon.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Much appreciated

[@jesusalbertoponcedeleon7124]

Stay strong and do not give up! amazing how determined you are! and inspiration! Learning from you all the time!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@henri-julienchartrand3387]

Hang in there Ben and wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing ! Respectfully, Henri-Julien

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Yes, thank you

[@KevinMurphy0403]

Another great video, thank you Ben. And get well soon, you can and will beat this thing. Stay positive and keep making these wonderful videos.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks, will do!

[@rudyamaya2532]

Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Rudy.

[@mupangamwanakatwe1300]

Great video and tutorial. Will try it out… You’re one hell-of-a-brave dude mu man!! Please keep on smiling and wishing you the best with the chemo treatment!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you. Smiling is good medicine.

[@MrGp3po]

Awesome. Thanks for the video and best of health to you!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you.

[@craigharpel295]

Ben, I love ASI Studio as well for its' simplicity. Thanks for the video and keep fighting!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mr.d.8121]

Thank you, Ben. All the best.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Same to you!

[@amp2amp800]

Great video, and nice tip about using dark flats! I've been scratching my head about using them for a while.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@camsmith5477]

I have been using it for about 18 months now and love it, way faster than others and the jpeg option is great when you are doing mosaics..

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I have not tried that yet. Might have to.

[@BethC.-cd7nu]

Great information. 👍 keep staying positive. You are an inspiration!!!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ronlevandoski4805]

Good luck and God bless. Thanks for your great tutorials!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

My pleasure!

[@canen2031]

Thanks for the video, I wanted to give asi studio a shot for a long time too.. Nice to see that it could produce some cool results! br and cs

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks and do give it a try.

[@joedenisco6033]

Man, you blow me away. Your spirit is infectious. You are gonna beat this thing. I just know it. Great video. Stay strong bro. Joe D

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you so much I believe I will too.

[@paulholdsworth2502]

I use asi studio for looking through each of my files for satellites etc but will definitely have a look at the stacking option. On a much more important note I just wanted to leave a comment to wish you the very best of luck with your treatment and hope you have a really good and speedy recovery.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Paul. Second treatment went well. I hope the third does better still.

[@PatJones82]

Great video. I tried this software very early on and I didn’t like it but it looks like it has been much improved since then! I’ll look forward to giving it another try. Hang in there and I’m praying for you every day that you back to 100 percent soon!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Pat. Today is better then the last chemo treatment i had. But man do i have to take a lot of pills. Lol.

[@PatJones82]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Hang in there bud! You got this!! 👍👍

[@brianlambert3271]

Rooting for you, mate!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Brian!

[@mattestabrook]

Nice video--and really nice Eastern Veil image you're working on. I used ASI Studio for my first few months of astrophotography before moving on to Astropixelprocessor, but I haven't used it in a while--maybe it's time to give it another spin! Clear skies!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

The planetary stacking section is especially great. I will do one on that soon too.

[@mattestabrook]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thank you, I'd love that.

[@AstraPharma-Arabic]

Even astrophotographers in the Kuwaiti desert are rooting for you, worldwide! Great Content!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Wow, thank you!

[@larrymedina2466]

Thanks i stacked my first photo M51. I pray for your total remission.

[@gersoncortez8009]

Gracias amigo por tus videos, siempre son de una gran ayuda, una abrazo fraterno para ti y deseándote una pronta mejoría, saludos desde Santiago de Chile

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you!

[@mwales2112]

Just getting back into astrophotography and took only 40 min. of data last night on The California Nebula. I gave this software a shot and the results were surprisingly good. Sorry to hear you going through chemo and hope all goes well for you.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks. We are getting there.

[@bradkavin5485]

Thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you so much Brad!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Stay strong man! You got this!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you! I hope to someday master siril. Your channel is a great resource.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thank you!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Learn something new trying it right now!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

That is the way to go.

[@whatmattersmost6725]

God bess you Ben! More prayers on the way!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Brother!

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

As a newbie - that is cool 🙂 Thx !

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Hope it inspires you.

[@agrafernando]

💪🏾

[@richardmarquardt6246]

Thank you for this video. I have been looking for a stacking program that is easy to use and runs on a Mac. Which ZWO one shot camera would you recommend for refractors of 105 or less focal length? Still thinking about you and rooting for your complete recovery.Take it easy.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Hi Richard. The 533 is my top choice. The 294 is also good but it has amp glow and that might make it hard for a beginner.

[@juniorturazzi5167]

Great Video! Can I use FireCapture on MacBook M1? What software do you use to make the photos? I'm thinking about buying a ToupTek GP701200F, IMX 225 sensor. But I really don't know if it will works.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I would not make a touptek your first camera. get something that has more infrastructure and software behind it. f

[@deep_space_dave]

Very interesting! I no longer use ZWO cameras with the exception of a ASI678MC which I use as an all sky camera to keep an eye on my scope but I do use the ASI tools like the fits viewer for which there is no replacement. I have to try this to do proto stacks to see how a image session is going as I use PixInsight for my "production" stacking. Thanks for the video and Clear Skies! Also good luck on your treatments ♥

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

What cameras do you use now? QHY?

[@deep_space_dave]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Yes I currently have a QHY600M, QHY183C, and now QHY5III715C and I use all these on my RASA 8" I had to switch at the time so I could use the Baader Filter Changer Camera Tilter. Yep I got a QHY600M to work on a RASA 8" 🙂

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@deep_space_dave That is a nice fleet :)

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

I've had ASI studio for a while but never tried the stacking feature maybe I'll give it a go, I think I spotted a live function? I'm guessing that's to do a live stack maybe? Take it easy & wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Yes there is a live stack. But I think that is for tethering to your scope which I use my air to do all my capture work. They have live stacking too but I have never used it because they do not give very good flexibility with calibration frames.

[@luboinchina3013]

I tried it last time to stack my recent images. However, it isn't as good as stacking right in ASIAIR Mini. It couldn't align and stack very dark frames dual narrowband M101 at F/10 , However I could do it INSIDE ASIAIR MINI. And as you said already, the colour balance is almost perfect from default output. I wouldn't be able to do it better with any other free software.

[@daveb1948]

Can you please tell me what software you're using on your Mac to convert your RAW OM-1 camera images over to FITS format. I've been looking for a while and can't seem to find a good one with reviews and recommendations.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

ASTAP

[@dankusz3617]

Praying for you Ben.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Brother.

[@alajmiq8]

i hope you get well soon 🙏 your desert friend from Saudi Arabia khalid , i sent 100 $ thanks check that ❤

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you that is very generous of your. I have missed a lot o days at work so things like this really help me and the family.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Awesome stuff Dude! I am a noob, however I just received my EM1.3 and am going to try star focus tonight. I live east of San Diego in the mountains and it is a class 4 on the ol bortle scale. I have the MoveShootMove and will be using the 7-14 at f2.8, ISO 1600 for the first bunch of shots, tracked at 10 sec maybe, and then go from there. I will also be using the 12-40 f2.8 as I have a pollution filter I want to try. And yes, I'm going to take some darks for the first time in my life. Unfortunately, there are some trees blocking Polaris and I'm going to try to use the cell phone attachment for the MSM. I have already lined up Polaris pretty darn good, but not as good as my polar scope attachment. Maybe at night I can see Polaris thru the trees ... Any recommendations would be great. Hang in there, you are looking great! Randy 🌃

[@michaelhall2709]

@ridealongwithrandy I live in North County, but occasionally get up into the mountains to shoot. Maybe we’ll run into each other sometime. 😊

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Try ISO 2000 it has a little less read noise at that setting. I would be curious to know at what f stop stars look good in yours. I'll be doing a 12-40 review soon comparing the OM version to the Olympus.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel I will, shot at 400 and 1600, came out nice

[@SKYST0RY]

I've never used this. Can you drizzle with it?

[@gamingwithstand6886]

How long of a lens do you need for astrophotography?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I suggest a portrait length lens to start with. Long lenses are harder to work with.

[@andesastro]

Hey Ben, killer video as usual. I tried it out and it rejected 27 images (all seem fine to me) and it spat a dark file, tried getting it to SiriL in case it was a linear state with no stretch whatsoever to no effect. Did you hear about this before? thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Sounds like some alignment issue where it could not align them? What were the star sizes?

[@andesastro]

Ill check them back again, did it as usual in DSS and no problem at all

[@kevinhanley3023]

Hi Ben. Cannabis is supposed to help.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

HI Kevin. Thanks I have heard the same.

[@darkrangersinc]

You’re a beast for fighting through and making videos still… Does this match the quality of Pixinsite?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Pixinsite is a lot better but so much harder to use and takes I feel a year or two to learn.

[@darkrangersinc]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel I’m helping a new person who’s literally brand new to astrophotography and doing a series on it with my KZbin channel. We took the data he captured from his first night and did WBPP stack and edit his very first time using Pixinsite. The entire process including WBPP and processing took about 20 minutes It’s just about having good help. His very first image turned out great. I’ll be release the video next week. It definitely doesn’t need to take anything like 1-2 years to learn he learned WBPP in 10 minutes I think the hard part is if you’re trying to figure it out on your own like most do which is definitely a challenge but more and more tools coming out. Love the channel 💪🏼

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@darkrangersinc I think my video though was only 5min ;) Someday I will switch to Pixinsite but not yet. Course with the way they keep improving siril I might never need to.

[@darkrangersinc]

Yeah it took more than 5 minutes because he’s literally brand new to the hobby so he wanted to know how the software worked, and what the different files did etc. plus we went through and edited the entire image vs just stacking. Glad you found an alternative maybe they’ll keep improving so like you mentioned it’ll be as good as Pixinsite one day 👍🏼

[@Robert_Nik]

I use it sometime

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

It's not going to replace ASTAP for me but it is defineilty good for a quick stack and stretch.

[@peterdmatthews7427]

Have you compared to APP or Pixinsight? I did it recently and found both APP and Pix did a far better job of preserving the data and bringing out the nebulosity. There was quite a difference. For moon video shots, ASI is better and faster. No distinguishable difference between APP and Pix, although Pix takes longer.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Nico on Nebula photos did a good comparison. ASTAP beat both of them. And I found ASTAP easier to use especially with mono.

[@peterdmatthews7427]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel thanks I will try it. Hope to see you beat that cancer. Fight the good fight and live in hope every day!

[@colintraveller]

Curious Q -- If 2 people with the exact same gear .. one decided to set up at a ground level location and the other decided to set up on a mountain top .. Both captured the same target ... same number of images etc etc ..and it took the same amount of time .. Who in essence whose image would be clearer and contain more detail . And good luck in your quest to defeat the Cancer

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Mountain top will always be better. Less air. Less light pollution. Might have more wind though. Example Florida has great seeing compared to mountains of PA

[@boondockit9661]

I cannot want for this tool to support LRGB + SHO.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Me too. You can do but you have to stack each one then combine in some other software which is a pain. I hope I can talk them into an all encompassing solution soon. ZWO seams to always want to improve their stuff.

[@TheGoKidd]

Confession is good for the soul, allegedly, so here is my truth ... this automated process usually produces a more consistent image in a few minutes than I can do in an hour of trial and error. Shewww ... I feel lighter already. ;-) (Maybe I should turn down the contrast?)

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Check your computers screen. It might be aging or off on contrast. That can sometimes muck up images. Glad you seam to like it so far. It is very easy to use.

[@luboinchina3013]

I really recommend you to FULLY explore ASIAIR mini including stacking options.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

The only thing that gets me with the asiair inside stacking is that I am limited on the number of calibration frames and I cannot access my library of calibration data. I have been imaging for years now with the air so my library is big now. Over 3tb.

[@hiramabiff1418]

Thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You bet!

[@KevinMurphy0403]

Thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you for the help Kevin!