Astrophotography

[astrogeezer]

Recommendations for astrophotography stacking software to allow multiple image stacking of the same astro exposure using bulb setting. All images taken with telephoto lenses or professional telescope in observatory.

Presently use dedicated astro-imaging software for Canon DSLR's but am unable to find similar for Sony Alpha 580

[Mick2011]

Hi astrogeezer, welcome to the Sony Forums

I don't believe there is a Sony equivalent to the Canon stacking software, but there's no reason why you shouldn't use a Sony DSLR for the captures, nor any other brand, they're just inlikely to have dedicated software.

RegiStar is the only one I've ever seen being used and seemed to work very well: http://www.aurigaimaging.com/

MaxIm DL is also supposed to be good: http://www.cyanogen.com/

However I've also seen some very good results using Photoshop, adding progressively less opaque layers to produce exposure-enhanced, noiseless images.

Hopefully there are some pointers there.

Cheers

Mick

[astrogeezer]

Thanks for replying. It's my fault, because I should have enquired about low cost or even free software. I know of all those you mentioned, which are relatively expensive. I've been using great software called 'Nebulosity' for a number of years with a Canon DSLR but, unfortunately, the software designer has no plans to include Sony cameras in the large array of imaging devices he caters for. Its a pity because the 580's large pixel count makes for a substantial improvement over the Canon and other astro-dedicated cameras I'm currently using.

I think I'll try to get my head around 'Gimp', though from past experience of trying unsuccessfully to figure it out, I don't hold out much hopes:smileysad:

[Mick2011]

Have you tried Iris? http://astrosurf.com/buil/us/iris/iris.htm

If so, I'm all out of ideas

GIMP is really no harder to fathom than Photoshop, but much easier on the wallet... for free software it's really very impressive indeed and the layers functionality will do the trick for you, with perseverance.

Let me know how you get on.

Cheers

Mick