Christmas Tree Cluster

Rosette and Cone nebulas, 3700 light years from home.
Taken last night at Stub Stewart state park, Oregon.

Specific Feedback Requested

Technical Details

Is this a composite: No
30-3 min light frames
18 dark, 20 flat and 20 bias
Modified D610, 135mm Rokinon lens

1 Like

Dan, this one doesn’t work as well for me as some of your other recent posts. For my taste, the sheer number of stars kind of overwhelms the nebula. The stars also seem like they are slightly over sharpened, and their increased clarity relative to the nebula also doesn’t quite work as well for me. The main subject just feels like it gets lost in the stars.

I partially agree with @Ed_McGuirk the surrounding stars are a little bright. However i think the nebula is breath taking. I love the red hue it has. I think the image may work better if it was a little darker. You could have also added a vignette to further bring out the nebula. That aside, The image is quite eye catching.