andromeda, first deep space try

Here's my first attempt at a deep space object. It's one 30 sec image, 400mm, f5.6, iso 6400, no darks or flats. This was a dry run to see if everything worked (in spit of a bright moon). Next time I'll try stacking. What do you think? What's the galaxy just above and slightly to the left of Andromeda?

The other galaxy is M110.

A Good first try, and a good idea to do a dry run like this.

I would say you need to concentrate on Focus first, you're a bit off. Most people get best results with live view on max magnification on a star then focus for minimum size. You can pull focus back some way in processing but you will bring up the noise.. so it's always best to start with the best focus you can achieve.

Get the focus right, take some shots, don't worry about darks right now, but do take some flats immediately afterwards, they will make the biggest difference.

Good start.

That's good advice. I'd say you did well for a single image. If you get a stack you will be amazed what can be brought out.

What did you track with?

As mentioned you need to get the focus right. This is what i do.
Boost the ISO to max and take an exposure just long enough to see if the stars are focused. If not, focus again and take another shot and keep doing this until the focus is good. Then set your ISO and other settings and take your long exposure...

Thanks for the comments and all the good information. The focus was giving me fits, especially using live view. The sky was very unstable. Taking photos and checking the focus is a great idea. I'll definitely be doing that.

Pax2You: I made a mount that attaches to my celestron 8" scope.

get you one of these. Choose the correct size for your scope. Best $15 you'll spend

http://www.adorama.com …Prg_4LE37kCFUlp​7AodlVcAtg