StarTools

Could only get enough clear skies to capture 20 seven minute subs of M17. My goal was to highlite the fainter nebulosity, so I may have over tightened the stars, but it does cause the details to stand out more.
Che

You really caught a lot of the fainter stuff - nicely done!

I think I like this revision better. Thoughts?

I like them equally. The main difference is obviously that you've pulled back on the red. This tends to be a good decision in HII areas such as these, as you're bound to find some blue reflection nebulosity which you've now helped to stand out a bit better. In the body of the 'Swan' you should be able to recover some blue/'more purple' tints (I think you've started to! ), owing to the the big collection of O and B-class giants powering the emission in this area and 'blowing away' the hydrogen to leave heavier dust (which reflects blue). It's pretty cool to see such subtle shade variations coming through (same thing in the core/'hole' of the Rosette). They're not processing arrtefacts - on the contrary they show judicious processing.

thanks Ivo, I always appreciate your comments and informative descriptions

Looks like Green was removed from the first process? The bright stars in particular are a better colour in the second example. Nice images anyway

ChrisH