Here is a comparison with a deep image by the Very Large Telescope at ESO's Paranal Observatory
in Chile. The deeper higher resolution achieved with the 8m class telescope under true dark skies
with sub arc sec seeing, makes it possible to see what details I have managed to resolve. NGC 6872
is almost 300 Million light years away.

Read more here: http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1437a/

Orion Optics AG12 F3.8
Starlightxpress SXVF-H694, SX USB CFW, SX OAG unit + Atlas Focuser
LRGB = 12.5hrs 1hr 1hr 1hr = 15.5hrs total exposure (bin 1X1) New Deep-Sky RGB Astronomik filters
-20C chip temp, flats used but no dark frames.
Focal length 1120mm
Image scale 0.84"/pix
Guide Camera: Starlightxpress Lodestar

Comments
Taken over 3 nights, clear, no moon, reasonably good seeing

Equipment setup:

http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/151108788/original

Some links to equipment used to take this image:

Orion Optics UK

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/

StarlightXpress CCD Cameras and imaging equipment

http://www.sxccd.com/products

Finger Lakes Instrumentation CCD cameras:

http://www.flicamera.com/

Astro Shop (Aus)

http://www.astroshop.com.au/

Astro-Elecronic FS2 scope GOTO controller:

http://www.astro-electronic.de/

Gerd Neumann and Astronomik filters:

http://www.astronomik.com/en/home

http://www.gerdneumann.net/

MSB Software & Astroart 5

http://www.msb-astroart.com/

Catseye Collimation

http://www.catseyecollimation.com/

STAR Atlas:PRO planetarium software:

http://www.staratlaspro.com/