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09-30-2016, 10:08 AM - 4 Likes   #1
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K-70 Milky Way Shots

Though I haven't acquired the gear that I want (or would be more ideal) for night sky shooting, I couldn't resist putting my new K-70 to the test. I set up in the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve near Novato, CA. Overall, I was pleased with the results, though I seem to need a little more practice focusing at night. This lens has some noticeable coma, and 15 seconds may have been just a little too long.

This image is processed and consists of a stack of 8 exposures.

Camera: Pentax K-70
Lens: HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited
ISO3200 f/2.8 15s x8
Focus: Manual
Astrotracer: No
Drive Mode: 2s timer



09-30-2016, 10:51 AM   #2
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Nice capture.
09-30-2016, 11:39 AM   #3
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Great shot !
I've never tried this sort of photography and find it so interesting.
Where did you take this and what time was it?
(curious).
09-30-2016, 11:49 AM - 1 Like   #4
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Thanks, DDoram.

jpzk, this was taken in the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve near Novato, CA, which is about a 25 minute drive north of San Francisco. I hiked a short way into the preserve to find a decent view that was somewhat sheltered from city lights. You can see the heavy light pollution of the Bay Area to the left of the photo. Sunset was at 6:55pm, and there was no moon, so by 8:30pm it was quite dark, and the Milky Way was visible to the eye. Looking west from Novato can be surprisingly dark as there are no major towns - just hills leading to the Pacific Ocean.

09-30-2016, 12:04 PM   #5
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I am impressed, particularly since you have fairly severe light pollution that close to town. Good work


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09-30-2016, 12:56 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by sojournaut Quote
jpzk, this was taken in the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve near Novato, CA, which is about a 25 minute drive north of San Francisco. I hiked a short way into the preserve to find a decent view that was somewhat sheltered from city lights. You can see the heavy light pollution of the Bay Area to the left of the photo. Sunset was at 6:55pm, and there was no moon, so by 8:30pm it was quite dark, and the Milky Way was visible to the eye. Looking west from Novato can be surprisingly dark as there are no major towns - just hills leading to the Pacific Ocean.
Great!
Thank you for the detailed info.
I just might try this one of those days!
Cheers!
09-30-2016, 02:23 PM - 1 Like   #7
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Thanks. Steve!

jpzk - If you decide to try it, definitely consult Lonely Speck. It's a fantastic resource.

10-01-2016, 05:51 AM   #8
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Mars is perhaps the easiest to focus to, 15secs on that orizon height is at the limit, and would suggest using Deep Sky Stacker.
https://500px.com/photo/161152483/darklight-by-yiannis-sotiriadis?ctx_page=1...er_id=13539169
https://500px.com/photo/161152483/darklight-by-yiannis-sotiriadis?ctx_page=1...er_id=13539169
Check this one it's around 100exposures
10-01-2016, 11:56 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by insomniac Quote
Mars is perhaps the easiest to focus to, 15secs on that orizon height is at the limit, and would suggest using Deep Sky Stacker.
Thanks, insomniac. Those are great shots. I've been struggling with memory limits when stacking in Photoshop, and I think Deep Sky Stacker will be a good solution.
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