K5 & O-GPS1 for astrophotography: Pix and experiences from Namibia

stephp · 11-06-2014, 06:04 AM - **3 Likes**

Recent pics with my new Sigma APO DG 300/2.8

Messier 31: 15 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker

Messier 45: 32 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker

My deep sky collection (thanks to the O-GPS1 unit) : Accueil / Albums / Astrophoto | PhotosSteph

**Mikesul** · 11-06-2014, 06:18 AM

Originally posted by stephp

Recent pics with my new Sigma APO DG 300/2.8

Messier 31: 15 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker

Messier 45: 32 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker

My deep sky collection (thanks to the O-GPS1 unit) : Accueil / Albums / Astrophoto | PhotosSteph

Were these taken in Namibia? They seem wonderfully clear.

stephp · 11-06-2014, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by Mikesul

Were these taken in Namibia? They seem wonderfully clear.

Not at all

In France, with good level of light pollution (because: 50km south from Paris)
But Lightroom helped me to clear them from this pollution

djseeram · 11-06-2014, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by stephp

Not at all

In France, with good level of light pollution (because: 50km south from Paris)
But Lightroom helped me to clear them from this pollution

Nice shots. Would you be able to post some before and after lightroom processing images and the things you did in lightroom. I have always struggled with post processing away light polution. thanks.

Sage97 · 01-06-2015, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by mgbirder

Thanks, it was 2 minutes. I am still learning how to take astrophotos but i really like the result of this neet light compact add on which is ONLY AVAILABLE for Pentax (as i have had to tell numerous Canikon owners

)

My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst.

Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked?

mgbirder · 01-07-2015, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by Sage97

My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst.

Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked?

You will surely enjoy it!! The only way to keep the foreground sharp is to do a double exposure, one with tracking on and one with tracking of (i tend to use the same exposure settings for both shots), which then have to be blended in PP. The desert/milkyway shot was not stacked, but i should have taken a exposure without tracking

... in the case of the dunes the blurring is not so apparent but it really helps to have two exposures to work with.

mikeSF · 01-07-2015, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by Sage97

My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst.

Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked?

people think i'm stretching or doing Tai Chi when I am standing on a rock calibrating my O-GPS1; I really get into it, lol.

Sage97 · 01-07-2015, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by mgbirder

You will surely enjoy it!! The only way to keep the foreground sharp is to do a double exposure, one with tracking on and one with tracking of (i tend to use the same exposure settings for both shots), which then have to be blended in PP. The desert/milkyway shot was not stacked, but i should have taken a exposure without tracking

... in the case of the dunes the blurring is not so apparent but it really helps to have two exposures to work with.

I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems.

Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it.

Originally posted by mikeSF

people think i'm stretching or doing Tai Chi when I am standing on a rock calibrating my O-GPS1; I really get into it, lol.

Dangit...looks like I also have to learn Tai Chi.

mikeSF · 01-08-2015, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by Sage97

I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems.

Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it.

Dangit...looks like I also have to learn Tai Chi.

if Lightroom can do layer masks, then you are all set. Layers and masks are a great tool to know moving forward, so effort will be rewarded.
have fun

**interested_observer** · 01-09-2015, 03:05 AM

Originally posted by Sage97

I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems.

Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it.

Originally posted by mikeSF

if Lightroom can do layer masks, then you are all set. Layers and masks are a great tool to know moving forward, so effort will be rewarded.
have fun

I kind of am going down the same route. I was using the Topaz ReMask trial for masking and trying to use their main utility for layering. They told me to use Adobe Elements - version 10 or greater, that has layering in it. That is when my trial ran out. I would arrange the shot to have all the masking and layering in a single frame, and then stitch that up (for a vertical stitch). I have not thought a horizontal stitch through yet.

mgbirder · 01-14-2015, 02:19 PM

I went to the same site last weekend and had around an hour to scout and shoot the night sky - This time i took 2 exposures.
I really love the O-GPS 1, when (if?) the FF comes out i hope it will work with the Astrotracer. Now looking at buying a wider lens (i use the DA 14 mm f2.8) and still waiting for the announcements on CP+ to upgrade my K5.

**fs999** · 01-15-2015, 01:22 AM

Superb shot mgbirder !

I upgraded my K-5 with a K-5 IIs. It's worth the change. Waiting for a FF too...

Sage97 · 01-17-2015, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by fs999

Superb shot mgbirder !

I upgraded my K-5 with a K-5 IIs. It's worth the change. Waiting for a FF too...

I agree. Wonderful image.

I tried my OGPS-1 in my backyard today just to see what would happen. Lots of light pollution as expected but also seeing star trails at 2 mins using the 31mm. I wonder if it is a calibration issue.

**fs999** · 01-18-2015, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by Sage97

I tried my OGPS-1 in my backyard today just to see what would happen. Lots of light pollution as expected but also seeing star trails at 2 mins using the 31mm. I wonder if it is a calibration issue.

Yes an no. Good calibration is very important, but it depends also where you are and in what direction you point.
If 2 mins is the maximum given by the camera, try 1 min 30 or 1 min 45. If no trails then go for 2 mins...

Sage97 · 01-18-2015, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by fs999

Yes an no. Good calibration is very important, but it depends also where you are and in what direction you point.
If 2 mins is the maximum given by the camera, try 1 min 30 or 1 min 45. If no trails then go for 2 mins...

Thanks Frederic.

The K5 suggested a max of 5 mins but it was cold and I didn't have my jacket on and I was too excited to go back and grab one.

I'm located in the southwest US and I just typically point the camera at the starriest parts of the sky. I probably need to download that iPhone app (can't remember the name) I used with the kids for star gazing.

Clear skies and very little moon tonight. Tomorrow is a non-working holiday so seems like a perfect night to drive two hours into the canyon and learn some new things.

11-06-2014, 06:04 AM - 3 Likes	#91
stephp Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Near Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	The O-GPS1 works well with a 300mm lens :) Recent pics with my new Sigma APO DG 300/2.8 Messier 31: 15 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker Messier 45: 32 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker My deep sky collection (thanks to the O-GPS1 unit) : Accueil / Albums / Astrophoto \| PhotosSteph

01-07-2015, 08:37 AM	#96
mgbirder Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cali Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 235	Originally posted by Sage97 My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst. Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked? You will surely enjoy it!! The only way to keep the foreground sharp is to do a double exposure, one with tracking on and one with tracking of (i tend to use the same exposure settings for both shots), which then have to be blended in PP. The desert/milkyway shot was not stacked, but i should have taken a exposure without tracking ... in the case of the dunes the blurring is not so apparent but it really helps to have two exposures to work with. Last edited by mgbirder; 01-07-2015 at 12:24 PM.

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11-06-2014, 06:18 AM	#92
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by stephp Recent pics with my new Sigma APO DG 300/2.8 Messier 31: 15 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker Messier 45: 32 images (20secs, ISO1600, f/2.8) stacked with DeepSkyStacker My deep sky collection (thanks to the O-GPS1 unit) : Accueil / Albums / Astrophoto \| PhotosSteph Were these taken in Namibia? They seem wonderfully clear.

11-06-2014, 06:24 AM	#93
stephp Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Near Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	Originally posted by Mikesul Were these taken in Namibia? They seem wonderfully clear. Not at all In France, with good level of light pollution (because: 50km south from Paris) But Lightroom helped me to clear them from this pollution

11-06-2014, 09:52 AM	#94
djseeram Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 83	Originally posted by stephp Not at all In France, with good level of light pollution (because: 50km south from Paris) But Lightroom helped me to clear them from this pollution Nice shots. Would you be able to post some before and after lightroom processing images and the things you did in lightroom. I have always struggled with post processing away light polution. thanks.

01-06-2015, 11:36 AM	#95
Sage97 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,238	Originally posted by mgbirder Thanks, it was 2 minutes. I am still learning how to take astrophotos but i really like the result of this neet light compact add on which is ONLY AVAILABLE for Pentax (as i have had to tell numerous Canikon owners ) My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst. Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked?

01-07-2015, 10:22 AM	#97
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by Sage97 My gf gave me the OGPS-1 for Christmas and I'd like to try it out soon. I'll have to learn how to calibrate it forst. Couple quick questions. How do you keep the foreground from blurring when the sensor moves? Is your desert/milky way image stacked? people think i'm stretching or doing Tai Chi when I am standing on a rock calibrating my O-GPS1; I really get into it, lol.

01-07-2015, 08:35 PM	#98
Sage97 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,238	Originally posted by mgbirder You will surely enjoy it!! The only way to keep the foreground sharp is to do a double exposure, one with tracking on and one with tracking of (i tend to use the same exposure settings for both shots), which then have to be blended in PP. The desert/milkyway shot was not stacked, but i should have taken a exposure without tracking ... in the case of the dunes the blurring is not so apparent but it really helps to have two exposures to work with. I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems. Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it. Originally posted by mikeSF people think i'm stretching or doing Tai Chi when I am standing on a rock calibrating my O-GPS1; I really get into it, lol. Dangit...looks like I also have to learn Tai Chi.

01-08-2015, 08:35 AM	#99
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by Sage97 I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems. Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it. Dangit...looks like I also have to learn Tai Chi. if Lightroom can do layer masks, then you are all set. Layers and masks are a great tool to know moving forward, so effort will be rewarded. have fun

01-09-2015, 03:05 AM	#100
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by Sage97 I figured panoed shots would be the answer. I'll have to figure out if my pano edit software will work with this. I don't think it allows for manual stitching so I may have to learn how to stitch manually in case pano edit has problems. Looks like I also need to learn how to do basic stacking. I hope Lightroom can do it. Originally posted by mikeSF if Lightroom can do layer masks, then you are all set. Layers and masks are a great tool to know moving forward, so effort will be rewarded. have fun I kind of am going down the same route. I was using the Topaz ReMask trial for masking and trying to use their main utility for layering. They told me to use Adobe Elements - version 10 or greater, that has layering in it. That is when my trial ran out. I would arrange the shot to have all the masking and layering in a single frame, and then stitch that up (for a vertical stitch). I have not thought a horizontal stitch through yet.

01-15-2015, 01:22 AM	#102
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,635	Superb shot mgbirder ! I upgraded my K-5 with a K-5 IIs. It's worth the change. Waiting for a FF too...

01-17-2015, 09:37 PM	#103
Sage97 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,238	Originally posted by fs999 Superb shot mgbirder ! I upgraded my K-5 with a K-5 IIs. It's worth the change. Waiting for a FF too... I agree. Wonderful image. I tried my OGPS-1 in my backyard today just to see what would happen. Lots of light pollution as expected but also seeing star trails at 2 mins using the 31mm. I wonder if it is a calibration issue.

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01-18-2015, 04:22 AM	#104
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,635	Originally posted by Sage97 I tried my OGPS-1 in my backyard today just to see what would happen. Lots of light pollution as expected but also seeing star trails at 2 mins using the 31mm. I wonder if it is a calibration issue. Yes an no. Good calibration is very important, but it depends also where you are and in what direction you point. If 2 mins is the maximum given by the camera, try 1 min 30 or 1 min 45. If no trails then go for 2 mins...

01-18-2015, 10:26 AM	#105
Sage97 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,238	Originally posted by fs999 Yes an no. Good calibration is very important, but it depends also where you are and in what direction you point. If 2 mins is the maximum given by the camera, try 1 min 30 or 1 min 45. If no trails then go for 2 mins... Thanks Frederic. The K5 suggested a max of 5 mins but it was cold and I didn't have my jacket on and I was too excited to go back and grab one. I'm located in the southwest US and I just typically point the camera at the starriest parts of the sky. I probably need to download that iPhone app (can't remember the name) I used with the kids for star gazing. Clear skies and very little moon tonight. Tomorrow is a non-working holiday so seems like a perfect night to drive two hours into the canyon and learn some new things.