Hi from Sarasota, Fl

**HP 56948** · 02-04-2016, 10:47 PM

Fairly new to modern cameras but learning fast. Used to develop and print my own pics about 100 years ago (OK..not that long but seems like it)
I'm a retired astronomer which leads me to a small gripe. I just found out last week about Astro Tracer. I believe it's on the K-3 ii. I'm waiting to see if the new Pentax full frame model will also have astro-tracer. My gripe is: PENTAX, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US ASTRONOMERS ABOUT THIS FEATURE?

I subscribe to many mags each month including Sky and Telescope, Astronomy and others and (as far as I know) I have not seen ONE ad in any of my magazines about astrotracer. This astrotracer is a big deal. I have an observatory and a large 60 LB scope and large (heavy) mount but I sure can't/wont haul it out on a road trip. Plus, setting up an equatorial mount in the field can be a pain. Having a camera that will allow astrophotographers to take decent shots with out blurring is wonderful and well needed. Yes, there's ways to get around it but to have a camera that will follow the star ( and therefore no damn trails) is super cool.

Love ya Pentax but next time..please tell somebody. I know several Amateur' Astronomers who I told about astrotracer and they all said something like: Really...who makes that and it's in a camera??

ps: I have a Nikon D5300 but looks like my wife will be using it shortly. I've got "Camera Fever"

Adam · 02-04-2016, 11:02 PM

The astrotracer feature has been around since 2010, ever since the O-GPS1 accessory was released

All current speculation suggests that the FF will also have the astrotracer, since it's going to have built-in GPS and SR just like the K-3 II. This will certainly make it quite among FF bodies.

Do note the limitations of this system compared to a traditional sky tracker; in practice the astrotracer is best for shorter exposures.
Astrophotography Part 3 of 6: Making a Barn Door Tracker - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

Unregistered User 8 · 02-04-2016, 11:22 PM

Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in.

**wtlwdwgn** · 02-05-2016, 06:55 AM

Welcome to the forum! Looking forward to seeing some of your images.

debakarma · 02-05-2016, 08:38 AM

Welcome to the forum.

**HP 56948** · 02-05-2016, 11:50 AM

Thank you much for setting me straight. Geez..since 2010?. I really am out-of-the-loop.

I realize that the Astrotracer is only for short astrophotography but shots taken for even 10 seconds...without tracking... will show a lot of blur when examined closely, as in this (over-processed) shot. I think? it was 10 seconds@1600/1.8 Nikon D5300

http://pauldesmond.net/53c.jpg Use the + thing.

**HP 56948** · 02-05-2016, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by pjv

Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in.

Thank you. I'll post some as soon as the weather spirit doesn't know I'm going to shoot that night.

---------- Post added 02-05-16 at 01:38 PM ----------

Originally posted by pjv

Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in.

Thank you kindly.

**Kerrowdown** · 02-13-2016, 12:48 AM

Welcome to the forum, lets us hope that the forthcoming FF is all cameras to all people.

02-04-2016, 10:47 PM	#1
HP 56948 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 30	Hi from Sarasota, Fl Fairly new to modern cameras but learning fast. Used to develop and print my own pics about 100 years ago (OK..not that long but seems like it) I'm a retired astronomer which leads me to a small gripe. I just found out last week about Astro Tracer. I believe it's on the K-3 ii. I'm waiting to see if the new Pentax full frame model will also have astro-tracer. My gripe is: PENTAX, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US ASTRONOMERS ABOUT THIS FEATURE? I subscribe to many mags each month including Sky and Telescope, Astronomy and others and (as far as I know) I have not seen ONE ad in any of my magazines about astrotracer. This astrotracer is a big deal. I have an observatory and a large 60 LB scope and large (heavy) mount but I sure can't/wont haul it out on a road trip. Plus, setting up an equatorial mount in the field can be a pain. Having a camera that will allow astrophotographers to take decent shots with out blurring is wonderful and well needed. Yes, there's ways to get around it but to have a camera that will follow the star ( and therefore no damn trails) is super cool. Love ya Pentax but next time..please tell somebody. I know several Amateur' Astronomers who I told about astrotracer and they all said something like: Really...who makes that and it's in a camera?? ps: I have a Nikon D5300 but looks like my wife will be using it shortly. I've got "Camera Fever"

02-04-2016, 11:02 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	The astrotracer feature has been around since 2010, ever since the O-GPS1 accessory was released All current speculation suggests that the FF will also have the astrotracer, since it's going to have built-in GPS and SR just like the K-3 II. This will certainly make it quite among FF bodies. Do note the limitations of this system compared to a traditional sky tracker; in practice the astrotracer is best for shorter exposures. Astrophotography Part 3 of 6: Making a Barn Door Tracker - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-04-2016, 11:22 PM	#3
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in. Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 02-04-2016 at 11:23 PM. Reason: name spelling

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02-05-2016, 11:50 AM	#6
HP 56948 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 30 Original Poster	Thank you much for setting me straight. Geez..since 2010?. I really am out-of-the-loop. I realize that the Astrotracer is only for short astrophotography but shots taken for even 10 seconds...without tracking... will show a lot of blur when examined closely, as in this (over-processed) shot. I think? it was 10 seconds@1600/1.8 Nikon D5300 http://pauldesmond.net/53c.jpg Use the + thing.

02-05-2016, 01:35 PM	#7
HP 56948 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 30 Original Poster	Originally posted by pjv Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in. Thank you. I'll post some as soon as the weather spirit doesn't know I'm going to shoot that night. ---------- Post added 02-05-16 at 01:38 PM ---------- Originally posted by pjv Hi HP 56948. Welcome aboard the forum. Looking forward to seeing some of your " sky " photographs after you have settled in. Thank you kindly.

02-13-2016, 12:48 AM	#8
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,860	Welcome to the forum, lets us hope that the forthcoming FF is all cameras to all people.