Astrophotography

Stone G. · 11-28-2011, 04:49 AM

Very nice composition theodoros1978. What gear (lens + camera) did you use?

theodoros1978 · 11-28-2011, 04:51 AM

its a Pentax K-x with original 18-55mm lens.

GWARmachine · 11-28-2011, 09:03 PM

I finally did it! My first stacked photo! I'm still learning DeepSkyStacker so this isn't perfect but, it's my first time. Also please check out the Group I started on here for all things Astrophotography. Please come share your pictures and wisdom. SEMPER FI!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/gwarmachine-albums-astrophotography-picture34325.jpg

krp · 11-28-2011, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by GWARmachine

I finally did it! My first stacked photo! I'm still learning DeepSkyStacker so this isn't perfect but, it's my first time. Also please check out the Group I started on here for all things Astrophotography. Please come share your pictures and wisdom. SEMPER FI!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/gwarmachine-albums-astrophotography-picture34325.jpg

Nice, there's quite a bit of detail in the galaxy. What lens did you use?

GWARmachine · 11-28-2011, 10:33 PM

Thank you. I just realized the photo description doesn't show up. Sorry about that. Here are the 'specs.

Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac. Photoshop to adjust for sharpness.

bossa · 11-28-2011, 10:54 PM - **1 Like**

Amazing photo GWM! What's the name of that tracking mount you use again?

GWARmachine · 11-28-2011, 11:08 PM

It's called AstroTrac. A very simple device but kinda pricey. I had to make a huge decision; a new telescope with tracking mount, or, a simple very portable tracking tool. Since I'm in the military and move often I went with the AstroTrac. I sometimes regret my decision, thinking for the same price I could had not only a tracking tool but also a brand new scope. But after reading hundreds of reviews and researching for months about different brands, prices, quality, accuracy...There was just so much to think about. So I decided to go with something that is dedicated to photography. Besides, I have a scope that I rarely use and I figure when I retire I'll get a nice big scope and be more experienced with astrophotgraphy by then. Sorry, I know I could've answered your question with just one sentence but I love the AstroTrac and astrophotgraphy has always been a dream of mine; now I'm living it!

GWARmachine · 11-28-2011, 11:14 PM

Here is the second one I stacked. 33 one minute exposures. I'm still getting used to the controls so I'm not sure if I'm posting the pictures the right way?

Pleiades: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 33 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac.

GWARmachine · 11-28-2011, 11:16 PM

Okay, this was my third stacked photo. I know the stars away from the center are seriously distorted. Please someone tell me why. Again, like the Pleiades pic, I know that stopping down the lens makes sharper photos but I don't think that would've changed this distortion. Any help?

Horsehead Nebula: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac.

bossa · 11-29-2011, 02:43 AM

Originally posted by GWARmachine

It's called AstroTrac. A very simple device but kinda pricey. I had to make a huge decision; a new telescope with tracking mount, or, a simple very portable tracking tool. Since I'm in the military and move often I went with the AstroTrac. I sometimes regret my decision, thinking for the same price I could had not only a tracking tool but also a brand new scope. But after reading hundreds of reviews and researching for months about different brands, prices, quality, accuracy...There was just so much to think about. So I decided to go with something that is dedicated to photography. Besides, I have a scope that I rarely use and I figure when I retire I'll get a nice big scope and be more experienced with astrophotgraphy by then. Sorry, I know I could've answered your question with just one sentence but I love the AstroTrac and astrophotgraphy has always been a dream of mine; now I'm living it!

Thanks.. I think it's a worthwhile investment judging by the pictures. I don't recall seeing a O-GPS1 based picture that is anywhere near as good.

bossa · 11-29-2011, 02:44 AM

Wow! These pictures are unbelievable.. and it's Sigma too....

Let me ask you one more time. Is this the HSM II Sigma? What is the exact name of the lens.. if you don't mind?

Actually, there's some weird coma happening with that lens in the last shot.... ..but all the same totally impressive.

Stone G. · 11-29-2011, 03:17 AM

Originally posted by GWARmachine

Okay, this was my third stacked photo. I know the stars away from the center are seriously distorted. Please someone tell me why. Again, like the Pleiades pic, I know that stopping down the lens makes sharper photos but I don't think that would've changed this distortion. Any help?

Horsehead Nebula: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac.

First of all: Fantastck pictures you are showing us here!!!

Regarding the distorted stars: I believe your polar alignment is a bit off. Then, when you center your stack on your main target, you will experience some field rotation - see more for example here:

Choosing a 35mm camera

But again, gorgeous pictures --- perhaps I do need a K-5 after all......

GWARmachine · 11-29-2011, 03:32 AM

Originally posted by bossa

Wow! These pictures are unbelievable.. and it's Sigma too....

Let me ask you one more time. Is this the HSM II Sigma? What is the exact name of the lens.. if you don't mind?

Actually, there's some weird coma happening with that lens in the last shot.... ..but all the same totally impressive.

Yessum! The very same. It's definitely getting the job done. The only thing I was confused about was the distortion (especially noticeable on the Horsehead pic) but I think that I'm doing something wrong. I've taken pictures before with it and they weren't nearly as bad as that, if at all. Just can't figure out what happened that night. The Andromeda pic was taken the same night so maybe I was out of focus or something was just plain wrong.?.

The AstroTrac is highly underrated. I think a lot of astronomy enthusiasts do not think it's worth the money because they are comparing it to telescopes and mounts that do the same thing. But for me, (and others I'm sure), I wanted the portability and ease of use more than anything. I don't think viewing is as fun as capturing the tiny details. You just can't see that type of detail with your naked eye. I was tired of seeing fuzzy blobs of extremely faint light then looking in a magazine and seeing what it really looks like.

GWARmachine · 11-29-2011, 03:39 AM

Has anyone here posted pictures from using the O-GPS1? I saw one when I was scouring the internet for details about it, but just one. The only reason I really want one is to not have to deal with polar aligning. As easy as that should be, I think its a pain. But also I know I couldn't expose as long either. I've used the AstroTrac and exposed over three minutes at a time. I wonder what the max focal length to exposure time is with the O-GPS1?

GWARmachine · 11-29-2011, 03:44 AM

Originally posted by Stone G.

First of all: Fantastck pictures you are showing us here!!!

Regarding the distorted stars: I believe your polar alignment is a bit off. Then, when you center your stack on your main target, you will experience some field rotation - see more for example here:

Choosing a 35mm camera

But again, gorgeous pictures --- perhaps I do need a K-5 after all......

Sorry I skipped right over your post Stone before I posted the previous statements. Thank you for the comments. I do appreciate the help(any and all I can get). Yeah, I've been getting so frustrated with polar aligning. I know it should be simple but so far I've only done it 3 or 4 times so hopefully I just need a little more experience. Plus that was the very first time I used DeepSkyStacker and some of the instructions are a little vague. Experience is needed! Thank you for the help!!! It is greatly appreciated.

11-29-2011, 03:32 AM	#163
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Yep! Originally posted by bossa Wow! These pictures are unbelievable.. and it's Sigma too.... Let me ask you one more time. Is this the HSM II Sigma? What is the exact name of the lens.. if you don't mind? Actually, there's some weird coma happening with that lens in the last shot.... ..but all the same totally impressive. Yessum! The very same. It's definitely getting the job done. The only thing I was confused about was the distortion (especially noticeable on the Horsehead pic) but I think that I'm doing something wrong. I've taken pictures before with it and they weren't nearly as bad as that, if at all. Just can't figure out what happened that night. The Andromeda pic was taken the same night so maybe I was out of focus or something was just plain wrong.?. The AstroTrac is highly underrated. I think a lot of astronomy enthusiasts do not think it's worth the money because they are comparing it to telescopes and mounts that do the same thing. But for me, (and others I'm sure), I wanted the portability and ease of use more than anything. I don't think viewing is as fun as capturing the tiny details. You just can't see that type of detail with your naked eye. I was tired of seeing fuzzy blobs of extremely faint light then looking in a magazine and seeing what it really looks like.

11-29-2011, 03:44 AM	#165
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Originally posted by Stone G. First of all: Fantastck pictures you are showing us here!!! Regarding the distorted stars: I believe your polar alignment is a bit off. Then, when you center your stack on your main target, you will experience some field rotation - see more for example here: Choosing a 35mm camera But again, gorgeous pictures --- perhaps I do need a K-5 after all...... Sorry I skipped right over your post Stone before I posted the previous statements. Thank you for the comments. I do appreciate the help(any and all I can get). Yeah, I've been getting so frustrated with polar aligning. I know it should be simple but so far I've only done it 3 or 4 times so hopefully I just need a little more experience. Plus that was the very first time I used DeepSkyStacker and some of the instructions are a little vague. Experience is needed! Thank you for the help!!! It is greatly appreciated. Last edited by GWARmachine; 11-29-2011 at 03:47 AM. Reason: added quote

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11-28-2011, 04:49 AM	#151
Stone G. Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,516	Very nice composition theodoros1978. What gear (lens + camera) did you use?

11-28-2011, 04:51 AM	#152
theodoros1978 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 29	its a Pentax K-x with original 18-55mm lens.

11-28-2011, 09:03 PM	#153
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	I finally did it! My first stacked photo! I'm still learning DeepSkyStacker so this isn't perfect but, it's my first time. Also please check out the Group I started on here for all things Astrophotography. Please come share your pictures and wisdom. SEMPER FI! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/gwarmachine-albums-astrophotography-picture34325.jpg

11-28-2011, 09:57 PM	#154
krp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery Posts: 470	Originally posted by GWARmachine I finally did it! My first stacked photo! I'm still learning DeepSkyStacker so this isn't perfect but, it's my first time. Also please check out the Group I started on here for all things Astrophotography. Please come share your pictures and wisdom. SEMPER FI! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/gwarmachine-albums-astrophotography-picture34325.jpg Nice, there's quite a bit of detail in the galaxy. What lens did you use?

11-28-2011, 10:33 PM	#155
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Thank you. I just realized the photo description doesn't show up. Sorry about that. Here are the 'specs. Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac. Photoshop to adjust for sharpness.

11-28-2011, 10:54 PM - 1 Like	#156
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Amazing photo GWM! What's the name of that tracking mount you use again?

11-28-2011, 11:08 PM	#157
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	It's called AstroTrac. A very simple device but kinda pricey. I had to make a huge decision; a new telescope with tracking mount, or, a simple very portable tracking tool. Since I'm in the military and move often I went with the AstroTrac. I sometimes regret my decision, thinking for the same price I could had not only a tracking tool but also a brand new scope. But after reading hundreds of reviews and researching for months about different brands, prices, quality, accuracy...There was just so much to think about. So I decided to go with something that is dedicated to photography. Besides, I have a scope that I rarely use and I figure when I retire I'll get a nice big scope and be more experienced with astrophotgraphy by then. Sorry, I know I could've answered your question with just one sentence but I love the AstroTrac and astrophotgraphy has always been a dream of mine; now I'm living it!

11-28-2011, 11:14 PM	#158
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Here is the second one I stacked. 33 one minute exposures. I'm still getting used to the controls so I'm not sure if I'm posting the pictures the right way? Pleiades: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 33 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac.

11-28-2011, 11:16 PM	#159
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Okay, this was my third stacked photo. I know the stars away from the center are seriously distorted. Please someone tell me why. Again, like the Pleiades pic, I know that stopping down the lens makes sharper photos but I don't think that would've changed this distortion. Any help? Horsehead Nebula: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac.

11-29-2011, 02:43 AM	#160
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by GWARmachine It's called AstroTrac. A very simple device but kinda pricey. I had to make a huge decision; a new telescope with tracking mount, or, a simple very portable tracking tool. Since I'm in the military and move often I went with the AstroTrac. I sometimes regret my decision, thinking for the same price I could had not only a tracking tool but also a brand new scope. But after reading hundreds of reviews and researching for months about different brands, prices, quality, accuracy...There was just so much to think about. So I decided to go with something that is dedicated to photography. Besides, I have a scope that I rarely use and I figure when I retire I'll get a nice big scope and be more experienced with astrophotgraphy by then. Sorry, I know I could've answered your question with just one sentence but I love the AstroTrac and astrophotgraphy has always been a dream of mine; now I'm living it! Thanks.. I think it's a worthwhile investment judging by the pictures. I don't recall seeing a O-GPS1 based picture that is anywhere near as good.

11-29-2011, 02:44 AM	#161
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Wow! These pictures are unbelievable.. and it's Sigma too.... Let me ask you one more time. Is this the HSM II Sigma? What is the exact name of the lens.. if you don't mind? Actually, there's some weird coma happening with that lens in the last shot.... ..but all the same totally impressive.

11-29-2011, 03:17 AM	#162
Stone G. Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,516	Originally posted by GWARmachine Okay, this was my third stacked photo. I know the stars away from the center are seriously distorted. *Please someone tell me why. Again, like the Pleiades pic, I know that stopping down the lens makes sharper photos but I don't think that would've changed this distortion. Any help?* Horsehead Nebula: Pentax K-5, Sigma 70-200APO@200mm f2.8, ISO 1600, 25 one minute exposures stacked with DeepSkyStacker, tracked with AstroTrac. First of all: Fantastck pictures you are showing us here!!! Regarding the distorted stars: I believe your polar alignment is a bit off. Then, when you center your stack on your main target, you will experience some field rotation - see more for example here: Choosing a 35mm camera But again, gorgeous pictures --- perhaps I do need a K-5 after all......

11-29-2011, 03:39 AM	#164
GWARmachine Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Has anyone here posted pictures from using the O-GPS1? I saw one when I was scouring the internet for details about it, but just one. The only reason I really want one is to not have to deal with polar aligning. As easy as that should be, I think its a pain. But also I know I couldn't expose as long either. I've used the AstroTrac and exposed over three minutes at a time. I wonder what the max focal length to exposure time is with the O-GPS1?