Star Trackers.

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Seagull Shooter

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Stephen Pook
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Hi All,

I’ve had a little play with some night shots and am thinking of trying to step up a level using longer exposures and multiples. Having done a bit of reading around the subject it seems like I’m going to need a Star Tracker to prevent trailing etc.

There are all sorts of models available and I was looking for advice from those with experience as to making a choice. I’d prefer not to break the bank but at the same time I don’t want to purchase a ‘budget’ model and quickly find I’ll need something better.

I’d be looking to take multiple 30s (although possibly longer/shorter) of the Milky Way, nebulae etc.

Also, does anyone have advice on the best software to merge the multiple shots? I use LR but don’t have PS at the moment.

Many thanks,

Steve.
 
It really depends on what you are taking photos of, what focal length, the weight & the size of the camera equipment you would be using and where you will be using it.

I only use a Move Shoot Move on wider lenses but something like the Star Adventurer would be a nice balance between cost, size and ability esp if you want to use slightly longer focal lengths.
 
LeeRatters said:
It really depends on what you are taking photos of, what focal length, the weight & the size of the camera equipment you would be using and where you will be using it.

I only use a Move Shoot Move on wider lenses but something like the Star Adventurer would be a nice balance between cost, size and ability esp if you want to use slightly longer focal lengths.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hijack a little.
Been looking at them myself over the past 6 months and have yet to buy one.
The move shoot move was the one I was planning to go with.
Seems to get the best reviews, for ease of use / size.
How easy is it to set up and use.. I’m still can’t quite get my head around how to even use them.
I see people take multi shot pano’s ( like 6x 6) how easy is this?
 
I've been using the Sky-watcher star adventurer 2i.
It works without problems and is very well made.
I have a neck problem with weight (following a cervical disc fusion) and I'm on a mission to reduce the weight of all my kit. I'm 73 and it isn't going to improve.
I've today received delivery of the MSM Nomad which is noticeably lighter than the Star Adventurer.
When I've put it through it's paces my plan is to sell the Star Adv. but that is a few weeks away.

Here is a link to the Star Adv. which I bought new from Wex. https://www.wexphotovideo.com/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-2i-wifi-pro-pack-1756567/

When I'm ready to sell I'll put it up in the for sale section.
 
Peter123 said:
I've been using the Sky-watcher star adventurer 2i.
It works without problems and is very well made.
I have a neck problem with weight (following a cervical disc fusion) and I'm on a mission to reduce the weight of all my kit. I'm 73 and it isn't going to improve.
I've today received delivery of the MSM Nomad which is noticeably lighter than the Star Adventurer.
When I've put it through it's paces my plan is to sell the Star Adv. but that is a few weeks away.

Here is a link to the Star Adv. which I bought new from Wex. https://www.wexphotovideo.com/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-2i-wifi-pro-pack-1756567/

When I'm ready to sell I'll put it up in the for sale section.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up. Perhaps you could drop me line letting me know.. assuming I have t taken the plunge with something else by then. Cheers.
Steve.
 
pmac said:
Sorry to hijack a little.
Been looking at them myself over the past 6 months and have yet to buy one.
The move shoot move was the one I was planning to go with.
Seems to get the best reviews, for ease of use / size.
How easy is it to set up and use.. I’m still can’t quite get my head around how to even use them.
I see people take multi shot pano’s ( like 6x 6) how easy is this?
Click to expand...

I can easily set it up in a couple of minutes tbh
Taking a tracked panorama is the same procedure taking a 'normal' panorama - I've taken quite a few big 180 degree, 3 row panoramas with the milky way arch in the past. I think my biggest was about 32 images.
 
LeeRatters said:
It really depends on what you are taking photos of, what focal length, the weight & the size of the camera equipment you would be using and where you will be using it.

I only use a Move Shoot Move on wider lenses but something like the Star Adventurer would be a nice balance between cost, size and ability esp if you want to use slightly longer focal lengths.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply.
Ill
Likely be some Milky Way shots with wide angle as well as longer focal lengths for nebulae. So probably want something that suits up to 200mm full frame or maybe longer. TBH I’m not entirely sure which length of lens will be most suitable as yet. I suppose I should go for something that will take a Fuji X-T5 with a200mm or Sony A7 iii with a 300mm. Would you say they will be a bit much for the tracker you use?
 
Seagull Shooter said:
Thanks for the reply.
Ill
Likely be some Milky Way shots with wide angle as well as longer focal lengths for nebulae. So probably want something that suits up to 200mm full frame or maybe longer. TBH I’m not entirely sure which length of lens will be most suitable as yet. I suppose I should go for something that will take a Fuji X-T5 with a200mm or Sony A7 iii with a 300mm. Would you say they will be a bit much for the tracker you use?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think the MSM wouldn't handle that. The new Nomad version is supposed to be stronger, but I think I would go for something else with that gear in mind.
 
LeeRatters said:
It really depends on what you are taking photos of, what focal length, the weight & the size of the camera equipment you would be using and where you will be using it.

I only use a Move Shoot Move on wider lenses but something like the Star Adventurer would be a nice balance between cost, size and ability esp if you want to use slightly longer focal lengths.
Click to expand...
Having had a look round and seen various reviews, I’m probably going to give the MSM Nomad a go. Can I ask where you bought yours? UK suppliers seem to be quite expensive whereas online stores claim there is no duty or tax to pay (or they cover it), so seem more competitive.

Also, did you use the laser alignment or the scope?

Thanks.
 
Seagull Shooter said:
Having had a look round and seen various reviews, I’m probably going to give the MSM Nomad a go. Can I ask where you bought yours? UK suppliers seem to be quite expensive whereas online stores claim there is no duty or tax to pay (or they cover it), so seem more competitive.

Also, did you use the laser alignment or the scope?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I can't remember tbh. It was about 6 years or so ago. I'm pretty sure I ordered it direct from their website though. I just have the laser pointer - I did get a 16 minute exposure with it though.
 
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