My Astrotrac Advenuture

You probably know this, Dave. The western side has quite a bit missing. Good shot otherwise!

Aubrey.

you got me !

blurred the last 3 images for the full disk !

This is a stack of 10 30 second shots on the astrotrac using a 100 to 400L Canon lens and a Modified 300d Canon DSLR.

The 300da is picking up much more nebulosity than my 60d, but the 60d takes images with less noise.

The astrotrac adventure hits Kerry dark Skies this weekend , see you all there.

Very quick Post, went looking for Comet c/2014 E3 Jacques last night.

Its sitting in between the heat and soul nebula, and I wish I had the time to run longer exposures to bring out the nebulae.

This is a stack of 8 30 second shots on a converted Canon 300d on the astrotrac. Taken from my porch while I was watching gold rush !

Lens was a 100 to 400l @ 200mm

That's the double cluster at the top of the image, the comet is the fuzzy ball at the 9 o clock position.

Well the Skelligs lived up to its dark sky billing, some shots attached, all Canon 60d. and the large shot stitched from 7 stacks of 60 second shots on the astrotrac with a 100mm lens

Great shots Dave ! I love the one of the milkyway with the scope in the foreground. What lens did you use for that shot?

Get yourself a good wide angle lens for your Astrotrac set up, something around 10-20mm if you don't already have one for those milky way shots. You won't regret it.
The Canon and Sigma 10-20mm lenses work well. The Samyang 14mm lens has a good reputaton and is inexpensive. They are brilliant for milky way shots and for nightscapes and grabbing those last minute shots. At that focal length there is very little set up time and almost no tracking restrictions.. Highly recommend the Tokina 11-16mm if you plan to stick with a crop frame sensor (see below)

www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/9432348452/