camera rig

[HHerbert]

Hello,

i'm interested in doing some landscape night shots with the milky way in the background. This would involve some longtime exposure due to this i need automatic tracking device on my tripod to make sure it get no trails.
I have really not a clue about whats good or bad, what i need...
I have read a bit and found the EQ1 would this suit my requirements?

Thanks a lot!

Herbert

[that_guy]

what camera do you have?

[HHerbert]

D80

[that_guy]

Ive only just started out in Astrophotography, recently perchased an HEQ5 for tracking to put my Canon 30D on... And i can tell you an EQ1 will be hopeless and a waist of money, you'll need at least motors to drive your mount, other wise youll have to manually track... and an EQ1 is wayy too small and wayy too wobly to take your D80, it would probably be worse than a tripod :S so, get something with a motor cos that woulod make your life soo much easier maybe EQ5pro or HEQ5.. I know its pricey and all, but i can tell ya it will all be worth it :) Or, you can make yourself a barndoor mount, a cheap sollution for tracking mount.... :)

Cheers,
Tony

[HHerbert]

i'm not sure if i want to spent that much money for it at the moment.
Are there any other automatic tracking devices available?
Anyone experience with AstroTrac? Although even this is quite pricey in my opinion.

[rcheshire]

The astrotrac is reputed to be very good for an unguided platform, although the new version has a guiding port. The cost escalates with accessories, but if you don't need them it's an effective relatively inexpensive solution.

Preferably you need something that is rigid and motorised. Keep looking, there are smaller motorised mounts made by Vixen that might suit your purpose.

I can hear the groans, but have you considered a motorised double-arm-drive. For your application, it may be all that you need.

Other types, such as the iOptron Cube are OK for short exposures under 54 seconds and double as an observing platform. Some of the earlier models convert to an equatorial mount and are not too costly - and probably available second hand at very low prices.

All depends on how much you want to spend.

[that_guy]

youve gotta remember, AP is a very costly hobby :/

[leon]

As Tony has just mentioned A/P is not cheap if you want very long exposures, but it is doable, I know that is not a word.

Anyway with a 50mm lens you can expect about 15 seconds of exposure before you see trailing.

Any more time than that, you will need to track, and be perfectly aligned to the SCP, (South Celestial Pole)

However don't be dis heartened, we all started off with trial and error, probably more error than success, well that was me.

You will very surprised of what you can capture with a 50mm lens of any type.

Leon :thumbsup:

[rcheshire]

True, but sometimes you've gotta cut your cloth to suit your pocket. Leon's advice is a very good place to start. Take lots of shots at high iso and stack.

[ZeroID]

Barndoor, Google is your friend. Build it for peanuts almost.
One of my next projects for those beautiful widefield views of the sky.