Milky Way long exposures

[stevejack]

I was observing last night (perfect night!) and thought I'd take a few long exposure shots to pass the time. The two images with foreground objects are just one single exposure but the rising Milky Way is a stack of around 20 images @ 30sec each.

First time trying these shots and it won't be the last! very addictive.

Hope you all enjoy..
Steve

[A23649]

very very cool!

[Stu Ward]

They are just gorgeous ! What Exp for the single shots ?

Stu

[stevejack]

Thanks guys.
Stu - the one with me in it is 152 seconds, f/5, 800 ISO @10mm.
The last image with the longer star trails is 792 sec, f/5, 400 ISO @10mm.

Also got to see an excellent metor, long flaming tail and all. It broke up after maybe 5 seconds (doesn't sound like long but it is when you're watching it) and burnt away. Great to see one so spectacular.

[Stu Ward]

What were you mounted on ?

Stu

[jjjnettie]

I love that last shot, wowee!!

[oosh]

Great images Steve, #1 is a real cracker to me, and the star trail is great also.

[stevejack]

I just had the DSLR mounted on the tripod for all shots - no tracking or anything that's all a bit complicated for me right now.
To get the 30sec images for stacking I set the camera to low-speed continuous shooting and locked the remote shutter down (same way you'd take an exposure on bulb mode) and it clicked away by itself while I did my own thing.

I'd love to get a tracking mount eventually.. one day :P

[oosh]

Ah wow, I had just assumed you had it tracking somehow - in that case it's something even I could do if I can find skies dark enough :)

[stevejack]

Yep - not at all easy to find dark skies! I'm just lucky we have a family property about 250km from Perth. It's a long drive and it usually means camping the night but the skies are great when there's a new moon. Not sure where I'd go without that place :question:

[oosh]

I'll need to improvise, just drive out of Brissie for a couple of hours and setup for the night next new moon. Did you have any issues with dew or anything, and if so any ideas of combating them?

[stevejack]

No i was really lucky that dew wasn't a problem. I haven't had to think about dew so far but that will no doubt come up eventually. I did check the dew point before i left and it was below the forecast minimum. Good luck with your drive hopefully you can find a nice clearing :thumbsup:

[oosh]

Thanks mate!

[Ross G]

Great photos Steve.

Very original.


Thanks.


Ross.

[FlashDrive]

They are nice shots Steve .... good color to. :thumbsup:

[Markaus]

wow..wow...great pictures...Question, is the Milky way visible/clear without too many issues from Sydney?

[jjjnettie]

No chance Mark. Too many lights.
You have to put at lease 100km between you and the big smoke, before the Milky Way start to really glow.

[Markaus]

Not even a glimmer of hope from The cherryBrook areas? :(

[oosh]

Probably not mate, I think you're in for a long drive :D

[Ross G]

Hi Mark,

Go up the road to Arcadia and you might get an ok view.


Ross.

[KenNo2658]

Steve, I love that last shot!! The Milky Way staying in place while the stars rotate is brilliant!

Ken