Hi all
I've never done any star trail images before, and wanted to give some a try at SPSP. I didn't know what ISO to use, how long each exposure should be etc, so I just guessed.
23 images x 5 min exposures @ ISO400, with an unmodded Canon 350D on a fixed tripod (obviously). No dark frames or flats applied.
I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, but I wanted to do more.. My run was cut short by the lens fogging up
Anyway it was good practise for next time. Next time i'll use longer exposures, and take some darks and flats. I'll also use a dew strap on the lens, and i'll use a timer remote (or the laptop).. I didn't have one, so I was running back and forth between this camera and my scope to press the button every 5 minutes
I also had to change batteries a few times which caused some gaps when one exposure wouldn't write out to the card because of low battery.
1200px image here:
Star Trails in the Field at South Pacific Star Party
800px version attached. The second attachment was a test shot from the Friday night using Chris' modded 350D, but when the smoke came I had to stop. The third attachment is an example of a ruined exposure thanks to Rod wandering over with his red-light torch and wondering what i'm doing
thanks Rod
Thanks for looking.