Hi Joe
Sorry missed your question.
"Can you explain what you mean by harder than it looks? What went wrong when you tried?"
I think it is not just the amateur/beginner problem!
But, also equipment restrictions (i.e. camera, average tripod and lenses etc)
Using a Canon 1100D with max 6400 ISO.
I get star trails pretty quickly by trying to compensate with slightly longer exposures. Maybe a faster lens would help?
I am going to try a FD S.S.C lens f2.8 200mm with a x2 teleconverter, with the assistance of an adapter and see how that goes
.
Just waiting for clear skies now
.
Regards
Gav