22
My buddy told me to use a star tracker for nebula photos and I didn't listen
Last month I tried shooting the Orion Nebula with just my tripod and a 200mm lens. Did 30 second exposures and got blurry streaks everywhere. My friend Dave kept saying get a star tracker, you need it. I figured it was too expensive but I finally borrowed his iOptron SkyGuider Pro. First night with it I got a clear shot of the nebula with all the gas clouds visible. Now I'm saving up for my own tracker because that thing made a huge difference. Has anyone else had a similar experience where cheaping out on gear cost you time?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
allen.iris1mo ago
You ever have that moment where you realize your friend was totally right and you just wasted a bunch of time being stubborn? I used to think star trackers were just for hardcore astrophotography nerds who had money to burn. But honestly, after seeing what a difference it makes, I get it now. It's not about showing off, it's about actually getting the shot you're after without fighting your gear the whole time. That blurry streak phase hurts, but at least now you know what you're working towards.
4
hollywhite1mo ago
Wait, isn't this the same with pretty much any hobby? I tried fixing a squeaky door with duct tape for like two months until my neighbor showed me a $5 tube of WD-40. Sometimes you just gotta spend the little bit extra to save yourself the headache.
3