Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017

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Discussion

RobM77

Original Poster:

35,349 posts

241 months

Wednesday 2nd August 2017
quotequote all
These are beautiful. I especially like the first one and the one of the Aurora over the beach in Norway.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-40789348

The exhibition starts at Greenwich in September (http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/insight-astronomy-photographer-year)

jmorgan

36,010 posts

291 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
Superb stuff. I am gratified just getting the focus right, let alone what else I am aiming for.

RobM77

Original Poster:

35,349 posts

241 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
jmorgan said:
Superb stuff. I am gratified just getting the focus right, let alone what else I am aiming for.
They're amazing aren't they? smile

By the way, getting the focus right is quite easy with stars wink

jmorgan

36,010 posts

291 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
I used to have a Canon 350 and focus ring infinity was not strictly infinity, I think, and with no back screen to check it could be just a tad out. That is I had to take the shot, get that card to the computer to check then crack on (light pollution being what it is). I now have have a 7D and recent attempts on the Moon using the rear screen is a lot better to judge. So this winter I hope to get some better time at the scope and tripod work/time/weather allowing. Bumping the ISO also led to really bad quality on the 350D, the 7D stunned me in this aspect when I first tried it, superb.

The good ISS passes taken on the 350 I have kept, however I have also deleted many bad ones where I have just got the focusing the wrong side. Not had the opportunity with the 7D yet (work and weather and all that).

For the scope should really get that better engineered Cayford focuser. The machined gearing on the standard Skywatcher is industrial at best for a camera (no lens attached). This has been on my todo list for many years.

RobM77

Original Poster:

35,349 posts

241 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
I've not yet attempted astrophotography, despite being interested in astronomy in a practical way since childhood, and having a degree in it. A friend of mine is very good at astrophotography and the lengths he goes to are extraordinary! I've got it earmarked for my retirement, providing the dark sky site we chose for our 'forever' house three years ago isn't ruined by streetlights by then....

RobDickinson

31,343 posts

261 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
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duh forgot to enter again!

jmorgan

36,010 posts

291 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
I like to dabble in to in the back garden however going to a dark site with no way to check my results put me off (no lap top)..... That is with the 350, if I can start to get better results comfortably with the 7D then might start hunting the dark sites.

I did try in Yellowstone a few years ago. That place was so dark the sky was amazing, absolutely stunning. No horizon city light pollution. A local yellow street light at the cabin, keeping bear spray handy, a short walk and it was pitch black. I swore I was surrounded by bears licking their lips.





Results were out of focus ranting




RobM77

Original Poster:

35,349 posts

241 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
jmorgan said:
IResults were out of focus ranting
Sorry for the quip then, I'll add focusing to my long list of 'things that are hard about astrophotography'!

jmorgan

36,010 posts

291 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
RobM77 said:
jmorgan said:
IResults were out of focus ranting
Sorry for the quip then, I'll add focusing to my long list of 'things that are hard about astrophotography'!
No, nothing wrong with the quip. I am laughing at myself for the muck ups. Me man, me make fire me take shot at sky with camera what can go wrong.....

I bet you make a better job at it.

It keeps me occupied.
https://www.lonelyspeck.com/focusing-at-night/

Now that filter looks handy, and I have a filter holder that should take that.....

RobDickinson

31,343 posts

261 months

Wednesday 9th August 2017
quotequote all
Nisi and a few others have the light pollution filters too. Dont think Ians site had many left last time