Astro Time Lapse - Zeapon Micro3 Slider

[@barbone]

One of the best review I ever see on a slider and specific on time-lapse.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend

[@stevemcintyre6020]

Sorry i was so excited that you have found a solution for me i forgot to watch the end of the video. Great work and dedication you have, love it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha . .that's quite ok ..!!!

[@BradPhoto24.7]

That certainly adds another dimension to time lapses, well done Richard. The creative possibilities are endless. Hope you are staying high and dry down there. Cheers Brad

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for checking it out Brad. Yes we are staying high and dry for now.

[@boycefitzgerald]

Thank you, Richard. I purchased this based on your recommendation and have been very pleased with the results. I agree with your work-around and using the internal intervalometer. Huge fan of your work and channel.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. It works really well doesn't it.

[@dw.in.michigan]

Great instructional video, Richard! I've finally caught up on all the videos I missed. This was the last one I needed to watch. Seeing what's possible with the features that come with newer cameras, in combination with a time-lapse rig like this, really makes me want to invest in a mirrorless. I'll look forward to seeing what you create with this Zeapon rig. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Derek. Yes there are many great options for this stuff around these days.

[@mariopereira8261]

Zeapon Micro 3 Slider is an excellent tool, the videos will have a fantastic dynamic, thanks for letting us know about this excellent tool Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching Mario

[@rareviewphotography]

Thanks Richard, great info. Really liked how you explained both methods, MSM and continuous.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always Levin.

[@barnos1966]

Your time lapses have gone to another level. Thanks for sharing.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very kind Darren, thank you.

[@hanshuang4287]

Unexpect a such in detail review, I'm so glad the slider expand huge vaule in your hands, amazing timelaspe as always, thanks for sharing!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It's a wonderful piece of equipment Hans and I love using it. . along with the other Zeapon gear. Thanks for your support.

[@SametGkboga]

Great explanation, thank you very much. The slider review was also great. The important thing for me was how it was shot and I found answers to all the questions in my head.🙏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. Glad to help.

[@smartintech2]

Great! I like the results. For my actual experiments I use the remote shutter cable only to trigger the camera, wait for the exposure to be finished, advance the slider and wait again to avoid any shakes before repeating the process.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes that's what most people do as well. I appreciate you watching.

[@nashhall694]

Great product & great review Richard. Looking forward to getting this setup as soon as I can! 🙏😊👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate you checking it out Nash, thanks mate.

[@stevemcintyre6020]

Looks like you have just saved my life. Let me try and explain. I have a GVM GT-60D motorised slider which i haven't used for a good few years now. It worked with my old Panasonic for timelapse by connecting the slider controller to the camera using a cable that plugged into the micro usb port on the camera. Unfortunately i lost my camera whilst on holliday. Great little setup and worked well like you explained in your video. Move shoot Move. Moving on a good 8 years or so i recently purchased the Sony A7C mark 2. Great camera more megapixles all the bells and whistels perfect for me to get back to doing timelapse, or so i thought. Damn no mircro usb port on the camera, nevermind i'll just by the correct cable. Then to my suprise there isn,t one. The camera only has a usb-c connection port. I,ve searched google, youtube all over the web and nothing. The forums say that basically is not possible to operate shutter on the A7Cii using a wired shutter remote only a wireless remote.I was thinking of selling my new Sony A7C mark 2 just weeks after buying it and buying another camera that has the correct micro usb port. Like the Sony A7IV. My new camera also has the built in timelapse function like yours which is handy. Then you explained in your video how to get the Zeapon Micro 3 to move so slowy it doesn't have to be connected to the camera. And low and behold problem is solved. The only thing i have to decide is which size do i buy??? Don't even think Sony or any other brand will ever do a (wired) remote that works through USB-C . My A7Cii can be controlled using wired connection to a PC but not my slider. Hope this all makes sense and thaks once again for saving my life.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for your insights Steve. It's a trend these days on certain cameras to leave out the remote port .. and I don't like it. Bluteooth is nowhere near as good.

[@LowkeyExpeditions]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Mine(Micro3 M1000 with Pons PT and trigger) is in custom clearance, will pick it up by Tuesday or Wednesday and then I will also start experimenting with it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's fantastic Lokender. You will enjoy it a lot.

[@bobsheridan6692]

Beautiful time lapses Richard. Always enjoy your clear and informative discussion on how things work. Not considering sliders in my photographic journey soon, but I really enjoy how you present the possibilities for future consideration.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Bob. Appreciate your comments.

[@jeffballphoto]

Thank you Richard. I ordered the slider and PONS. Used your amazon affiliate link for the PONS. Have always wanted to add the slider to my repertoire and this looks to be perfect. Thank you.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I think you'll really enjoy the equipment Jeff. I'll be keen to see what you can create using it.

[@bradtuckerman388]

What a awesome bit of gear. Great video mate

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Brad. Yes I do love creating time lapses.

[@jimspriggs7485]

Many thanks for this excellent video, Richard. It's so useful to see your techniques explained clearly.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very welcome Jim. I appreciate you watching.

[@dhg1960]

Hi Richard, thanks for a very interesting video. I hadn't heard of Zeapon before but their gear does look nice. Loved the videos at the end. I am just amazed that you find the time to make all this content, but thankfully you do.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much David. I've been working hard to build the channel these past few months . .strangely enough .. my views are declining .. no idea why.

[@dhg1960]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Hallo Richard, I am sorry to hear this, I can't really understand why either. Being honest, there is only so much one can say about making nightscapes and you have done this and better than most. Personally i like that you are staying true to the nightscape theme but expanding eg looking at different scenarios or gear. Also your recent showings of viewer photos is new and interesting. It is quite possible, that during times of Covid some viewers may have found alternatives and as a result moved on. If this is the case, they may well have even found new interests. I personaly follow a number of photographers as well as channels on other subjects. I am fairly confident, that in your circle there are very few really good channels and anyone interested is probably subscribed to all. If there is anything I could do as a subscriber to help, do let me know. I must admit, I never hit the like button, this is due to lazziness on my part. I assume just watching a video gets logged and this is enough. As you know ( I have commented on it a number of times ), I particularly like the way you portray Australia and its diversity. I would love to see a video showing how you actually make such terrific videos alone. I do realise that asking this is a lot, I can imagine the complexity of a film of you filming yourself filming yourself!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@dhg1960 Thanks again David. Yes I will do a video at some stage going through the methods I use to film myself . .it may take a while to shoot . .!!!!

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Great v8deo thanks Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very welcome Phillip. Thanks for watching.

[@RewDowns]

Thank you so much! Like you said there's not a lot of information about this and I'm trying out timelapses for the first time, this was incredibly helpful!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I found that most videos for sliders are about video production features. I love the Zeapon gear for timelapse though.

[@alandyer910]

Thanks for the terrific review. It looks like a fine system. It does appear that it’s missing any ability to ramp speeds at the start and end or between waypoint positions. Speed ramping with selectable curves would help create smoother motions. That might be possible in move-shoot-move mode by varying the length of the moves, but in continuous mode they’d have to change the actual speed of the motor. So it certainly complicates the app and control functions. Cheers!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Alan. Yes the lack of keyframes is the one thing Zeapon gets a lot of criticism about. They used to have it in their first app series but as they're equipment got more complex they changed the app completely. You can sort of create a slow lead in by using a couple of Waypoints, but that's not ideal. I know they are working on the app and I guess we may see some changes moving forward.

[@hanswi336]

The flower pots are insane !!! 🙂 🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I love all the bugs running around. Thanks for watching.

[@pskourides]

Superb video, I need to start saving up :) Many thanks brilliant work.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Phil

[@evgeni2306]

I love them timelapses! And night ones are like fairy tales!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes they are beautiful aren't they.

[@charliegrossman3801]

Amazing review as always!! I’ve been looking at Dynamic Perception and Rhino but after seeing your video I think I’ll be getting this one… especially since I’m seeing my own camera (Z6) used here! The main problem I’ve had with other motion timelapse systems, take the DJI ronin gimbals for example, is the fact that the gimbal ends up moving while the shutter is open causing blur. If this system is truly move shoot move I’m sold!

[@charliegrossman3801]

Can you shoot a Timelapse with this (move shoot move) with an exposure longer than 30 seconds? I know that’s the limit if you’re using the internal z6 intervelometer

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It sure is a move shoot move system . .but to be honest I often use it more as a very slow video slider. . but that needs a long time .. IE: about 3 hours total time to be effective. Technically I think you could shoot longer than 30 seconds but I'm not sure I'd know anytime you'd want to do that ..!!

[@LowkeyExpeditions]

Hi Richard, Lokender here again. I've been experimenting with the Micro 3 and the Pons PT system. I've observed that Micro 3 motor is using more battery than the Pons PT in general. I also noticed than if we are using F970 battery than when sliding towards Micro 3 motor, the battery on the Pons Pan hits the Micro3 motor. Slight design flaw which I believe can corrected by using 3-5mm spacer between slider base and Pons Pan motor to increase the height.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I've noticed that as well. I generally use the smaller Sony battery which has excellent life. I agree that the slider uses more battery than the PONS PT . .not sure why.

[@treeman3663]

What an awsum video Richard 📹 full of info there for those interested in doing that stuff stay well stay safe hope your not flooded out

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Tree Man. Lots of water around the district .. but I'm located on higher ground . .so safe for now.

[@klassenrick87]

Love the video Richard thanks 😊 I highly doubt I'll ever afford one in near future but definitely is cool.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Rick. I've tried a lot of systems .. this one is at the lower end of the price scale.

[@PortugalCarp]

Fantastic images, thanks for posting.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very welcome indeed Phil. Thanks for watching.

[@AstroRoad]

Looks like a great platform Richard, I will be thinking very seriously about getting this to replace my basic motorized slider. Same physical foot print with about an extra 30cm of travel. The ease of attaching that motor makes it so enticing for astro, such a hassle to deal with belts, ropes or the like in the dark. Great platform for dolly style movement as you'll be able to much more readily get the slider rails out of the way.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for looking Dominic. Yes it's a pretty good system. As you know they all have their strengths and weaknesses. .but I agree that set up time is one of the things I value highly.

[@Wyn758]

Hi Richard, thanks for sharing! I've noticed that you left the speed at 100% when you calculate the total time. I've found that you can also use the speed percentage slide bar in the intelligent mode to control the total time. Every time you move the speed percentage slide bar, the total time will change. You don't need to guess how many photos to reach the desired time by doing this way. 5000 photos means the slider will take 5000 steps to reach from point one to point two. To let the camera do the timelapse/smooth the exposure is a great idea. I've been trying to experiment the shutter release cable but I don't want to take 5000 photos, so if I take fewer photos the foreground will look choppy/not smooth.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for your comments KK. I'll have to check your idea about the speed slider. I've not noticed a difference at this stage. I don't think the slider is capable of traveling any slower than 1% as shown in the Intelligent Mode. So the total time it takes from one end of the slide to the other is still the determining factor for how slow or quick the carriage moves across. Appreciate you watching.

[@brucemullis479]

Nice video, couldn't help notice your raised bed gardens which is what I'm working on now.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Bruce. Yes we have had a lot of rain this year .. "Understatement" so everything is growing quite well.

[@hsin-hungchiu7653]

Best review

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@eslamk7859]

Awesome thanks alot 👏🏼

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@geoffsharpe6456]

It looks like a pretty competent slider and simple to set up and use. I have a Dynamic Perception slider which I rarely use as it is large and heavy. Your time lapse results are looking very good. 😁

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Geoff. Yes it's pretty easy to use and I'm very happy with the results so far. I hear that Dynamic Perception are very hard to get in touch with these days.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Well explained Richard, and amazing timelapses, was the 1st one your garden?, I like the barn timelapse, they're all good, that was my favourite. I haven't actually done any timelapse this year. Maybe 2023

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Suzie. Yes that was in my backyard garden .. in fact a few of them were.

[@Xrainox]

Hi Richard and thanks again for your precious and very useful videos. I have been using Zeapon for a few years and I am very happy with their products, they are exceptional. I use your suggested technique for the night leaving a minimum speed and staying on 5000 shots. I wanted some advice from you on how to best use the slider App settings during sunrise or sunset using my Sony A7iii in aperture priority. Thank you!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Rino. I would set Aperture Priority and auto iso. Everything else the same as you normally do.

[@Xrainox]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thans! ❤👍

[@hussain44201067]

awesome thank you

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@johnd5244]

Very interesting system! Maybe one day I will get one. At the moment I am looking to pick up a used 14-30mm f/4S and have a chance at a 24-70 F/2.8S both used and quite the savings on the 24-70.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Good on you John. All the Nikon Z lenses are great I reckon.

[@oprdoc]

Just Amazing. Incredible creativity with this device. Thank you 😊 Any older videos on camera settings and intervals you find most effective? Love your channel ⭐️👍🏼🙌🏼

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. Well this video mainly features the Nikon Z6 camera but it may be of interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJishnWBjM-Kf5o

[@timelapsescapes]

Hey Richard finally a video for the timelapse photographers. You have explained it so well!!! Zeapon should hire you as their spoke person. What would you recommend for a starter setup??? Cheers

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, well I'm not too sure about that .. but I do really like their products.

[@kernzilla]

Wow, appreciate the thorough review here thanks so much! Question on stability: do you find any micro-jitters occurring with this slider that make editing cumbersome? Have had some great ‘lapses ruined by issues with slider, this Zeapon seems very capable, and curious what you’ve seen with it the the time lapses/video you’ve shot? Thanks!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. No I find these sliders to be very smooth indeed. .even after quite a lot of use.

[@kernzilla]

great info thanks much, glad to hear it hasn't developed an odd wobble after putting it to work. others have mentioned it here in comments, but seriously thank you for unpacking the details of the time-lapse controller, not a lot of content out there discussing it! seems like good value at $70 as well. Been on the fence for couple weeks about purchasing this, seems to be the most capable at this price point. Will be using for variety of things, but wondering if you've found a max focal length that is just too long for viable footage? looking at your collection @22:00 (which is great btw!) seems everything here is 35-40mm or wider. I know astro + tele usually dont go together, but curious how it does in the 70-100mm range if you've happen to test it. def a lot to ask of a slider, but thinking this would solidify my decision-making on this aquisition. sorry for long commnet/question here! @@nightscapeimages.richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks again. I shoot a lot of nightscape images up to 50mm focal length but rarely use a slider over 35mm, so I can't really comment on the longer lenses with timelapse. @@kernzilla

[@marcusedmunds9596]

Hi Richard, brilliant video. So much so I just invested in the PONS pan & tilt heads with a slider to follow down the track. Do the heads have a carry case or should I invest in a hard shell Pelican case?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Good on you Marcus. No they don't come in a carry case like the slider does. I use on old camera bag for mine.

[@lolamann110]

I dont see any adjustment for speed-ramping (ease in / out) in the app or manuel mode, i am right ? When i am wrong at this point, ... this is the slider i absolut love. Btw. very nice review.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. There is no specific speed ramping in the Zeapon app. But it does give you 5 waypoints to use for adjusting speed.

[@derekrowanphotographics]

Thanks Richard. Awesome but of kit for Timelapse. With the PT module, dose the device help to take multi row panoramas like litchi’s app auto panorama?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Derek. Yes the app does have panorama shooting mode but to be honest I've never used it for that.

[@adambyerly9596]

Great review nice work! In other reviews on the micro 3 1000 I have seen lateral flex is being reported as an issue even with the support rods. Are you experiencing this since after using it more? Are you getting better results using two tripods? I was also wondering where you purchased your AF-E1 timelapse trigger? I thought it was strange that I can only find it for sale on ebay. I am trying to decide if the 700 would be more sturdy end to end for real estate work but want the distance of the 1000 for timelapse work. Thanks.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Adam. I haven't noticed any flex at all with mine. I must admit that I prefer to use 2 small tripods as it makes it easier to get the whole thing very low to the ground. The timelapse trigger is available here in Australia. www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/43824/zeapon-timelapse-trigger-af-e1.html Sorry I just realised this product is discontinued.....

[@adambyerly9596]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I appreciate the response thank you.

[@richarddenyer7613]

Excellent and informative video. I am interested in this rig for macro Timelapse as well as Astro Timelapse. Can the app be programmed to run for up to 120hrs? Or what is the maximum time duration it can run for - obviously ext power would be required to keep it powered.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Richard. I don't think it will run for 120 hours. But I haven't tried it anywhere near that long.

[@manjul1966]

Richard. Thank you…May I summarise please, to see if I got that correct A) Zeapon App - Set Customised Timelapse for length of Travel AND on the… B) Zeapon App - ALSO Set Camera Mode to match the number of frames as set on Z6II below C) Set ZII for Interval shooting (as per your previous video) D) Connect Zeapon Trigger for all to communicate - correct?? Much appreciated as always. Manjul

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Manjul. Yes that's correct. When using the Timelapse Trigger .. it will tell the slider to move to the next position. So you do need to make sure the slider takes the same length of time from one end to the other to match the length of timelapse set in Interval shooting mode.

[@manjul1966]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks Richard🙏

[@stevefogden]

Thanks for the great videos & product information ! I’ve been searching high & low to find out if the Micro 3 has a ‘slave’ mode where the camera triggers the move rather than slider triggers the camera. Would you know? I’ve sent questions to the manufacturer and distributor, watched every KZbin video I can find, perused forums, etc and can’t find anyone who knows. Not to put pressure on you but please let me know if you have any insight! Thanks!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. The only way to make the camera trigger the slider is by using the Zeapon Timelapse Trigger. I show it at 9:40 in the video. It works quite well.

[@stevefogden]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for the update. Had hoped a simple cable would do the trick but so glad it can be done! Now to locate one of the triggers, they seem scarce, at least here in the US.

[@360Link]

Hi, thanks for the slider review. I have a question, can the LRTimelapse PRO Timer 3 intervalometer with the move shoot move option be used with this slider, does this slider have a slave mode? LRTimelapse PRO Timer 3 has a special slave mode which allows you to use the second port to trigger a motion control device?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

The short answer is that I don't know. From my experience the only way to operate this slider is through the Zeapon app .. or the very basic controls on the unit itself.

[@keithmahoney494]

Hi Richard, great video and detailed info for the beginner. I have too much equipment at the moment having just bought the same Benro tracker as Baillie, which I took out last night to get some in the field experience. One question [as the new tracker can also do rotating timelapes] with individual raw frames you can edited the images prior to producing the timelapse in Photoshop or LR timelapse. But how do you edit the in-camera 4K video file??? as they look amazing.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Keith .. I'm looking forward to seeing you work some magic with that Benro Plaris mate ..!!! The in camera 4k videos are completely unedited .. these are straight out of camera. About half of those you saw in the video are totally unedited by me at all. If I need to pull a lot of shadow detail or milky way then i'll shoot the raws and edit them as per usual .. but that takes a lot more time obviously.

[@keithmahoney494]

thanks for the reply Richard, daytime SOC timelapse video is a no brainer, but it was the day to night and Milky Way videos I was more interested in, as those are not usually very clear SOC. So I take it you do those by shooting Raw images then editing and assembling into a video.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@keithmahoney494 Yes if I'm going to edit the time lapse I take the RAW images into lightroom . .do the edits and render out of lightroom using LRTimelapse. But I have done a few straight out of camera and they can be pretty good . .it depends on the foreground lighting a bit. You may remember I did a few "Bokeh" milky way time lapses earlier in the year .. they were straight out of camera as mp4 files .. no editing at all. The mp4 video files are basically edited in camera the same as jpegs would be.

[@keithmahoney494]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks Richard as you say enough light is the key.

[@robertofstedahl3469]

Love the video. Are the timelapses edited? Or is it just the iso 6400, f1.8 ish, and about 13 sec?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Most of the night timelapse are edited in Lightroom. All shot at f2.8 about 13 - 15 sec interval (Shutter speed) The day to night one's are shot with auto iso. The only night one's are fixed iso Somewhere between iso3200 and 6400

[@timelapsescapes]

Hi Richard the tripods in this video (short ones) what brand are they? I have tried to find a pair that can hold the weight of the zeapon slider with the pan and tilt heads. So far no luck on the search. Cheers Frank

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Frank. I actually bought these from Officeworks here in Australia, but then added some small ball heads on top. They are no name brand . .fairly plastic but good when down low to the ground.

[@timelapsescapes]

Txs Richard. I have seen some on Amazon but only hold 4kg but look fairly good.@@nightscapeimages.richard

[@marcusedmunds9596]

Hi Richard, I bought the Zeapon pan & tilt heads based on review and find it to be great product. Question for you. Do you connect the camera WiFi to the trigger or do you only connect t the trigger to the app? I have never been able to get the app to activate the camera shutter when using any of the time lapse modes. The app will actually move the two PONS heads in time lapse mode allowing for an interval to activate the shutter, but won't actually activate the shutter. The camera is in rear curtain sync but I can't see what else I'm missing to actually activate the shutter.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Marcus. When using the Timelapse Trigger you cannot use Electronic shutter .. .and as you have mentioned you have to enable rear curtain sync flash mode. So it's effectively sensing the Trigger as a flash unit. You have to use the App to make it all work. I don't connect the camera wifi at all. So when using the Timelapse Trigger, it's the camera shutter that actually activates the Zeapon equipment. So the way I use it is to enable the interval shooting mode in camera to the settings I want and then let the camera do it's work, thereby activating the pan and tilt in the process. What camera system are you using ..???

[@marcusedmunds9596]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for your response Richard. That makes more sense. I'll give that a try next time. I use a Nikon D7500 with a crop sensor and the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@marcusedmunds9596 I'll be keen to see how you go.

[@ImagesHunter]

Hello. Nice video. Are you happy with the E1000 lenght?. I am hesitating between the e700 or the e1000 model. Thank you

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. For my work I wouldn't want anything shorter.

[@stevemcintyre6020]

Just a quick question, have you used the Zeapon multi axis slider if so can you achieve the same effect using the app to configure the timelapse shot like you do on Micro 3?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes Steve, they all work from the same app. You will need that third axis of movement though. See this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGHSiJlsrrODb68

[@stevemcintyre6020]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Noticed the Multi axis version has a timelapse setting on the central motor, can this be programed the same way as the app or do you have to use the app. My nain cocern is the disconnecting issues i,ve read about. If you can get the same effect on the multi axis slider built in theres no need for the app i,m thinking.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@stevemcintyre6020 I don't have the Axis slider anymore. . but from what I remember you need the app to do more complex programs. I've not had any issues with the app at all. I'm pretty sure that if you use the central motor screen you only get 2 keyframes to play with.

[@teditopa]

Haven't get the issue about the keyframes in timelapse mode, so in video mode you will get a stop at a certain keyframe over the waypoint B but in timelapse mode will you notice this gap as well? If yes I'm confused because there's no way to stop while you're moving those 3 axis and didn't get a smooth 3 axis transition. Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. You don't notice the stop when shooting timelapse as each image is separated by a time gap anyway .. unlike video footage.

[@teditopa]

@@nightscapeimages.richard got it now, thank you for your work! 💪

[@DMDCineAttic]

Fantastic job with this video, I think I finally found my slider. All well explained, no time wasted, very appreciated. Where did you get yours? I’m in Canada and can’t find it anywhere.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching. I've listed a couple of places where you can but the slider in the description below the video title. Hope that helps.

[@DMDCineAttic]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thank you, did not notice that. Black Friday here I come :).

[@timelapsescapes]

Richard have you made any multi row astro panoramas with the Zeapon system? If so how did they turn out?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

No I've never made any panoramas with the Zeapon system, although there is provision for them in the app. I guess that's why I bought the Benro Polaris.

[@Slanzro]

Nice test thank you. But can it work with silent shutter as well, just as a wireless trigger with a fixed intervall and the camera do the rest in AV mode if I want holy grail? I don't want to take timelapses with my mechanical shutter, I don't understand why did Zeapon this decision...

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You can use the silent shutter for all the timelapse features except when using the Timelapse Trigger. This has nothing to do with Zeapon. It is because you can't use rear curtain sync with silent shutter. It's a camera limitation across all brands.

[@Slanzro]

​@@nightscapeimages.richard My problem is my Canon R hasn't got built in itervalometer. I have a zeapon slider, so I would like to use this as a remote timelapse trigger with and without my slider but with silent shutter. I can do it with my Zeapon Pons head now without my slider, but this device is smaller :) I can see in the manual there is a shutter release port, so can I use it without the slider or not is the only question now? Thank you!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@Slanzro You could just use a simple external intervalometer such as this: www.ebay.com.au/itm/161393611552?epid=25013754625&hash=item2593cf1320:g:bgAAAOSw8A1faAlB&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsJYjWf0YPX056CF9RlweoXMmsbbAiyV9B%2BsbXUDf242WGohEpFQR4j1CzbfTNi3TA64qOB87vGFDQzPZzCKk7Uxi%2FhbqrPU1jpC6vkowGK8Y%2BPXOgnUMyQKoK7LO1DJVvqItM%2FpCttyNQS6esb%2B0ttYx8GQw0mvqnyahfZxtNSJKzkRHK8oN1zikfCDlhyesEa%2BEP9cOV8Dc827hIlEKpSIwTVQHyaud7%2BSken5MWdf7%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9jl0MyRYQ

[@Slanzro]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thank you! I have one of these but I would prefer the zeapon one if I can use it with the slider, the pan head and as a stand alone device with the mobil app.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@Slanzro Yes it will work . .that's what it's designed to do.

[@timelapsescapes]

Richard I just bought the Nikon Z9 and have thought about this Zeapon slider and motorized head. Will this work with the Z9??? The base looks small where the camera your Z6 sits in.I can not find any info about this. So I am sure you have the answer. I have watched this video at least 10 times now . Cheers Frank

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It depends on how wide the Z9 is on the LH side. The dimension from the tripod mount hole and the left side of the Z6 is about 52mm. There is approx an extra 15mm clearance from the Zeapon mounting bracket. On the Z6 the vast majority of the camera is weighted toward the RH side of the camera and I assume the Z9 is the same. I'm not sure you'd fit an L Bracket on it though. Thankfully your remote port on the Z9 is on the front panel.

[@timelapsescapes]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for your reply Richard. The Z9 is much wider and higher then the z6,7,8 . I have no where to try it to see how it would fit on the bracket. Maybe a veiwer of yours might have one and let us know. Have a great day Cheers. Away for a few days with friends for a Great Grey Owl photography trip.

[@okwillys53]

Ihis device said it does multiple rows and columns mine doesn't .I got ti to do panoramic pictures please help

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I have never used this device for that purpose. You only need the Pan and Tilt heads to do that .. a slider is for lateral movement only. I will try to do a panorama and see how it works.

[@JackAaronOestergaardChurchill]

If you have the LRT Pro Timer, does it work with it? I have been trying to work out if the zeapon timelapse trigger can take an external trigger to tell the slider to move?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I've never tried the LRT Pro Timer. I doubt the Timelapse trigger would interface with anything else though.

[@kowalskik.1333]

Which SD card capacity do you use for timelapse? E.g. day/night (holy gral) lets say 6h total time.. Is 512 MB enough or should I better go for 1TB SD card (Nikon z6II). Want to be on the sure side.. Thank you.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I do use 128gb for my cameras but there is always plenty of room left over. However, that's with a 24mpx camera. If you have a higher megamixel camera you'll need more space.

[@tonyandrea2038]

Great slider and motors but I get regular freezing of the app requiring phone restart especially in time lapse mode. Anyone else get this problem? Find a fix?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

There have been a few updates for the app over the journey. Are you using iphone or android . .I use android and generally it's pretty good.

[@tonyandrea2038]

I use an iPhone 14pro and continue to have issues with the app freezing when using the pan/tilt head along with the slider when shooting Timelapses.@@nightscapeimages.richard

[@voederbietels]

it is al so hard to understand becouse this is not easy. I was considering to buy this system but there is noting to find on internet what i can understand. so i have to give up. so only static timelapses for me with my z62 or z9 . i like to set it up and go make timelapses but this is no way possible with this system . maybe i go with the moips pro do you know this thing..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I appreciate you watching. Timelapse in general, especially astro timelapse can be quite complicated and is not for beginners to try expecting immediate results. Your Z6ii and Z9 will be great for timelapse though. I've never used the Miops so I can't comment.

[@voederbietels]

@@nightscapeimages.richard okey. i am going to try and try . but day to night timelaps is this possible with this slider ?

[@voederbietels]

@@nightscapeimages.richard i saw in a video of you that u worked with a zeapon thing on the hotshoe ? and i dont think of astro here it is to bright at night bur just normal shoot move shoot timelaps and day to night is this possible with this thing and app and what i dont understand do you need a timelaps setup in de camera and in the app at the same time?

[@eloreneloreneloreneloreneloren]

23:03

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It's beautiful isn't it.

[@TableFlipFoundry]

The shooting stars dont make sense....

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Most would be satellites or aircraft I'd imagine.

[@TableFlipFoundry]

@@nightscapeimages.richard it sorta messed with me. It must be satalites. I go out to watch shooting starts and I bare catch them in real time.

[@hotcoffeeamericano]

Ok, my problems. Did not explain that the Timelapse Trigger is a separate device you need to buy. Price was not included. Buyers/Viewers need to know things. Did not show how to mount the support rods. You showed the rods on an old model slider or you confused me with your explanations. Should have showed the rods with the tripod in the middle. Do not show it with your own setup. It's just confusing. Finally, i have no idea what just happened at around 18 minutes of this video. This is me trying to learn to use this for hyperlapse. Maybe it will make sense after watching it 10 times. There could have been a better way to explain this without involving your subjective thoughts. Just say what to do, and why you do it. Do no say, it just works for you because you have done it for years.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Those are all fair comments, I appreciate you watching. This device is not suited to hyperlapse.

[@soffici1]

Hey Richard! Based on this video I bought the slider (the Axis is too big for me and not suitable for my needs, yet). I’m still holding off on the PT head, but I reckon I’ll get that, too. And the trigger! One thing, though: the Timelapse function of my Z8 is clunky, cumbersome and as flexible as a block of rock, especially for holy grail timelapses. Therefore, I bought the Onnoa trigger, with which you can change the interval between shots, so as to speed up and slow down events (say, make the sun go down slower than the rest of the timelapse). They’ll soon add the capability of changing the shutter speed as well from the app, so you don’t have to babysit your setup while holy-grailing. I was wondering if, in your opinion, I could stack the Onnoa on top of the Zeapon trigger (after all, it has a hot/cold shoe on top of it), and have the Onnoa control the camera, while using the Zeapon trigger to get the rear curtain information from the Z8 in order to do the move-shoot-move thing. What do you reckon? Does it sound mad enough or do you think it’ll work? Also, you convinced me to also get the Viltrox 16/1.8 for astrophoto Now I just need clear skies…

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. I'm not certain it would work . .you'd have to try it. PS: I've never heard of a Onnoa trigger.

[@soffici1]

@@nightscapeimages.richard it’s a thing a bunch of young German photographers conjured up. It’s amazingly small and light. It’s easy to use via its phone app and they promised to keep on adding functionalities as they develop them. A really nifty product, imho

[@soffici1]

@@nightscapeimages.richardhey Richard! I’ve finally pulled the trigger on the Trigger (sorry, these puns just write themselves…), and I’m happy to inform you my evil plan works: the Trigger just needs the camera to shoot to control the Micro 3 movement (still have to buy the til/pan heads, soon, though), so even an external Timelapse controller will do. Ah, the sweet smell of success in the morning… I guess I have to thank you for showing me the full Zeapon system Keep up the good work, mate

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@soffici1 Wow, that's fantastic. Very pleased it all worked out.

[@jimgiraffe5253]

i bought the full zeapon setup on the strength of this video.... im looking forward to getting it

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Jim. I'm actually using this set up tonight to shoot ..!!!

[@heeyulkim9699]

Thank you for your beautiful explanation. could you please tell me if timelapse trigger worked properly with micro3 slider. because Zeapon they are explaining timelapse trigger works only for micro2 slider on their homepage. I had tested many times but I could not see it worked properly with maicro 3 slider. Am I wrong something? Thank you again.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. Yes it works perfectly with the micro 3 slider.