Astrophotography Kit Lens Challenge (Canon EF 75-300mm)

[@DylanODonnell]

The real winner, were the friends we made along the way.

[@andrewwhitehead4619]

Have you been drinking again? sentimental old soul :-)

[@777muzzy]

If I had a "roll my eyes" emoji, I would insert here lol. I can't wait to see what you get with that EQ8-Rh.

[@rossblezard574]

Yea but we're all gonna die so nothing really matters ;)

[@MrFingolfin]

Yeeep, definitely post-lack of mount-trauma is doing his job; or just an aussi hyper giant spider bit him...

[@ntt2k]

I think Dylan just threw his gauntlet in the ring

[@chriskaprys]

Two people challenging each other's skills and knowledge, being so sweet and supportive and curious throughout the process, in service of producing something that takes my breath away. This is why I'll watch KZbinrs over any tv show, any day. Well done!

[@Dylans_astro]

The clash of the titans! AstroBackyard vs. Nebula Photos!

[@lionheart4424]

I would have never imagined that the 75-300 would be able to capture pictures like those. Great job both of you!

[@Helen-sound]

Oh I liked the yellow stars punching through the witch head nebula ! And , I love the composition of the second one and the reds . They both are stunning .

[@tomwolf9420]

What I found encouraging is that both use a setup that nearly everyone can afford . Sure, only few would have their post processing skills but to see the minimal entry kit they’re working with is encouraging. Great vids (both) , great collaboration.

[@GarrettNGC]

This was genuinely so fun to watch as someone who feels like they’ve finally got a firm grasp on most of the aspects of astrophotography. Being able to follow along and understand everything being said was so enjoyable. Especially coming from two of the greats in the hobby!

[@knightclan4]

They couldn’t fake the genuineness!

[@deangawler9727]

This is one of the best videos I've seen for a long time on how to use basic gear to take high quality images. You've motivated me to have a crack myself - thanks!

[@bingus2550]

what user venosite said: a collab with astro biscuit would be cool

[@ivyghost9878]

YES

[@hermit6514]

Yes, this needs to happen

[@seanhannagans]

To be controversial: NOOOO. They're both great, but in two/too different ways.

[@astroadventures3559]

Astro biscuit is in my top 3 favorite astro channels. Along with these two guys.

[@tbardoni5065]

Astrobiscuit is in a world of his own, and any collaboration will result in annihilation of both worlds.

[@bramus4567]

Both images are very good and well edited, but in my opinion Nico wins this time :)

[@vicamaral]

stock camera should not show red hydrogen like nico,camera was not modify to remove the red filter he added those collars with software PHOTOSHOP HE SAID IT WAS NOISY

[@bramus4567]

@@vicamaral So he cheat? I shot Horse head with stock 800D and I got reds, not the best ones but I’ve got some.

[@vicamaral]

@@bramus4567 me 2 but not that much red and i 2 live near him from little Rhode island

[@bramus4567]

@@vicamaral Maybe you right

[@Babyloncharles]

@@vicamaral Ive never shot this target but I have a stock 800D to and ive got reds in different targets but its just faint or show. Dont come here and declare one a cheater and say he added the color in processing. Ive managed to pull colors from my dlsr in photoshop that I didnt think was possible.

[@HelenasAstrophotography]

Guysss this was incredible!!

[@nayanmaloth4838]

Helena what about you v astrobackyard?

[@afjalhossain2911]

Absolutely!

[@leoncorns1450]

It's a tie. a draw. Great minds think alike and both created super images.

[@mohsenbahremand2877]

No it wasn't! Nico's was better! Although both efferts are appreciated

[@sofasniperman]

Agreed, my friend!

[@linkedwinters]

what user venosite and skepnoblade said: a collab with astro biscuit would be really interesting.

[@williamgorham7339]

Astro biscuit would be like we can only spend 150 quid and Trevor would be like...”I give up” lol 😂

[@phadeezz]

Yeah, he'll just cut open the camera and put a fan there to get rid of some of the noise.

[@Wheeljack678]

Oh that would indeed be epic.

[@hermit6514]

Yes, it needs to happen

[@R-A-F]

Astro buiscuit is funny and great to watch... but Nebula and Backyard explain the processing in great detail 👍

[@MrGp3po]

I've watched this twice and thoroughly enjoy the conversation and shared learning. Astro can be a very solitary pursuit. It is a great pleasure to see collaboration.

[@andrewbryant5631]

Ok...I'm officially hooked. I was a professional scientist for decades, and a lifelong photographer, so I had lots of "kit" on hand. But your step-by-step teaching approach is exemplary. And your recent "challenge" demonstrated the possibilities. Which, as you both know, are endless. I wish you well. You and @nebula photos have much to offer. Together. Bravo for a very firm grasp of Zoom technology. And I thought it amusing that you independently chose the same "object". Please keep up this collaboration!

[@lukomatico]

Great video, no winner or loser - Instead, we all win through better knowledge!

[@fazergazer]

This has gotta be one of my all-time favorite collaboration videos. Which Witch did I like best? Yes! Loved them both. Just different! It’s all about the journey and shared experiences.

[@JeffHorne]

This is SO COOL. Thanks for taking the time to do this...so awesome for so many reasons!

[@Floki-Oz]

I just wanted to thank both of you guys. You really make this hobby accessible to people who might not have a lot of money but still want to explore the vast universe we live in. I've taken land based pictures for many years as a hobby and after watching both of you it's really peaked my interest again in getting into Astrophotography and I've learnt so much from you both from ordering my first Bahtinov mask today which i'd never even heard of before to hopefully one day buying the Sky Watcher Adventurer Pro 2i like you're using in this video. Thank you again for bringing the amazing universe to us all.

[@jaybeckman3749]

Both images give this beginner a lot of hope! But I have to give a slight nod to Nico's choice of framing. Great job by both you guys!

[@noahmacdonald1414]

What a fascinating conversation. Thanks for letting us tune in! Also both were great but I liked his more

[@Black_Jesus3005]

Both are so good. Just goes to show it doesn’t matter how expensive your gear is, it’s the skills that you have. This definitely inspires me

[@MsCassieCrowe]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, so awesome to see you guys working together. Love both channels and hope to see more collabs like this in the future! 👍

[@mohammadel-mohammadi5666]

In my opinion, we the viewers are the winners of you both! Thank you very much for this incredible video! 👏🏻

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

Both photos are absolutely breathtaking....such unreal talent....

[@rch]

I've literally just put together these exact same kits, a couple of months ago, without seeing this video. I also picked up a Rokinon 135mm and a Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 after reading reviews and articles on your site. I've only shot the moon so far, but I find it so motivating that with practice I can accomplish stunning photographs like the two you both put together. I can't wait for my new sturdy mount to get here and to be able to start shooting the stars. Thank you both for doing what you do and encouraging me to explore this hobby. I've been a STEM & astronomy nerd my whole life but photography is all new to me and I'm very excited to learn.

[@rxtxmedia]

Both images a fantastic, both is different ways! Enjoyed that live broadcast!

[@jamesboyd7354]

The true winner is the viewers that are able to learn from both of you and I am one of them. Both photos are absolutely gorgeous. The take away from this challenge is knowing that I feel apart of this, and to take that step into the field of astrophotography. One the best videos I've seen on this topic. I truly want to thank you both for bringing your passion and love of astrophotography to us all.

[@mikemoralesKartRacer]

That was excellent

[@Tyme4t2]

Both winners. They look absolutely awesome. Great job you two!

[@Robert08010]

I really enjoyed the fact that you each did the same object because it helped to illustrate how the different approaches and settings an post processing affects the outcome. I'd actually like to see more where you both shoot the same subject.

[@FrankCrispo]

Excellent video! I really hope you do more of these. Loved it.

[@bobandres5559]

This is like a pod cast. I've watched this a couple of times and i get so much info out of your guys talk. Your both an inspiration to the astrophotography community. Thanks guys.

[@phalaaxx]

What's the proper way to point the DSLR camera to the desired location after the tripod and the tracker have been set up? Point it approximately, take a long exposure, if not properly centered - make corrections and repeat until no more corrections are necessary? And eventually after that start the long-exposure shooting loop?

[@danielesilvaggi]

Even though your is well done I have to go with Nico's as his I like the colors popping out. Now if you would have selected different objects then it would have been a better contest. One for another show. Great job Trevor.

[@mcdiskett2003]

My preference is for trevors, nicos is too noisy and lacks contrast, but its all personal taste

[@stuartwilson5772]

Really not much between the images but for me it’s a very marginal preference for Nico’s. They’re both fabulous and each is unique of course but this head to head really got me thinking. Like most people (I think) I compare my images with those of others of the same targets using similar equipment. I’m frequently disappointed with my efforts by comparison, but to see two masters of this art taking radically different takes on the same target using the same gear is extremely interesting. It also tells me that even relative novices like myself also have something to contribute and there are many routes to producing a successful outcome. Thanks guys 👍🏼

[@astro_adi]

As a photographer I like your pic and the framing more. The nebulosity pops and it's bright and centered. But as a science enthusiast I'd go with Nico's pic as it shows a more natural scene with lot more surrounding details!! But both great pics. ☺️👍🏻

[@chuckaustin2406]

I just watched this in it's entirety for the 2nd time since my focus on astronomy has recently taken a step toward photography. I really enjoyed that you both chose the same target because it shows that two different compositions and processes can come up with two equally attractive images. Added to all that I like that you both used simple camera and lenses instead of uber-expensive astrophotography focused equipment and lenses. You and Nico rock!

[@surfer4329]

Trevor, man…..this was such a fun video to watch. 5 years later and I’m still loving your content. I was hooked and walked through the beginning steps of this hobby thanks to your channel, and I’ve come such a long way. From a 200mm telephoto Canon lens and a 5D to my fully automated setup now. My bank account certainly doesn’t thank you.

[@bulletsandserenades]

Good point on the lens compatibility for astro. I almost bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM for astro but did my due diligence and found out it suffers terribly from sagittal astigmatism. Ill save up a bit more and might go with the Sigma 24mm instead

[@hermit6514]

Was kinda hoping that he would be collaborating with Astrobiscuit. Great video tho!

[@meghjoshi7031]

This comment made my day. Like it so he can see it👍

[@yashcr7]

Isn't Astrobiscuit in the UK?

[@hermit6514]

@@yashcr7 yeah, but the don’t have to be at the same place.

[@Wigalot]

@@hermit6514 it's more the majority of the UK hasn't had a clear night in quite a while and astro biscuit lives right in the middle of London so won't ever get as dark of a sky above him. Edit: I forgot to mention, he also already has some big ideas he is working on, but again the problem is he is waiting for clear skies :(

[@hermit6514]

@@Wigalot didn’t think about that one.

[@thos759]

Outstanding!! No clear winner here as I think the different approaches that the two of you took accomplished exactly what you set out to do and that was to inform and teach . Well done !!!

[@darinroberts4804]

I think we are the winners. Thanks very much for the inspiration 😀

[@muddyexport5639]

Great vid! Both images are outstanding. I lean towards Nico solely based on the composition as my eyes picked the witch's head more readily.

[@marccarrier]

Trevor has my vote. Nico's framing is awesome and much better but there is too much noise compared to Trevor. Trevor: Your image would have been fantastic without that yellow tint to the stars. Amazing challenge and you should do more of this.

[@Pomdaddy]

Wow you guys never cease to amaze me! I think the real winner is someone like me starting out with basically similar equipment and realizing that I can try to achieve an image like these. Expectation raised to a whole new level just hope reality doesn't kick me in the butt too hard. One thing I really love is the whole astrophotography community is so helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experience. I have learned so much in such a short time that my head hurts sometimes watching your channels, and I mean everyone's channel. I can't get enough of this amazing hobby. Now if only the skies would clear up so I can go out there and give it a go. Thanks again you guys rock!!!

[@PafMedic]

I Totally Agree,and This Is Basically The Camera I Have,The T6i.

[@honorab6220]

Really enjoyed the video. Loved both images. Inspiring to see what you were both able to accomplish with that gear.

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you!

[@jaegermeister1516]

Seeing the before and after I’d really love to see a walkthrough of editing this data. Amazing result and especially motivating for someone who’s started just recently!

[@danieldalsgaard8651]

Rediscovered your channel very recently and now I’m looking to get into deep sky Astro along with studying for my masters degree in astrophysics (starting in September). So happy to see these results with entry level gear as I am looking to get a dslr and one lens for this and supplement with my A7 III when needed.

[@datazmanman]

Trevor and Nico, After 40 years behind the lens of a camera you guys as well as a few other KZbin Astrophotographers have inspired me to give it a try. Thank you for all of the advice and honesty both of you give to your channels. And Trevor; for flying birds practice panning and a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 @ f8-f11 for starters and stop down as you get better.

[@lucascherrier]

I saw 2 mens...almost professional....using setup every astrophotographer start with...and for me it's the best collaboration ever ! Thanks guys ! Thanks a lot to show us so beautiful things ! Bonjour depuis la France

[@dakshfofindi907]

I think both have won the challenge 👏👏👏

[@sgtsol7934]

They both look way better then mine. Trevor's the looks more cleaner, but Nico's captures more color. It's noisy but only to those who know, otherwise it's really nice. Personally, wish I captured either one. Definitely enjoyed seeing this and what's possible. Thanks again Trevor and Nico, awesome to be a spectator!

[@wpherigo1]

Both are FANTASTIC! They both seem very 3D. Amazing, gentlemen.

[@hotflashfoto]

It's like trying to pick my favorite friend. I like the definition of Trevor's image, and the collection of colors in Nico's image. Both are so well done that I'd have to give the win to us, your viewers!

[@rcuevasvidea]

I saw a bit of Nico's video and I think he has advantage in this kind of challenge because he has done astrophotography with low gear capacity. Both photos are impressives, excellent work Trevor.

[@Jack-Wall]

Posted similar to Nico's channel already but worth the repeat here .... the big take away is that expensive equipment is not an absolute requirement. So much can be done with the equipment we may already have or equipment that won't break the bank to acquire. An important the worthwhile demonstration and reminder for those of us looking to get into this hobby. Amazing results both! S!

[@guyfromthesky1]

Thank you Trevor for this. It's really inspiring what we can do with such camera and gives me hope that I can also take such photos one day with my future budget camera which I cannot afford now.

[@CaptRescue2]

Thanks guys, love the collab. We more of these great change of pace!!

[@Rainy78]

This was amazing to watch! Thanks for sharing guys! Love both of your work! Would love to see more challenges!

[@VileProject]

I really thought Trevor's was great, but Nico's blew me away. Totally amazed at the capabilities of you two.

[@Wheeljack678]

The two of you in a friendly challenge like this was really cool and given the equipment you both used, it was incredibly inspiring to watch! I hope you consider to do more of these

[@tullyfisher]

Wow! Both are very different with different highlights. - Great job, both! And I like the discussion very much to get some tips and (technical) insights.

[@perrypelican9476]

I don't do your kind of photography so forgive me if my comment is off track. I just thought I might be able to add something. The 75 -300 has no image stabilization meaning unusable without a tripod. Since you probably use a tripod all the time, it doesn't affect you. Otherwise, better to use the 70 to 200mm that costs way way way more but has great image stabilization. I suppose if someone is a hobby photographer then the price might be out of range. As far as batteries, I bought a hollow battery that has a USB connector so I connect to a battery pack or plug to the wall using an adapter. The latter means you never run out of power. With the battery pack, I can have it charging in the wall when possible and unplug it to move around and replug. Depending on the battery pack, you get tons more time than the regular battery. I hope I helped in some way. Have fun!

[@NerdAttempato]

I know this is a 2 years old video, but thanks, thanks, thanks. I'm a beginner and looking at how two expert astrophotographers do things (and think about how doing them, before) is really fantastic, and useful. Compliments to both you two. I hope I'll learn how to take pictures like these ones. Thanks!

[@KingLoopie1]

I personally like Nico's composition better, but Trevor's is also a masterpiece. No real winner here except me, who got to see both! 👍😁

[@cityspaceastro]

Congratulations to both you and Nico -great images. I feel like I have learnt more from listening to you guys talk abut the problems you encounter than just seeing the finished images. It's all about the process of both taking the images and the processing afterwards. You should definitely do more of these. Thanks to you both. I'm off to build a Bahintov mask for my DSLR and buy some tape :-)

[@davidparadis490]

Both pictures looked great...but I personally liked how Trevor framed the subject better...which makes this competition crazy because they chose they same subject matter

[@nibblertummysticks8830]

Little late to the party but I'm glad you guys are collaborating...I watch you guys the most . Please do more!

[@condensermike]

Two winners in my book. Nice!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Trevor vs. Nico, loved every minute. Great stuff and congrats!

[@simonkoren5501]

More of these videos! So awesome

[@helmuthschultes9243]

I regard it a mistake to make criticism of imperfections only visible by massive zooming in on an image. A wide field view is best judged at the appearance at view of the entire field of view. Just as bad as judging a large blowip print on a wall by going at the image with a magnifying glass rather than standing back to see the whole image. Both these shots are great, and show the great benefit of accumulated stacking. I frequently try to get pleasing images by single shot. Have used up to 45min on DSLR both using lens and on telescope. Have in several cases bettered overall image view compared to hours spent getting accumulated stackups. Still you both have demonstrated the great result achievable without needing expensive special equipment. Good Show.

[@theaveragenick5554]

I just bought this kit. Canon EOS rebel t7 with the two lenses. Everyone saying they're mediocre lenses has me a little worried as I'm totally new to photography in general but I love these. Will definitely be trying these on bigger objects in the sky as I don't have a tracker. Orion nebula, Andromeda, etc.

[@AstroDenny]

M35 and the surrounding area would be nice. M78 is a good target up there. Markarian's chain is a great DSLR target also, but it is a late night target now. M95 region is good at 200mm. Leo Trip is great. You could also have shot M31- It goes down early but you only need 60-90 minutes for a good exposure. You had a lot of options but I'm impressed that you chose such a challenging target. I like his composition better but you processed it better. This was an excellent exercise and a great video.

[@Leptospirosi]

18:32 it depends on the sensor manifacturer: Canon sensor are not Iso invariant so rising the exposure stop in post will ruin the image quite fast, Sony sensors, which are ubiquitous, don't suffer much so it doesn't matter if you crank up the iso in camera or you push it in post. So given your gear, I guess Trevor made the right thing (albeit not willingly)

[@gary7990]

This was great I hope you guys do this again... I have the same gear and really can't believe you can get this kind of result from that lens, unbelievable .. really fun to watch .. its a tie for me..

[@sturgis97]

Canon rebel t8i or Nikon 3500 For Astro photography ? I have a canon m50 mk ll but not sure it’s good for this kind of photography

[@botrosmarzouk6561]

Man let me tell your love for space and galaxies got me hooked. This is my new hobby now.

[@kylecormier9930]

Those pictures were great in their own way but I'm going to give the thumbs-up to Nico as he is from my home state.

[@donchristie420]

Nico for making the witch “scarier “ Love both

[@georgioschristopoulos3303]

Which is the best for amateur astrophotography, EF 75-300mm or EF-S 55-250 STM IS for 250D (SL3) ? Thank you in advance. ( I have already the fantastic canon 50mm 1.8f lens )

[@snaxs2000]

Probably the greatest video you guys have done. Limitations breed creativity.

[@markkeller9378]

Great photos by the only two people I watch for astrophotography. Both images were superior, yet very different. I would love to see more collaborative challenges in the future. As someone else pointed out, WE are the winners from the excellent content. Congrats to you both and thank you guys for sharing your work and your processes with us.

[@scottheaneyphotography]

You guys should totally do a weekly or monthly podcast together. It's a pleasure listening to you guys hang out and just talk astro. Love both shots, but I actually really prefer the stylistic choices on yours ..both composition wise and edit wise. Like you said, Niko's was probably more 'natural', but I think yours take the W for being straight up aesthetically pleasing. All subjective of course, eye of the beholder and all that jazz haha

[@nicollasalex6129]

Trevor could you PLEASE make more scenes like the one at 2:57 They're so beautiful ,so many stars twinkling. almost made me tear up.

[@dond8079]

Thanks to you both! This was a great session. I learned a lot about the role of Composition, color and contrast in the final result. Inspiring.

[@betafoofoo270]

What a fantastic episode, great to listen in to the genuinely friendly and warm conversation . More like this please :)

[@techandmoe]

I could not resist and jumped to the reveals. Loved both of them, they are both such a different take on the same subject. Wow ! Wow ! Wow !

[@guyyanez6949]

What a great conversation you two guys just had. You both really know what you are talking about. Two images on the same object but radically different approaches. Trevor's image was cleaner , very pleasant and much less noisy at the cost of lacking that colorful Rigel's surroundings. Yet, an incredible result on a budget oriented rig. People, please take note of what you can do with limited investment! Nebula Photos's result was less pleasant at close-up but much nicer overall. Wow, well done! You are both very skilled astrophotographers but most of all, great at getting people interested in in the hobby. Chapeau!

[@craigjones7343]

Well you have sold me on restarting my long dormant desire to take pictures of the night sky. I tried this for several years quite a while ago with less than desirable results. I really had no idea what I was doing or how to fix the problems I was encountering. I did not even know how to describe the problems let alone how to look up solutions. It is great to see a fellow Canadian spreading the knowledge of love of astrophotography. Thanks again.

[@3DAstroTC]

I'll thoroughly watch later tonight, but how'd you manage the focusing? Live view or capture/review/adjust?

[@astroheartuk4623]

Great job guys. Amazing images considering the kit limitations, although it gives me hope formy own :) Only one winner and thats the astro community. Thanks so much for this :)

[@brianrose2487]

These needs to be a regular thing, learned alot from this video. I like both, but for different reasons. Take care

[@oscarwatson9070]

can you take a picture of NGC 4038 and NGC 4039?

[@BrentMantooth]

upgrades? your video quality (clarity and color) and lighting really pops there. great photo on a kit lens, now I feel like I need to push it to justify purchasing nice glass (Raptor 61)

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Nice Competition. Cool Video. I wanted to share a tip about the focal length, if you are not sure on what focal length you are, you can inspect the image on the camera or laptop and see the actual focal length, and after this with trial and error in a few shots you can match the same focal length that you had before. Stay safe, and clear sky!

[@pauldlewis3138]

Thanks for showing us DSLR users what we can strive to get from the night sky, it was a pity actually that you both chose the same target as I would have loved to see what other subject would have given us some hope to image ... thanks Guys

[@estefanello]

Question: can I do something similar with shorter exposures (like 1-2 seconds) but with much more exposures and re-alignments? I can't afford a tracking mount, I'm Brazilian and the price tag of something like this is too much to bear. Thanks a lot!

[@mazeedsumon]

It's a clear draw....just amazing!!!!