KIT LENS Challenge, ft. Astrobackyard

[@busysteve]

The common ground and sportsmanship of this video was heartfelt and truly enjoyed. Great idea!

[@HelenasAstrophotography]

Such a cool project guys. You both smashed it!!

[@13_cmi]

I don’t think you’re supposed to smash your camera gear. Even a short drop messed up mine. But smashing it would be worse

[@astroadventures3559]

I agree what a block buster! This was a video I've been wanting to see for years now! The two who got me started in all this, shooting it out. Awesome 🤘

[@santiagomoebio]

These comparisons are gold. They bring up the common good practices and the individual decisions. Even when the target is the same the differences are huge, and it becomes very clear that astrophotography is as creative as technical.

[@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" with Trevor Jones demonstrated the possibilities. Which, as you both know, are endless.

[@dreamfunction4491]

Professional scientists for decades and you still haven't figured out that the Earth is flat. Pathetic.

[@rcuevasvidea]

Both are very nice photos, but yours like me more because it has more wide field and for me, as beginner, is easier to do. Thanks Trevor and Nico for get down until our amateur level.

[@markmuller3086]

This would be such a cool series to do with Trevor! Shooting the same DSO and talking about how you each saw it and treated it the ways you did. Loved this video, Nico!

[@deancamp4914]

Very cool with a kit lens. I think it shows that good astrophotos are 1/3 good equipment, 1/3 good technique in the field, and 1/3 good post-processing skills.

[@avananana]

I think the major difference is that Trevor wants to make really aesthetic looking pictures, and Nico wanted to maily capture as much of the nebulae out there as possible. Neither way is right or wrong, just two very different ways of shooting a target I'd say, both pictures turned out really good though!

[@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!

[@GalacticHunter]

That was so fun!!!! Wow, I think both images are fantastic, and really impressive with that setup!

[@astroadventures3559]

Man all the best of the best on this video comment section! We just need Astro biscuit over here now. And chuck lol

[@astrodug]

My two favorite astrophotography channels on KZbin had a challenge. How cool is that.

[@Sidecontrol1234]

Really cool seeing both perspectives and it just shows you you don't need all the expensive kit to get started.

[@citronfrais]

“I really hate shovelling frozen snow” - truer words never spoken. 👏

[@PaulHummerman]

I can't shovel it, I use a pick-ax and a spoon.

[@walterhaase]

Isn't all snow frozen? :)

[@cswann8]

You should try shoveling melted snow.

[@robbrown1456]

I've enjoyed watching the slightly different takes from each of your channels, and hope that these kinds of Astro Challenges become something of a regular feature; you learn so much from hearing you guys discuss in such a supportive, constructive way. Clear skies!

[@AntPDC]

This was a spectacular demo of what is possible using modest equipment, and an encouragement for all of us with limited means. Thank you very much indeed. As to the images, as Trevor pointed out regarding his image, those stars in the nebula which came out as uniformly yellow traffic lights were just too much.

[@louis-philip]

Just watched both your videos back to back, such a great collaboration adventure, thanks for sharing all this!

[@lukomatico]

As always, a really great video Nico, you have a very watchable personality :)

[@mqb17]

This was great. Please do more of these with astrobackyard.

[@johnd5244]

Thanks for sharing this little competition with us. You both did a great job with your chosen target. Both are great photos for what your both trying to show people what can be done with just a kit dslr and skytracker.

[@AzimuthAviation]

What a fun project and another learning tool for us all. You both flipped witch heads but the coin fell into your court. Beautiful picture drawing out those details.

[@richardsilva-spokane3436]

Incredible results and exacting techniques. BRAVO for both astrophotographers 👍👍👍👍

[@alexevans7916]

These images must be encouraging for folk interested in dipping their toe in astro photography shallow end...excellent images given the lens...well done all around...and please these shoot offs are just so entertaining so more more more please...this is the third video that I have seen where two people have a go and compare...love it.

[@VileProject]

Fantastic job, man. I liked the orientation a little better for the extra nebula floating around the target. Loved it.

[@barthennin6088]

I absolutely LOVED this video and picked up some terrific tips! Loved both images too!... Now being as this is a "beginner's" set up I would like to also have seen what's possible with a less challenging brighter object. I'm stunned at the quality that can be coaxed out of even a low budget set up as this. Thanks for sharing!!

[@Hyad3s]

Awesome. Now I'd like to see you guys do this again, but with your BEST kit! Let's see that...

[@rxh2156]

You won this one in my opinion. Great effort for both of you.

[@nikosmpeis88]

Watching your videos gave me motivation to save up money so I can buy a low budget gear so I can start! I really like how detailed your videos are in my mind you are like a teacher! Keep up your amazing job! Thank you

[@stefandietmann5120]

Man i love this kind of video and colaboration with Trevor. Awesome to watch! ;)

[@simoskywatcher]

Thanks a lot as usual! Please do more videos with these basic kits on other objects. For us beginners it is extremely useful to get an idea of what can be done with our basic instrumentation. The final image is outstanding!

[@ahmedelmorsy8429]

Nico, you’re fantastic man in bringing new ideas to teach beginners how to do AP.

[@shutterbug49]

You both rocked that challenge. I’ve been waiting to see this video since Trevor announced it. If I had to choose only one though, Nico crushed that composition. You’re both incredibly talented and neither should hang their head on this one. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@fern-v9s]

Really awesome to see the differences. I like them both for different reasons! Well done

[@mentallama9123]

as some1 who shoots with kit lenses and untracked, this was phenomenal to see how experienced guys like you approached it. Thanks for the video!!!!!

[@franciscarney6150]

Fantastic content! I received my first telescope, a TASCO 50mm refractor in 1974 (still have it) and the excitement I felt at that time is renewed when watching these two guys. Thank you very much!

[@stevepecket2535]

I think both images are great. Different content but both are fantastic

[@andysPARK]

Both greatr pictures :) Thanks guys....

[@jensunger6560]

I honestly enjoyed this very much and watched both sides channel. It was at no point boring but exciting and really awesome to see your guys train of thoughts! You guys rock and with the resulting picture and that gear, you both knocked it out of the park! I am deeply impressed.

[@martrich1098]

Great video Nico, this and Trevors work really well together as a pair. I'd just add that as a novice astrophotographer, the lessons I take from this come from the combined experience you and Trevor offer. My biggest take aways are using a dark location (being willing to get out and travel), and a moon free night. Having just wasted an evening of valuable imaging time because of moon wash out, I can really swear by the latter. Mind you the moon is around for so much of our potential imaging time that I am planning to get a good narrowband filter to put those days to use.

[@adrianvalella6854]

Nico you won this challenge hands down

[@shyzlolo]

Both of you and Trevor are awesome.. subscribed to both of you and helping me a lot on my humble beginning in astrophotography

[@sheraleeparkins8394]

They were amazing. I'm a year behind, just starting to get into astrophotography. They both had amazing detail in different ways. I have the same camera and just started to save up for my Sky-watcher SA 2i pro, which here in Australia will cost $799, last time I checked. Knowing what I could do with them this equipment is great. Thank you. For now , I am watching these kinds of videos so I am a little prepared in what is to come. Processing will be a major hurdle for me as I am still so unsure of what software are the ones to use.

[@Robert08010]

I really enjoyed the fact that you each did the same object because it helped to illustrate how the different approaches and settings and post processing affected the outcome. I'd actually like to see more where you both shoot the same subject. Maybe next time, you will be the one grinning like a Canadian Cat. I haven't been shooting at all because of the time and lifting involved with setting up the 8 inch Meade but this has re-inspired me. Before I got the Meade, I did all my astrophotography like this.

[@ericzschiesche]

Awesome !! Thoroughly, enjoyed the project / challenge !! You both are a wonderful inspiration to all of us amateur astrophotographers. Thanks !!

[@markkeller9378]

You guys are the only two Astrophotographers I follow. Great video, awesome photos, thank you for sharing this collaboration. Would love to see more of these in the future.

[@cityspaceastro]

Congratulations to both you and Trevor -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, buy some tape and a collapsible stool :-)

[@haythemhamdi3995]

This was brilliant both pictures looked wonderful excellent job. This will definitely motivate more people to get into this hobby specially if they know they don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to start. My favorite part of this was the simplicity I love simplicity in astrophotography images.

[@fazergazer]

This has gotta be one of my all time favorite episodes where you and Trevor made it awesome. Talking about this reflection nebula. It’s wonderful to show what you can do with basic equipment.

[@flyfisher8475]

Great format Nico. A pleasure to watch and listen to two experts.

[@blstewart001]

AWESOME - just found this now. This is sweet.

[@bearinacity]

Both are incredible, congrats guys!

[@JamesEscobar]

Showdown! Nice! Great change up! Love the tape and polar alignment tips! UR killin it!

[@jiffijoff9780]

You guys are just wonderful. What a great combo, nice and very respectful chat and very similar results 👍👍👍 thanks for sharing

[@Paulus449]

Wonderful video as always. As an amateur astrophotography I love watching your videos along with Trevor's. You both are so helpful

[@meghjoshi7031]

I bet its gonna be the Rosette or the Witch head Nebula

[@vladimirlenin4080]

The Rosette isn't exactly "EXTREMELY FAINT". It's probably gonna be the Witchead Nebula.

[@meghjoshi7031]

@@vladimirlenin4080 yeah I agree with you. Let's see what it is

[@paulmarchi1393]

Congrats ! It was the Witch head indeed !

[@sethcohen3354]

I'm guessing its gonna be California Nebula

[@paulmarchi1393]

@@sethcohen3354 The California Nebula is a hydrogen-alpha target, which means that with a stock DSLR most of the signal is going to be stopped by the IR filter in front of the sensor.

[@brianwattenbarger6903]

By far....the best video you and Trevor have done in my opinion. Both images are jaw dropping, but I gotta say your composition is the best. I'm giving the Witch Head a go right now....🤣

[@IAMDRREMULAKK]

I never thought of that tape trick. I've only taken images of M31 and the Orion Nebula through a cheap Canon 55-250 lens zoomed to 250, and each time due to refocusing, I must have pushed the lens in a tiny bit. Later when examining the images, I noticed that at some point, the images didn't seem to be the same scale. This little tape trick might save me hours of future torture. So thanks! And your image looks fantastic.

[@UNLKYHNTR]

Man, I never heard of the witch head nebula before. What a beautiful nebula. I'm new to this whole thing (astrophotography) but man, I wann try to photograph this some day. So beautiful.

[@JoeHTX]

Both turned out outstanding!

[@kaliomax3178]

Nice Format ! The same target but different results , well done ! Thx for sharing

[@ladyaryz5312]

Nico you are the boss trevor did an excellent job but definitely u nailed with ur picture.

[@jaybeckman3749]

This challenge was a great idea! Great job by both you guys!!

[@OlliesSpace]

I really liked both images but prefer the composition of your image Nico. Great work guys.

[@graysmith9496]

Two great guys, two great images. Well done fella's 👍

[@clemensvorbauer1183]

Very interesting to hear you discuss each others picture! I think it‘s difficult to coordinate such collabborations, but we want more! So cool!

[@huexley]

I will follow with interest this video! Already because your two KZbin channels are of excellent quality and also because you convey a superb message for those who want to get started: No need for expensive equipment to launch into this magnificent passion for observing and capturing our skies, the only thing you need is a little time and courage!

[@nightwind_ow]

Such a great challenge, loved seeing the results from both of you - it really showed what a personal touch can do in astrophotography to bring out what each photographer envisions!

[@GregLee]

Great work Gents ! love it .. keep up the videos. just a few months into Astrophotography and love both your channels so helpful and inspiring

[@ericemanuelson5128]

Awesome! Excellent tips as well everything else aside I thought you would have the better image as soon as I seen the camera orientation. I recently was choosing a zoom lens to go with my beginner dslr camera mostly for regular photos with some astro. Ended up picking the 55-250 can't wait to give it a try. Great job!

[@jonathanpearceff]

Such a great video and brilliant results from both camps.

[@abood-2639]

Awesome video, really gives hope to people with basic equipment. Well done guys!

[@martynh5410]

Great results from both of you, using DSLR and kit kens!

[@JayNabuLe]

This video had me smiling the entire time haha too dope.🤙🏽

[@Pomdaddy]

Thank you Nico! I have learned so much from you guys especially what is possible. Thanks again .

[@ToddGrivetti]

You both have some stunning images and I loved the challenge!

[@redshirtnumber3494]

Love this video!!! Just got done capturing the beehive cluster in my backyard with my DSLR and Lens that was laying round. On to post processing!

[@bedfordbeds]

A great challenge, truly inspirational.

[@Astronurd]

The reason Polaris can move when you rotate the RA axis is due to the polar scope reticle not being centered in the polar scope itself. There are three little grub screws on the polar scope that adjusts the reticle position. It makes a difference to the accuracy of your polar alignment

[@jenkinsstudios]

I started laughing once I heard you and Trevor were going head to head or kit to kit as it were. Enjoyed it immensely.

[@BenQ187]

great job guys! waiting for part II ;)

[@Sarimae23]

:D i just tried my first orion-nebula last weekk... PRO TIP : caution your motor to be configured to the CORRECT Hemisphere :D

[@hoodiemn599]

So cool. Thank you guys for putting this content together for someone like me who is just getting started

[@Jason-qt8bm]

Woo hoo!! Great Video and friendly competition :D

[@CM-2000]

WOW! Really good idea and awesome results, respect! Thx

[@steve.schaeffer]

Love your vids, Nico. That stool looks perfect!! I'm so sick of kneeling on the ground!!

[@huexley]

The result is outstanding !

[@3VAudioVideo]

both are great! but I like yours better. More color

[@celestromel]

This is a great exercise - VERY informative. More of these, please. (I am sad that Ashley was not blown away tho)

[@johnmcnairn6822]

Excellent video and challenge!..well done both.

[@seanrichardson2446]

Wow, great job from the both of you! You killed it with that little set up. Never knew you were from Boston either. RI and the Cape are definitely my go to spots to escape the light pollution as well.

[@TheflickerofMotion]

This is so cool you and Trevor ended up shooting the same target, also this is a great video for folks starting out giving them insight to what can be capture on a budget. Nico not sure if you have ever used a Pentax K5 for astrophotography, but the sensor in that camera is unreal, fine noise grain and literally no amp glow.

[@starwatcher]

Both are great and I got many good pointers and ideas. I like yours s little better because it has more interesting features and was more of a risk that paid off.

[@MrGeomTech]

thank you guys what you are spreading astrophotography I learn a lot

[@mappycurry8107]

Can’t wait to watch your amazing video!

[@dundsdewildt2401]

I tried two days ago to photograph my first galaxy (M81) with my DSLR and 300mm objective. It last 15-20 minutes to find it and another 15 minutes to adjust everything. I’m excited to see what I could have done better.

[@roberthagedorn3574]

Hey Nico, I'm really looking forward to your video on making flats in the field.. which I find to be pretty challenging..

[@rsramanujam]

The real winners are the subscribers… so much to learn for us

[@abdulbariqureshi831]

You are amazing! Great work! Would love to see a collaboration with astrobiscuit as well.

[@indymustang1969]

Literally Nico, you have the best videos on the internet.

[@CALFCfan]

Great collaboration! You both nailed it, I love both compositions. Can't wait to learn more watching your vids. I just received my first rig, SW StarAdventurer with a WO Z61ii. Hunting down a cheap T3i to mod and then IT'S ON!

[@davidpomfret2295]

I'm looking forward to hearing how you do with the setup you described in this comment. My T3i is still stock.

[@gomcse]

Fantastic! I watched both of the videos and you guys were awesome!