Nikon D850 Nikon 20mm 1.8 - Astrophotography -Landscape Great Sand Dunes National Park VLOG

NIKON D850 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY : photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/nikon-d850-quick-start-guide-for-bird-and-wildlife-photography/
Gear I Use: bhpho.to/2KcxpaI
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MASTERING THE ART OF CAPTURING STUNNING IMAGES OF BIRDS: photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/digital-deluxe-bird-photography-a-beginners-guide-to-mastering-the-art-of-capturing-stunning-images-of-birds/
Bird Photography Workshops: photoworkshopsandtours.com

[@keithmacdonald4805]

Another outstanding video Mark, I love your wildlife photography but you just keep impressing me as to what an excellent all around photographer you are. Your videos are among the best on KZbin and you narration matches your photography. Thank you for sharing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Wow! Thanks so much for the great compliments. I really do appreciate them.

[@DebojitDatta]

The star filled night sky on top of the peaceful Sand Dunes is what perfect Bliss looks like.... Those Milky Way shots are simply magnificent. 😍

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much. It was very captivating. Really made you perceive the world in a different way.

[@HoratioBlogs]

Day, Night or Dawn your photography of the scenery and the night sky was awesome, just awesome. The background soundtrack blended perfectly with your narration.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the music. Still trying to slowly add a little here and there where it seems to fit best.

[@gordroberts53]

One word...EPIC! The Milky Way shots, well all the astral shots, are breathtaking, sunrise on the dunes mesmerizing, I could feel the pull of the horizon driving you (us) on. When I first sub'd a few weeks ago, it was for the birds but I've since discovered how truly versatile you are, what a bonus. For me though, what really ties all the outstanding photography together is your truly exceptional narrative style, completely infectious enthusiasm coupled with a rare talent for spinning the story. Thanks so much for sharing, totally made my evening! Cheers, from BC.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the compliments! I really appreciate it and i enjoy bringing everyone along for the trip.

[@JimHawkins1]

Awesome Mark.Didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as your bird videos, but I was pleasantly surprised.Milky Way, dunes,Black and white pic, just great.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. It was a great time. Glad you enjoyed the video and shots.

[@vincentglass2345]

Great milkyway shots. My boys want to go this year for spring break, I thought it would be a pile of sand, but now I know what is their.

[@teamrambocat]

Thank you so much for taking us on this journey. Best narration ever, truly poetic!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@stanleywall9196]

Just another beautiful beautiful video,, I enjoy every second of it ... thank you for sharing it ... do more please...

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Amethyst1987]

beautiful pictures & information! I'm taking a trip later this year there!

[@rickeyparker2222]

Inspiring, as an amateur astronomer who has viewed the night sky all my life from less than good locations your trip makes me want to go back to the west and camp out at night. Thanks so much, keep these great videos coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You should definitely go do this. It is amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@ron3117]

Great video Mark, the night shots were amazing, I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. The combination of your photography and narrative are unmatched on you tube. Looking forward to your next video!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say. It was an amazing place to visit.

[@AbhishekJoshi]

Great photos, Mark! Thanks for the journey.

[@jamesollick4413]

The night sky photos were awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching

[@Gee-Wizz]

Totally amazing location, and as always some awesome images. Thank you for sharing Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@michaelwilkins5676]

So cool! Another great video with incredible photography.. Great job Mark. Camping here is definitely on the bucket list now!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! I highly recommend camping here. It was incredible.

[@kenjames246]

I would certainly like to see a specific video on your astrophotography technique and editing Mark. Beautiful images again. I always enjoy your videos. I have my D500(with 200-500 F5.6 vr) set up the same as yours (thanks) and just started my full frame adventure with a D610 which I'm hoping to use for travel and astrophotography.

[@RoniChastainNY]

Mark, great video! I really enjoyed it. Love the night sky, milky way and the dunes.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@williamreeder4902]

You have just done one of the things I plan to do....thank you for taking us along on a wonderful trip...it was a blessing to watch this....great shots

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. If you are planning to hike to the top of the dunes, go for it. It was amazing!

[@judyboyd9530]

Wow, loved the video. I liked how you lit up the ground around the tent...very cool. Keep em coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

Beutiful shots. The D850 is an amazing camera.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@albievaughan]

Mark you never stop amazing me, another great video, look forward to your next one.cheers

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@kennetht66]

Loved your milkyway shots keep up the good work

[@leonelpadron5626]

Awesome description of the scenery. You're such a poet. It's like reading a book!! :)

[@eth3rton]

Amazing! We frequently come out to CO but have always been up towards RMNP/Estes. Going to plan a more southern/western trip soon!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. This national park is a must see. If you go early in the spring the entire front of the dunes is flooded in shallow water. People swim and boogie board in it.

[@RogerZoul]

Very nice. The MW shots are excellent. You really had some dark skies, too.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@robertgeorge8166]

Another wonderful video Mark. love the nite sky shots. Best wishes from the UK, Keep em coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! I've got plenty more in the works!

[@lonesomedovecall822]

Hiya Mark! What can I say? Another awesome video! Love the Bob Ross t-shirt, btw. ;-) And another thing I really dig about your videos is whenever you mention height/weight/mileage/etc., you always take the time to convert the measurements to the metric system for all your non-US subscribers. I'm sure they appreciate it. That's very considerate of you. Not many folks bother to do that so, thanks for that, you rock! The shots of the stars/Milky Way are incredible! I am looking forward to the future tutorial you mentioned on how to get shots of the stars. I've managed to take some cool shots of the moon but I've never tried shooting a sky full of just stars before. I would, very much, appreciate any and all tips you can recommend in a tutorial. The wind-swept sand dunes were breathtaking. So beautiful... especially the ones you took in the morning, with the pink/orange hues during sun-rise. What a sight! And, Dude, the image shown at 7:00 struck me a bit.... it's just so "vastly barren" it doesn't even look like Earth; convert that one to black & white (to hide the green of the vegetation) and it would totally look like a different planet all together. Excellent video!!! I'm so glad I found this channel. It's always a pleasure to visit for a while. I get so engrossed in your videos they feel like mini-vacations! Great stuff!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. Creating these videos and a few books in the past on a different subject taught me to think globally which means making conversions so everyone understands. I know I would appreciate it so I enjoy doing it. Thanks for the compliments on the images. Astro isn't all that hard. It just takes some planning and knowing a few different things. I think the hardest part is focusing. It was like being on another planet. It was fascinating. I like to make the videos in such a way that I bring people with me. Glad to know it is working.

[@matthewwells1606]

What a lovely video. Thanks!

[@halwagle]

Great video, great narrative. Good job by you!

[@stevebrozic4610]

Great video Mark. In the future, when historians look back at influential and positive work , I truly believe you will be mentioned in many universities. A great legacy ..... you have began !!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That has to be the nicest thing anyone has ever said. Thanks so much.

[@nikiradio]

This sky is beautiful

[@EdgardoRosa]

That was really amazing Mark!

[@obsidian00]

While I do love your videos, this one is my absolute favorite! I do hope that you feature more of your landscape/astrophotography shots!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. It certainly was a fun video to make. A little tough at times but well worth the effort.

[@anwanand]

Simply awesome !! Must make a trip to this place..

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and yes you should!

[@thomassmall8556]

Loved the video, and your commentary is truly poetry.

[@koosfranken6115]

Awesome shots. Thanks for sharing

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@tomhughes5123]

awesome stuff buddy , you must have four types of colour receptors like myself , noticing every shade of colour , and light shift . it is an overpowering awesome thing ,

[@chadroberts44]

Thanks! I love the dunes

[@woodygreen6826]

One of my favorite places. Nice vid, Mark! I'll have to give astro a try there.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! It was a great experience!

[@martinsmyth5580]

Mark Your videos are class You should be with National Geographic. You make photography so interesting with your stories Well done!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say! I really appreciate it.

[@tomhughes5123]

cheers Marc , enjoyed very much .

[@drnaynesh1980]

superb one ... really really excellent one... the flow of the video is fantastic as usual....keep going mark..

[@carmenospina2203]

Another awesome video

[@subinvl]

Wow, wonderful images!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@EGlideKid]

I like your enthusiasm, Mark. I am planning a month-long adventure to Colorado right now, but it will be some time before we can do it. Am so looking forward to it! I'm using a Rokinon 14mm for night photography, as well as the Nikkor 16-35mm. Both get great results, but your 20mm is awesome for the task as well!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I’ve heard good things about the Rokinon lens for a long time. I’m sure it will treat you well. Colorado is such a cool place. You can drive an hour or so in any direction and be in a completely different environment. Thanks for watching.

[@charliedickson9263]

A great video what a cool place. I have always wanted to try some Astro photography. This video has given me an insight. There are a few dark areas in Scotland I just have to get to them. Mike

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! You should try it. It is amazing getting nice clear star shots.

[@aniquewaseem6259]

Extraordinary. Please do a video on Astrophotography with nikon 14-24mm f2.8

[@hectorlara2542]

Amazing pics, congrats

[@davidshaw5979]

great pictures wow. well done

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you

[@smkunder1]

Wow, this is simply outstanding, you sure do inspire us all to pursue our photography quest!!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much! Love to inspire.

[@ianfox2386]

I love watching your videos. You should definitely make a video on shooting the the milky way and stars.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I am planning on it. Just need some clear skies!

[@LEXPIX]

Great equipment choice and location. Nicely narrated.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@clancydubh]

Very enjoyable. Looking forward to the astral photo video.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@tomdullage1531]

Great video and pictures Mark, I couldn't put it better than Keith MacDonald, agree with every word! Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@samaresh93]

Beautiful

[@Hangs4Fun]

Loved the reference to "I crush your head".... lol Great stuff as always Mark

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Glad someone got that reference.

[@davidrobinson4118]

Superb stuff Mark. That first night shot of the lit up tent and the Milky Way with the Andromeda Galaxy was awesome. I'm from England and the light pollution here is shocking in places, especially in the North West where I live. I've been a member of my local astronomical society since 1972 and believe me in our climate, and with said light pollution, you need the patience of a saint to stay interested. It's a great hobby though. Interestingly, did you know that although it looks like you can see millions of stars, in fact even under perfect sky conditions and a perfectly flat horizon all around you, you can only see about 3500 naked eye stars. Sounds crazy when you look at the kind of sky you experienced on the dunes but it's true. Best wishes.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is hard to believe that there are only 3500 stars up there. It seems like so much more. Thanks for the info. I imagine you have seen things decline quite a bit since 1972.

[@FlyersNation98]

gorgeous shots Mark! Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@madtical777]

great video mark and great shots!! i gotta check that place out !!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you and I highly recommend it.

[@tanmay110]

Another superb video by you.!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@airsoft69]

Great milky way shots mark

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@trevorgarmey3078]

magical work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@jpdj2715]

Nice. Poetic ...scapes and commentary.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@antosotvik3465]

You deserve more subscribers mark.. Your bird photography inspired me to take photography as a hobby and your inspiring voice and geeky references... Lots of love from India!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. Always glad to know people are enjoying the videos and getting the geeky references!

[@tomlee812]

Wow...I thought your birding photographs were awesome but this takes it to another level. That black & white dune shot was almost sensual..... We have nowhere like this on our small island and light pollution means I can only dream about shots like this. Fabulous video again Mark. Best wishes from South East England.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I think I see the same thing in that black and white dune shot. For me, there is a very clear female form there and it is quite sensual. It was an amazing place to visit and photograph. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomlee812]

I'm glad it wasn't just me seeing a woman in that one Mark! :-)

[@avinashrai11141]

Mark smith with Thomas heaton sounds like perfect recipe for great great landscape photography.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Agreed. I emailed him a few days ago and offered to take him out shooting birds if he ever found his way to Florida. Would love to do a video with him!

[@donbodat]

summarized in one word: WOW

[@antonoat]

Wow, fantastic. Great video Mark, I wonder will you go back to this amazing place? Cheers

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you. I will go back and camp again someday in the future. I really enjoyed it.

[@muzza4553]

amazing

[@janfellstrom]

Great work as always.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@troyrx6669]

👌👌👌👌👌👌 love it

[@derekmidgley]

Love this one, Mark. What amazing scenery and photographs. Night sky so incredibly clear and beautifully captured. Including your tent worked so well to give it perspective. One almost feels immersed in that universe. Amazing. Guessing you would be tempted to revisit the break of day dunes with a 70-200mm some day too!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. It was a ton of fun and yes, a 70-200 would have been great along with a 24-70! 2 lenses that are on my must have list!

[@derekmidgley]

And the choice of which 70-200 isn't easy. I chose the Nikon 70-200mm F4 VR because it is smaller and lighter and much less expensive than the F2.8 versions while still having phenomenal image quality. I love it. But if you also want to shoot action or anticipate using teleconverters then an F2.8 may be a better choice.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yeah, I think I would get the newer 2.8 version. I hear it a very good lens.

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

I love astro photos cold tbh.. Warm Stars isnt my thing... Love the Dunes Images though. Great Job Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you. I didn't play around with the White Balance. I thought making them cool looked interesting but they didn't appear that way when we were there. They had more of a warm look to them. I think either way works well!

[@gabewrsewell]

Mark Smith You did the correct thing though in terms of accuracy, the real night sky is pretty similar to the colours you recorded, if not a little more orange and brown. Loved this, I'd love to visit that location one day

[@NiyaziBeydagl]

I believe the sky in a nightscape must be black as in real life and as in this video. Blueish night sky is not real but simply a depiction.

[@nitpoon7982]

Mind blowing your so awesome bro love your work

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@savagefrieze4675]

Wow!!!!

[@phooesnax]

Awesome job and shots. Not sure my gear would be happy near all that sand. I would be fearful of damage. Jim

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I kept all the high quality gear in my bag until the wind dies down! Not going to risk it either.

[@misaelreyes13]

Great shots 👍

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@michaelgoetz4315]

Great Video and Great Narration

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank yoU!

[@mikeskerritt9618]

Hi again Mark. Jet again you have produced a video full of wonder for us to explore. I love your noration in this and just cant wait to see what you will bring us next time. Your channel has become a must see for me. All the best from Ireland Kindest regards. Mike

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is great to hear. Glad you are enjoying the adventures.

[@darkscience1466]

Great video!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@muradjam]

impressive shots for the sky ... but I have a question: a picture like the one at 4:37 is edited or not ? I wish if you could share some raw files of these awesome shots.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. All my shots go through some form of post processing.

[@ozalba]

Hi Mark, nice vid. Your 'shooting star' around 4:50 though - it's almost certainly a satellite, possibly ISS. A meteor would build in brightness and fade again, but that's a pretty steady light. The length of trail is also about right for the exposure time.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for the info. Interesting stuff!

[@stevendcruze7395]

Excellent Mark

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@sidvicious3129]

Great pics Mark, I just bought this lens today. Have you had any problems with dust with all of the sand up there? Keep up the amazing work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

No dust or sand problems getting in the lens and thanks.

[@jaywellington9904]

Picture at 4:56 has a satellite, not a "shooting star".

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@__Jesus_is_God__]

No

[@mucahitcelik5457]

Amazing video !! Amazing milkyway!! My questıon about 20 mm 1.8 g ! What you think about it s astrophotography performance ?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I love that lens for everything I've thrown at it.

[@melmerNYC]

Gorgeous Mark, thanks for sharing...just curious, where all the stars visible to the naked eye or did the time exposure bring them out?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

They sure were. It was amazing. You could just lay back and stare at them for hours.

[@kevinellenburg4286]

Hi Mark, I was wondering how long it would be before you did some Astrophotography. Nice capture of the Milky Way! Me, well getting to old for that kinda hike. In joy why you can. Kevin

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Just been waiting for a moonless night and now I am waiting for another! Thanks for the compliments.

[@DerekNBeerus]

Subscribed!!!

[@jucjuc314]

Amazing video again! Thanks for your effort. Didn't you get your camera full of sand? I like how you approciate even small things, that's a good thing! :)

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I managed to keep sand out of my camera!

[@kamilaslihorin7914]

I admire you 🤩

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@keithmitchell6548]

Hi Mark, I enjoyed your video, how did you keep your people subjects sharp with a 15s exposure?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I told them not to move.

[@millertime6]

Not sure how I missed this video but awesome job! That place seems pretty cool as well. How far did you have to walk?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! It was a 3 mile up hill battle. Lol

[@souravgorai8205]

Awesome. ☺️

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@souravgorai8205]

:)

[@richardgrudzien2798]

I really liked this video, Mark, especially because astrophotography is what I have been doing with my D850 for several months. Unfortunately, the small pixel pitch (4.34 microns) on the D850 sensor further restricts exposure time if you want tripod mounted shots without star trails. I noticed you managed to get 15-second exposures without significant star trailing with the 20mm lens. My Nikon 24mm F1.8 lens restricts me to 6 or 7 seconds before there is noticeable trailing. My Voigtlander 58mm is, of course even worse (2.5 - 3 seconds). Greater pixel pitch (say 5.5 to 6 microns) and fewer pixels, seem to work better for this style of photography, I think. Certainly, the old 500 rule for tripod astrophotography no longer applies to many new high-res cameras with smaller pixel pitch - more like a 300 rule for the D850! Thanks for sharing your nightscape images.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the explanation on the pixel pitch because I wondered why there was some slight trailing at 15 seconds. I just thought I did the 500 rule math incorrectly! Very interesting. I don't remember having the same issue with the d810.

[@richardgrudzien2798]

Yes, the D810 has a .5 micron larger pixel pitch and fewer pixels, Mark. This is an interesting site as a basis for comparison: www.digicamdb.com/compare/nikon_d850-vs-nikon_d810/ However, for an accurate guide on correct exposure time to avoid star trails, see the NPF rule, brilliantly explained at Petapixel:petapixel.com/2017/04/07/npf-rule-formula-sharp-star-photos-every-time/ This formula works beautifully. With my Zeiss Milvus 35mm at F2.8, 6.5 seconds is the exposure time limit.With my new (gorgeous) Zeiss Milvus Apo Sonnar 135mm F2 at F2.8' it's just 1.6 seconds! This is where you need a star tracker :) Hope this helps, Mark. I am a total newbie in all this, as I am still primarily an observing amateur astronomer, but I am learning and loving it all. Cheers.

[@jameshe2023]

How to focus at night, I can't get tack sharp image for stars.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Will cover that in a future video.

[@bassangler73]

👍👍

[@giovannibercini892]

Hello I always follow you very good I would like to ask for advice, I am undecided on two optics a zeiss 18mm distagon z2 manul focus, and the 20mm nikon 1.8 afs g ed.I saw your video on 20mm nikon. what do you suggest me? thanks, a hug from Ischia, Italy.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching. I don't know anything about the Zeis 18mm but I love my Nikon 20mm 1.8. It is a great lens.

[@WhiteWolfie_95]

Loved you in joe dirt

[@nitpoon7982]

p1000 can't wait to get mine

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Should be an amazing camera!