Southern Skies & Star Trackers

[@hussain44201067]

Very beautiful❤

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@ScottSmithers-j4e]

Welcome back Richard have too say I've been looking forward to getting my weekly dose of night sky inspiration keep up the great work 👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks my friend, I appreciate your support.

[@ScottSmithers-j4e]

Quick question how do I send you a few pictures for the chanal Ps still have a long way to go but getting there slowly Thanks again

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm currently not featuring images on my youtube channel. But you can still send me some images to check out. Email to [e-mail] @@ScottSmithers-j4e

[@shupingyin8082]

Fantastic images as always

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for tuning in.

[@rolsonn]

Beautiful images and hopefully you're year improves

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Richard

[@mikebartow9415]

Thank you! I really like the image at the 9 minute mark. Wonderful color in the sky!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Mike, as always I appreciate you watching.

[@mariopereira8261]

Hi Richard, as always fantastic photos, an excellent photograph for 2024 👏👏👏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Mario

[@GARY1951A]

Great to see you again, Richard! As always, your images are just incredible. Very good information regarding the small power banks - I never would have thought that they had difficulties with very small loads on them! I think you just saved me a lot of frustration next time I am out! Thanks for the video!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Gary. Yes these things are sent to try us aren't they .. but in the end it's all added to the experience.

[@TheMiniD3]

Hi Richard Glad to see you back on deck, I still haven't got out there yet, have too many challenges right now unfortunately, Regards, Gary

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Gary. Yes I know what you mean mate.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Beautiful pics Richard, as usual, hope you're ok

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm going ok Suzie, thanks for watching.

[@andrewdoyle19]

Glad to see you are out shooting again Richard. It really is great for the mental health. All the best for 2024.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Andrew.

[@tragniact]

I will never get bored to your vid mate. Love your passion in night photography! Stay strong and see you soon

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's very kind of you indeed my friend.

[@davidcassford6361]

Happy New Year, Way to go Richard, nicely done as usual.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching David.

[@dennisblack4444]

Great to see you again Richard, fantastic shots. Hoping to get the tracker out more this coming year. Looking forward to more fantastic content. Cheers Dennis

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for tuning in Dennis. I'll look forward to seeing how you go with the tracker during 2024.

[@andreasholmstrom6308]

Beautiful photos as always Richard 🙏⭐️

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Andreas.

[@julieclark5779]

Welcome back Richard, good to see the few little issues you had didn’t stop you from producing some stunning images🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Julie. There is always something trying to put a spanner in the works.

[@calvinphipps3121]

Wonderful images Richard! Good to see you out shooting the night sky.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Calvin

[@neilpond3441]

Love your videos. I live in Canada we haven’t had clears skies in a bit now…. Winter blas!!! Your videos get me very excited for Milky Way season. Cheers eh!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm sure the weather will turn for you soon. I appreciate you watching.

[@mjsweeps]

Absolute perfection Richard! Your video's are Awesome! Thank You for all the hardwork you put into your video's!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

My pleasure. Thanks so much for watching.

[@stemac67]

Hi Richard, good to see you back, here’s hoping for a great year of Astro.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Steve, really appreciated.

[@gavinheppenstall766]

Hi Richard, great to see you posting another video. Clear skies 🖖

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you as always for watching Gavin.

[@chrisheyward6430]

Great to see you out again Richard. Fab images especially the last one. Colours are amazing

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I appreciate you watching Chris

[@The_Gunslinger]

Glad you were able to get out for a night of clear skies, your images are incredible. Feels like forever that we have more than one night of clear skies, but even one night is worth it just to relax look up.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. Yes it can be difficult to find a clear available night that's for sure.

[@lesladbrook4508]

Excellent images and great tips, thank you Richard. All the best for 2024.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for your ongoing support Les.

[@chasing_horizonz4526]

Another great video Richard. I had to chuckle at your Sky Watcher dilemmas as those are some things I have experienced way too many times too😂. Before I got my Skylab's phone holder, that is exactly how I used to align my tracker and was always amazed at how accurate it was - on most occasions anyway. As for the external battery, it took me several failed nights to figure out what was going on. I first encountered it when attempting to run external batteries on my Canon cameras - I couldn't quite figure out why the battery being charged by the external battery pack kept switching off. Like you, I now have a range that work and some that don't but have figured out which is which😎

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching mate. Yes there are always new challenges as we go along. . but I guess that's part of the attraction to what we do isn't it.

[@chasing_horizonz4526]

Absolutely. It’s what keeps us going back for more 😜

[@galacticnemesis366]

Happy to see you have ironed out those few bugs Richard. Looking forward to seeing what adventures you have to bring us this year. Early morning Milkyway core next new moon. Inspirational content. Thanks for sharing. Clear skies. 🤩✨🔭

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I think we'll all be looking forward to seeing the core again soon. Thanks as always for watching mate.

[@lindadavison1418]

Ah yes, the negligible current draw of the Star Adventurer….I remember coming across that issue when I first purchased mine, I bought a strip of red LEDs which I plug in alongside the power cable and that works a treat, it doesn’t use much additional power but just enough to stop the power bank switching off. You could also charge your phone alongside too. Keep up the good work and all the best 😊

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Those are fantastic suggestions Linda, thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@paultutton9443]

Great to join you back under the stars again Richard! It sounds like you've been dealing with a bit of a curve ball lately and I sincerely hope that everything is turning out okay. It must be reassuring to know that of your 70K+ followers there are many out there who are thinking of you and wish you well 🙏.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Paul. Yes it is very reassuring to know people are interested in all the ups and downs of life. All the very best for 2024.

[@johnbrennen1776]

Good to see you again and I know this will be a good year . I know this because I'm looking at your calendar and the January photo inspires for the rest of the year...take care

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Your kind comments are always very much appreciated John, thank you.

[@ViratShah]

Superb Images and love the Orion at 50mm Richard.. Happy New year and good to see you back with Videos..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching Virat mate. . always appreciated.

[@antipodesastro667]

It’s always a good morning when I wake up and you’ve posted a new video! Loved the results with the 50mm 🤩 I’m feeling very inspired now!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very kind as always Lisa.

[@peterbaylis8631]

Thanks Richard; useful advice as always. And it has been a really wet summer here is SA as well.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Peter. I can't remember a summer with so much rain as we've had this year ..!!!

[@thenewvoice8]

Heading up to Goornong tomorrow, some camping with my boys and a recon mission for some possible locations for later in the year. Hoping the ground isn't too sodden, and hoping to get some practice light painting in before the Milky Way season starts in earnest.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hope it goes well. Thanks for watching.

[@givemespace2742]

With my Star Adventurer I used to turn one battery around in the holder when not in use to prevent battery drain if it accidentally got turned on.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I can see that would work . .but it's a poor design I think. Thanks for watching.

[@StarScaperPhoto]

Great to have you back on YT Richard and awesome you've got the opportunity and mindset to do a shoot again. Beautiful results from a stunning, dark location... as always!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Jeroen. It was a great night to be out there.

[@RobGaleSpecialVideos]

It's amazing how doing something we enjoy can bring us more positive energy, wonderful images Richard and I'm sure they have special meaning for you. Thanks for another great video.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for your great encouragement Rob.

[@GrowPhotography]

Always a great day when I see a new video from nightscape images pop up in my feed, great content as always - sorry to hear there has been some challenges.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Greg. Always appreciate your comments mate.

[@cleverelf]

Another great video Richard. Thank you for sharing. I to have struggled with the power bank anomalies. It's all part of the fun 😉

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. Yes it is a big problem it seems.

[@johnd5244]

So good to see you my friend! Stunning images! Glad to hear for once everything went right with the Polaris star tracker. I need to get a couple better power packs. I picked up a Nikon Zf with the 40mm SE f/2 lens. Only thing I dislike about it is no way to use a wired remote with it. But besides that I am enjoying it. Going to try the pixel shift option possibly this weekend with Orion just off the tripod. Maybe try with the 105mm mc also. Well my friend you have a wonderful weekend! 🙏🏻📷☕️🍪

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks again for watching John. Yes I've been trying to get my hands on a ZF to try it out. The lack of a remote port would drive me crazy though. Does it have extended shutter speeds beyond 30 seconds built in ..???

[@rogeriopeccioli1616]

Excelent.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks for watching Rogerio

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Good to see your new videos have been going through withdrawals Hope your rain has ease up.,

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Phil. Yes the rain has stopped now.

[@AstroRoad]

What a soggy summer it's been Richard! Great to see you back out and glad to see the Polaris actually delivering as intended. Makes the night so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to what the year brings.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps Dominic. I'm looking forward to following your adventures this year as well.

[@markcompton1249]

Thanks for this Richard. I experienced similar power issues to yourself - discovered that plugging into the USB-C output stayed live, whilst the USB2A one turned off after 30-60 sec, but looked like it was alive until I checked the shots 😢. I also performed the Polar Alignment using a 3D printed holder I modified from a design on the Internet. Afterwards, I checked how accurate it was by doing a full PA on Polaris - 20 arcmin at first, quick attempt!👍 Good enough for widefield, or maybe I was lucky. The holder I printed is a 90 deg one, so I can attach it to either the wedge, as you do, or the StarTracker head itself...

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Fantastic work Mark. A lot of the powerbanks I have don't have a USB-C output.

[@mannythehunter]

Great to see you back! Think the weather problem has been everywhere. Between fighting the weather (and the moon when it is clear) it has been a horrible couple months to get any night time shooting done.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm hoping for more clear skies as we travel through 2024. Thanks so much for watching.

[@numismaticfanatic9173]

Another exemplary presentation Richard. Your technical knowledge and absolute grasp of topic is highly professional and so excitingly entertaining. Keep it up old friend, so much enjoy your YT presence!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate you watching my videos. All the very best for 2024 ...!!!

[@numismaticfanatic9173]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks Richard, all the best to you, Glenys and family also. Big Al says hi!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha .. Big Al ... haven't seem him for a while. I think he may have retired.@@numismaticfanatic9173

[@tonyw3250]

Sorry to hear you've had a rough time, hopefully the new year is better for you. Thanks for sharing your incredible images

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

As always I appreciate your great support Tony, thank you.

[@bobtebbs7766]

Great to see you back buddy you got some great images as always

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for tuning in.

[@bobtebbs7766]

Been watching a few years now, you put a video out I'm watching,love your work

[@PentaxLife]

Hey, Richard great shots man. I hope everything's okay. I was starting to get worried. It's a long time. Hope you and glennes are well

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Jeff. I'm looking forward to the months ahead.

[@dw.in.michigan]

Those were incredible images. It looks like you're trying to unseat John as King of the Night Sky Panos. Whatever issues you had with alignment and power, you seemed to rally back quite well.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for your great encouragement Derek. I reckon John may still hold that crown regarding tracked panos ..!!

[@dhg1960]

Hi Richard, Nice to see you back again, I have missed your videos. As ever, great panos. I too have mixed feelings about the Benro Polaris. It seems a terrific bit of kit but prone to problems and sadly the manufacturer dosn't seem to be on top of sorting it out. Therefore for me, a no go due to the high price. I have the SA and despite it being simple, it does a good job.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot David. I agree with all your sentiments. I think simple is the way to go with these devices.

[@ericwilkes1840]

The vagaries of power packs, I wish I could say it was an experience I hadn’t shared 😂. Great images as always and I am glad you had a good run with your Polaris, I have been finding mine incredibly reliable these days, just want them to include a function to get rid of the cloudy and wet weather we have been having 😎. Great to see you back and hope all is well.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always Eric. Unfortunately the weather is still the biggest variable in everything we do isn't it.

[@ericwilkes1840]

@@nightscapeimages.richard it very much is, still it makes the good evenings even more rewarding

[@simonharding5696]

Hope all is going well with you, and it's great to "have you back"! :-) I'll be watching your tracker videos again as I need to up my game with these things this year....weather permitting!! Great tip re the current draw on the power bank, and using a second draw such as a lens warmer. I'll definitely be using that tip. Thanks again, Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for tuning in again Simon. We usually have to discover these things the hard way ..!!!!

[@robertleeimages]

Just a tad wet, we've had 240mm since and including the Xmas rains

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes Rob, it's the wettest summer I can remember.

[@JerryDell-j3s]

Great pictures Richard! I just got my camera Astro modified so I am looking forward to bringing out the Ha portions of nebulas. Take care, Jerry

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Good on you Jerry, it will take a bit of time to get used to it.

[@dr.breath8008]

Hi Richard. I am posting here in the hopes that you will see this and offer some suggestions. I loved your video, Astro Beast and have done a day-night timelapse using your settings. It was great. I want to use that same function - Interval Timer Shooting - to capture the upcoming total solar eclipse. The fly in the ointment, however, is when the solar filter has to come off and go back on after totality. Would you please do a video or answer this question on the solar eclipse? Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. I did answer your question in another post. It will be very difficult with the solar filter attached.

[@paulmorrall5719]

I get it Richard, I think the tables were turned this summer as I think we in Sydney have had more wet weather than you this year! so much for Al Nino 😂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Paul. I think you always get more rain than us up north. . but even more this year.

[@Speed-Cecil]

Hi Richard … Good to see you in 2024 !! Quick question for ya… where did you purchase the glow in the dark items for your tripod ? That is an awesome accessory to have.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. I bought the tape on ebay. www.ebay.com.au/itm/255749993966?hash=item3b8be335ee:g:o0wAAOSwHVNjNQzS&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwNBlWYC%2Ftn7oIKtn2SyCtm8qjCKQ969ZXGGzv%2B95byHudsXRZKqQev3M8Xu%2FhtSMt4Muygl9geUqUlfuHRO0RX6Z6WmB1povGA3oQiaj2OPhHEt7JyEXUx1HG0U7GnFkVYupqPYMk6QtBnYNRFPTZwv30%2F7ECmRXjZXqXUgjZGQnRPuTZdo9qJdfcs8knus74lMqOVa0LksqkQT7AmsQ4g98bBRtSbZPR05h4qSxVU%2BM9al%2BbJUN5%2FVlMYD3hrJVHA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABlBMULbe0OClYw

[@Speed-Cecil]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks Richard !!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Love to see you back. just 60 secs from Astro mod cam really brought out the pink nebula indeed. so beautiful. Have you ever thought of using h alpha filter on top of the your astro mod cam sensor ?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well it seems like everybody else is doing that at present .. but to be honest I don't see the need for it. Maybe I'm just lazy ...!!!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

@@nightscapeimages.richardSome said it will bring more Nebula colour but after I saw your images, the nebula looks stunning already. I think to add more extra step ( insert that filter, re focusing thing s through that filter is not that easy either) , I would go only astro mod cam and I am good . ❤

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I agree with you . .not worth the extra effort.@@akkarparkiamopas3401

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

👍🏾

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching my friend.

[@voederbietels]

wow what an great image. how did you blend the trees so nice in the backround (stars)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. The key is to have good contrast between the sky and landscape or trees. And by that I mean mainly on the original layer you want to replace the sky on. It also helps to try and colour match both the original layer and the new sky layer. I use the Photoshop Sky Replacement feature. I discuss this here at about 24 minute mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2azZGeCe7CZpNE

[@voederbietels]

Thank you for your kind and helpfull reply

[@carmelthomson9917]

Beautiful as always Richard. If I could give you a tiny bit of critique?? I notice you now always shoot tracked images, which look great, but not everyone has trackers. It's an extra layer of organising and setting up, plus not to mention the cost. Sometimes people like to keep things simple and still get a fabulous image!! Take care..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Carmel. Yes you raise a very valid perspective. There is no doubt that the addition of a tracker into the workflow significantly complicates the procedure. I do it because now that the post processing tools have become available to make the blending easier .. it gives the best possible quality of nightscape image. But of course there is more to shooting nightscape photography than ultimate image quality. I think the experience of being out there, the ability to plan and execute a simple image and the ability to work through issues and problem solve can be just as important. Lots of people will never add a tracker into their workflow. .they just want to keep it simple. . it's the same story for astro modding cameras . .it's not for everyone. I think I'll have to do some videos highlighting some of these things in the coming weeks and months.

[@kerrykroberts7809]

Did you use star reduction software in post for the grain factory? Also, love the photo of the tracks. Hope your weather turns for the better! Great tip on power bank minimum draws - did not even think of that one!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Kerry. I don't use specific star reduction methods anymore. But I always use the RC-Astro plug in to Photoshop called StarXterminator. It separates the stars from the nebulosity and therefore gives the impression of star reduction when you apply certain blend modes to the stars layer. It works great and is fantastic for editing milky way and nebulas etc. See here: www.rc-astro.com/software/sxt/

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Lovely images again, wonderful. Did Benro eventually sort out the "not able to switch on" problem?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching. Well if sending me a new unit means sorting it out .. then yes they did.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Cool, good to know they looked after you, the customer. Can I ask you, does the new unit work properly?

[@markpenberthy619]

Hi Richard I had the same Battery problem iPhone 11Pro while using the BPA app, but lucky I was close to my van and put it on charge. I was shooting Orion Nebula M42 on sigma 150\600mm at 600 mm 30sec f6 ISO 200 Canon R5. In your Video I can see you are using an different camera control cable, can I ask if it was just a standard off the shelf cable as I asked Benro if it was a standard USB C but got no reply. great to see you back under the stars and sharing you great images thx Mark

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Mark. The cable I'm using on the Polaris is the one they shipped with my new unit after I had problems with my original unit. It's the OTG cable .. USB-C to USB-A then back the opposite way again. I have tried a number of cables I have lying around and they all seemed to work ok. However the other USB-C cable for the astro unit is not standard.

[@211milkman]

Great video! Glad you were able to get back out again. Great Therapy I find it. I have a question. I see you have a V platform on the SWSA. What type of head do you have on top? Is it like a gear head or just an Ordinary ball head? I'm want to do a tracked panorama with my SWSA at some point. Thank you. Clear skies and good health!!!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching. I use a low profile ball head on top of the V plate. See here: www.aliexpress.com/i/1005002541831851.html This gives rotation at the top and bottom of ball head. As well as that you can rotate the V plate separately to position the camera.

[@alandyer910]

Excellent shots! Glad the Benro seems to be working out. Are you using any filters on the tracked sky images to help bring out the Ha, apart from the modded camera? Cheers!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for tuning in Alan. No I'm resisting going down that route at the moment. I think I'm going the opposite way to most .. trying like crazy to simplify everything.

[@davidletz9123]

Thanks for the video, Richard! Have you ever tried using a laser pointer mounted on to the star tracker base to do polar align (similar to what the Move-Shoot-Move trackers used)? I attached one to a dovetail plate and point it at polaris. I get good-enough 60 second exposures using 35-50mm shots.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching David. Well there are a couple of problems with using a laser pointer here in Australia, firstly they are banned and secondly we don't have a star on the south celestial pole like you do with Polaris in the northern hemisphere.

[@rockbass7027]

​@@nightscapeimages.richard maybe I missed it but what star are you using to use the tracker? Is there a star that doesn't move like Polaris here in America?

[@davidletz9123]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Duh! I kinda forgot about the lack of a star to point to "down under."

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

There is no pole star here in the Southern Hemisphere. With the Benro Polaris tracker it has what's known as single star alignment. That means that you can use any star that it has listed in it's database to align the tracker. It operates differently to a traditional tracker as it moves in 2 axis at the same time.@@rockbass7027

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Good to see that you are out and about under the night sky and producing another entertaining video. Did you upload or shoot this one at a lower resolution to what you normally do? The video was a bit pixelated on full screen viewing. The opportunities for night shooting in NSW have been very limited also, rain, clouds and a heat wave! Looking to the next new Moon so I can get out and shoot again. 😎👌

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks again for watching Geoff. I didn't do anything differently with this video. Sometimes youtube takes a while to fully render the video file. .who knows. I'm sure you'll be out and about real soon mate.

[@carlreid4161]

My biggest takeaway from this video Richard is your problem solving skills mate, when you’d forgotten your Skylabs plate I expected you’d find a piece of wood and use that but the solution was far simpler! Great images as always especially the Orion shot did you use your Astro mod for that? An inspiring video as always and welcome back Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for your comments Carl. Yes this was an astro modded camera. Sometimes we just have to improvise ..!!!

[@aaroncherrie6229]

Beautiful Shots To Start Off The New Year Mr Tatti …With The 50mm 4 Shot tracked Sky of Orion was you using the standard z6ii or the Ha modified ? The Nebulosity looks amazing

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Aaron. All of the sky shots were taken with astro mod camera.

[@YueWu-b5c]

Beautiful pictures! just curious if you can use the Benro app for tracking without a cellular connection on your phone?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes you can. I often use a phone with no sim card installed.

[@rockbass7027]

Love those photos and thanks for what you do. I do have one question though. What's your opinion on the canon T8 is it a good camera to use for this kind of photos?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. In my opinion you'll get much better cameras for shooting nightscape images than the T8 these days. But of course budget always comes into it. And then you need good fast aperture wide angle lenses as well.

[@nhaven5555]

Hi Richard, Have you considered testing the Skywatcher GTI?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I don't have access to one to test, but I have many friends with it and they all love it. It's a fair bit bigger and heavier than the standard version though.

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Hello Richard, great video. I brought a Sky Watcher Sky tracker a few years back (2019) and used it with my D7500 Nikon camera. Now I have a Nikon Z5, What type of mount are you using for the camera attaching to the Sky Watcher. What are you using to attach the ball head to the Sky Watcher. I can't tell from the video. Thanks!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching my friend. I'm using the MSM V mount to attach to the tracker, then a low profile ball head on top of that. See here: www.moveshootmove.com/collections/move-shoot-move-rotator/products/z-v-platform-designed-with-alyn-wallace-preorder?variant=44434868437209 And here: www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0991VXQ9T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@johncarter591]

Yes Richard you take care mate and Clear Skies and tell Patrick Wynne to stop Dancing in his pink shoes bring in the clouds

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, well I think Patrick must be getting sore feet from all the rain dancing lately ..!!!

[@johncarter591]

LOL :) @@nightscapeimages.richard

[@hotelbravogolf]

G’Day Richard! Do you have a dedicated star tracker tripod and ball head when using this machine?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I like to use this tripod as it has a bowl head which means you can level it without having to adjust the legs: www.amazon.com.au/ARTCISE-Lightweight-Professional-20kg%EF%BC%8C65mm-Adapter/dp/B088YYD69L I also like to use a loy profile ball head with the MSM V bracket to keep it level: www.moveshootmove.com/products/z-v-platform-designed-with-alyn-wallace-preorder?variant=44434868437209

[@terrybaker5118]

Hi Richard Could you tell me what power bank you ended up finding was the best one ? Cheers Terry

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Terry, I found that many power banks need more current draw than the tracker requires to keep going. The one I used in this case is a no name brand that I had lying around. I do like this one also. www.amazon.com.au/Anker-PowerCore-Lite-10000-B2C/dp/B07PXMF52C/ref=sr_1_6?crid=97XO6OE8DNF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.33d-96to0tDlSGq8Q9s8bEgWX-HCTOR7LKagsxxWg3-zqQ3yGRTSPank3UdpxWZ87N-IKv8EgNpYbcZqp0M0KbVf2IUpncSGQAqkC_bzSlY7SAJW-tJ9XleuqkOivnoZfynxiumDkLbap1-AknqLU2HXU25olTBdQDpJFRyALXm1vRLZR80FeEezO2TvXv8GG8k5rodrNAxeikPK7Rlq_Luei3b1yFTv49NgmQB8qALTtKw7tYsSPz4UYaFijGosRHZ-YLc85xi4icQxQIbpCChZUGVAjGDr4Wx4jpZ4o8U.wzrasbfjtPFzBV2yd14KiTyauATWj79YhUeKbcMC0FY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Anker+powercore+10000&qid=1720480690&sprefix=anker+powercore+10000%2Caps%2C272&sr=8-6

[@terrybaker5118]

@@nightscapeimages.richard cheers mate

[@SimplifyingIT]

Can I please ask what you would recommend for the Nikon z6ii, Skywatcher adventurer or mini?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I have both and they are excellent. If you plan on using heavy lenses then the larger star adventurer is better. For smaller lightweight work the mini is excellent.

[@SimplifyingIT]

@nightscapeimages.richard ideally from your videos, I'm looking at getting the Nikon z6ii, Laowa 15mm F2 and the 20mm Nikon f.1s. I thought that would give me the best all-round set up. Would that set up in your experience be suitable? And would you recommend a different lens combo based on what I want to shoot. General Milkyway shoots & time-lapse .

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That will be a great setup. I have used the Laowa 15mm f2 for many timelapses. Some people get better copies than others of that lens so keep that in mind.@@SimplifyingIT

[@CINENIMUS]

What did you use for the video shots at night?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I use a Sony A7S3 fitted with Sony 24mm f1.4 GM lens. Thanks for watching.

[@voederbietels]

Hi .. I have bought the polaris (second hand ) it is on the way (astrokit) what cable do i need to connect the z62 to polaris to activate the shutter .. is this the usb from the camera to the usb of the polaris? greetings from Frank

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hi Frank, I have had 2 different Polaris units. The first one worked with any usb-c cable I tried in it. The second one needed an OTG-cable. like this one. www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Adapter-Connector-Compatible-Samsung/dp/B078GJWXH1/ref=asc_df_B078GJWXH1/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341792356028&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1456926155127261484&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071496&hvtargid=pla-674420866001&psc=1&mcid=f8c9b9e43a433f3ca46d41f5cfc52a48 I've heard a lot of other people have had to use the OTG cable as well. You just connect another usb-A to usb-C cable into that. PS: The small usb-c cable to connect the astro module to the Polaris is unique to Benro and you have to use that one. Let me know how you go.

[@voederbietels]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Hi Richard. Thank you so much for your help. you say ...PS: The small usb-c cable to connect the astro module to the Polaris is unique to Benro and you have to use that one..... but what cable can i use than to connect the astro module to the polaris ? becouse now with this setup i have to cable to connect..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

The Polaris comes with 2 cables. There's a short one designed to go between the main body of the Polaris to the detachable astro unit. Then there is a longer cable to connect the camera to the front of the main body of the Polaris.@@voederbietels

[@voederbietels]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thank you Richard you are very helpfull )

[@nightskyimages2977]

This video may be helpful for me I think just got a new star tracker given to me for free and I have no idea what I'm doing don't like them much but thought I may as well try the thing since I got it given to me for free

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It's certainly a learning curve Brad . .but I have heaps of videos on the subject.

[@nightskyimages2977]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yer I don't think it's for me haha 😅 I thought I had it but dose not seem to be tracking I'm just not smart at all