Astrophotography

ethan

ethan

ethan

Soldato
Joined
16 Sep 2005
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What used to be a UK
Would it be better to stick to the two lenses I'm already using and purchase a star tracker and time-lapse rotator to go beyond the 500 rule or simply buy a wider angle lens? The former would allow for the shutter to remain open for up to 3 mins at lower ISO whilst the latter would only allow for up to 30-35 seconds.
The lenses I've been currently using are the Sigma 35mm F1.2 and the Samyang 24mm f1.8. Thanks.
 
Ooh... Its a dilemma I've had for ages. But I bought the Nikon 14-24 for other stuff.... That way I can get both. The tracker further down the line.... But still haven't got round to it....So will be watching this thread
 
mattyg said:
Ooh... Its a dilemma I've had for ages. But I bought the Nikon 14-24 for other stuff.... That way I can get both. The tracker further down the line.... But still haven't got round to it....So will be watching this thread
Click to expand...
I was indecisive about buying a wider lens such as the the Sigma 14mm until I saw this video comparing the lens I was already using to the Sony 24mm GM F1.4. I think I'll buy the tracker and use the Samyang 24mm F1.8 on it and see where things go from there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTITOOLuG6I
 
I've got the Samyang (an older copy) and it needs stopping down to 2.5-2.8 to get pin sharp stars - it's usable wide open but larger stars 'burst' somewhat. It's good value in terms of cost/performance and Samyang may have tightened up their QC as there used to be a lot of variance between copies. At some point I'll get the Sony 20 1.8 G which is in the same ballpark performance wise as the 24 1.4 GM at the expense of 2/3 stop of light (but gaining 4mm).
 
I've since bought the Sigma 14mm F1.8. I'll eventually use this in combination with a portable star tracker assuming the weight wouldn't be too much of an issue.

I won't be using the 14mm for night sky shots either-and using it in a Sony A7R4 gives the option to use it in crop mode at 26 meg if and when required- making it quite versatile. I'd previously decided on a Loawa 9mm and using that in crop mode because I could have got it cheap. However, paying the extra for the Sigma was the more sensible option given the circumstances.

Untill I get the Star tracker it will be interesting to see how this fares when stacking.
 
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