Astrophotography using a star tracker can dramatically improve your deep space images, but setting it up properly takes careful preparation. Even small errors can reduce the clarity and detail of your shots.
Coming to you from Trevor Jones of Astro Backyard, this informative video walks you through selecting a spot, setting up your star tracker, and aligning it for clear, detailed astrophotography. Jones emphasizes the importance of polar alignment, a crucial step ensuring your star tracker follows the stars precisely. He demonstrates using apps like Stellarium to preview and frame targets effectively, highlighting how technology simplifies finding deep space objects even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky. Jones also discusses practical gear choices, recommending a lightweight carbon-fiber tripod combined with a ball head for easy adjustment and precision framing. His advice about using AA battery-powered trackers for overnight sessions without power interruptions is especially helpful if you shoot in remote areas.
The video offers straightforward guidance on camera settings for deep space photography, emphasizing the practicalities over complicated technical jargon. Jones suggests settings such as using raw format for maximum editing flexibility later and a moderate ISO, around 1600, balancing sensitivity and image noise. His recommendation of the Rokinon 135mm f/2 lens as an accessible option is particularly useful for anyone new to astrophotography or transitioning from traditional photography setups to more specialized gear. Jones clearly explains why slightly stopping down your lens can yield sharper stars, a subtle yet critical detail easily overlooked. He further outlines why exposure length matters, advising starting around 90 seconds, which balances good light collection without overwhelming your star tracker.
Expanding further, Jones also details some essential habits to follow when photographing deep space objects. These include avoiding unnecessary disturbances around your setup during exposures and making minor focus adjustments throughout the night as temperatures drop. He explains why atmospheric conditions affect image clarity and provides tips for planning your shoot based on the celestial movements, moonrise, and seasonal shifts such as the rising Milky Way core in summer months. His detailed breakdown of adjusting the star tracker using Polaris as a reference point simplifies what can initially feel like a daunting task. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jones.
