How to take star trails with output in circular pattern?
- Thread starter htx
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not possible when you are around equator, you need to go to northern or southern part of hemisphere.
catchlights said:
Msia padi rice field may be possible...but may not turn out that circular since we r at equator. As long as it's dark place and visible clear sky, no cloud, shimmering stars....it may be possible. It simply a kind of lights painting..... 2 cents.
Might be possible, you need to use those programmed motorised tripod head that those stars gazers used on their telescope.
I won't try to tell you how as I've not done it before but here's a link to look up
http://www.jamesvernacotola.com/Resources/How-To-Photograph-Star-Trails/12233655_V7cX4D
Few things to know.
The stars are always there, there's no such thing as less stars tonight etc. There are billions out there, ambient light, nearby city lights reflecting off the atmosphere will mask them, leaving only the bright ones.
Yes, you stand a better chance in Malaysia than here to see anything more than a handful.
It's not a few minutes shot, for the stars to go 1 round, it's 24 hrs. Of course you've only got 12. So expect your shooting to last several nights.
Of course a dash of good luck to get e right weather and atmospheric conditions
http://www.jamesvernacotola.com/Resources/How-To-Photograph-Star-Trails/12233655_V7cX4D
Few things to know.
The stars are always there, there's no such thing as less stars tonight etc. There are billions out there, ambient light, nearby city lights reflecting off the atmosphere will mask them, leaving only the bright ones.
Yes, you stand a better chance in Malaysia than here to see anything more than a handful.
It's not a few minutes shot, for the stars to go 1 round, it's 24 hrs. Of course you've only got 12. So expect your shooting to last several nights.
Of course a dash of good luck to get e right weather and atmospheric conditions
As others have mentioned, to get anything close to circular pattern you have to point near the horizon. Problem is that the light pollution tends to be the worst along the horizon. Only way is to do stacking instead of long exposure if you want to catch the few stars that are visible without blowing out. If you point straight upwards you only have to deal with ambient light pollution (which is still pretty bad), and depending on the wideness, you get either straight trails or "hourglass" trails.
And watch out for the clouds which can totally ruin your shots as they cover the stars and scatter light around.
Singapore can do, but only good for practice so you don't want to fumble overseas.
And watch out for the clouds which can totally ruin your shots as they cover the stars and scatter light around.
Singapore can do, but only good for practice so you don't want to fumble overseas.
You need to compensate for the earth's rotation. Those motorised astro trackers are not chearp.
Found a cheap DIY one online A Beginner's Guide to DSLR Astrophotography
Found a cheap DIY one online A Beginner's Guide to DSLR Astrophotography
Disagree, the tracking device is not required for star trails, a sturdy tripod is instead.
You will need a dark, very dark sky,mans an exposure long enough to trail. If you are near the equator then your camera will be pointed at the horizon basically.
Try some anyway, in the darkest area you can find, and maybe use an "LP" filter, a light pollution filter, over the lens.
As someone posted to get a full circle you red 24 hours, impossible. 12 hours though is nearly possible though, so see how long you can expose at a medium aperture before the sky "fogs out", and use slightly less time than that. Try about 5 minutes and see,mat say f8 and ISO 100-200. Then shoot a series do shots, fixed tripod, and the exposure you decided from your trial. Stack the images in PhotoShop.
Gary
You will need a dark, very dark sky,mans an exposure long enough to trail. If you are near the equator then your camera will be pointed at the horizon basically.
Try some anyway, in the darkest area you can find, and maybe use an "LP" filter, a light pollution filter, over the lens.
As someone posted to get a full circle you red 24 hours, impossible. 12 hours though is nearly possible though, so see how long you can expose at a medium aperture before the sky "fogs out", and use slightly less time than that. Try about 5 minutes and see,mat say f8 and ISO 100-200. Then shoot a series do shots, fixed tripod, and the exposure you decided from your trial. Stack the images in PhotoShop.
Gary
Motorised telescope mounts are designed to tracked a fixed celestial object automatically thus keeping it in "focus" so as to speak.
Stars as viewed from Singapore move in an arching patten from east to west not circular.
Stars as viewed from Singapore move in an arching patten from east to west not circular.
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You don't need a tracking tripod, that is to avoid trails, not make trails.
Point to the North Star, point to the horizon. Both are correct.
When you point to the North Star you'll be at the horizon. Just that you need to figure out how as you cant see the north star from here. If you don't know how, it's another subject and hobby for you to read up. Closest thing is to point to the horizon in True North.
Since you have to point north, don't go to the southern end of the island. Neither is one facing JB any good, try either end of the island. The airport lights vs Pelapas, both just as lousy, take your pick.
Point to the North Star, point to the horizon. Both are correct.
When you point to the North Star you'll be at the horizon. Just that you need to figure out how as you cant see the north star from here. If you don't know how, it's another subject and hobby for you to read up. Closest thing is to point to the horizon in True North.
Since you have to point north, don't go to the southern end of the island. Neither is one facing JB any good, try either end of the island. The airport lights vs Pelapas, both just as lousy, take your pick.
