Kickstart Your Astrophotography with a Star Tracker

Introduction

“Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are”-  everyone has heard of Jane Taylor’s ‘The Star’ poem from the 18th century and wondered what they are and what they will find once they go there. Sure, no one has ever gone there so far, but the mysteries of the dull white dots in the sky have surely dazzled all generations.


Even if we can’t go there, at the very least, we can store pictures of them. From Galileo’s discovery of the telescope to the latest James Webb Telescope, humans have been keeping pictures of these heavenly bodies. But we do not live in the middle ages or have the equipment of NASA, so how can you photograph the sky in the dark today without noise or with most details? This is where star tracker comes in.


There are plenty of variables in play while doing astrophotography. Star trackers are a very common tool for professionals to capture noise-free, colorful, and high-definition images up in the sky. Here, we will talk about star trackers and how you can Kickstart your astrophotography with a star tracker.

What is a star tracker in astrophotography?

As mentioned earlier, a star tracker camera mount is a common tool professional astrophotographers use to capture clean, colorful, and detailed images up in the sky. So, what is a star tracker?


A star tracker is a motorized, equatorial mount that is fitted on top of a tripod but beneath your camera. The job of a move shoot move star tracker camera is to follow a fixed point in the sky- be that a star or planet- as they move with the rotation of Earth. 

Importance of Star Tracker

Astrophotography requires a long exposure time so that the camera can take more light. This would not be a problem in the case of Earthly objects like mountains or buildings as they do not move. But the heavenly bodies of the sky do move. A long exposure will result in a trial. 


Star trails are sometimes useful for astronomers, but that is not always the objective of the astrophotographer. But when you want a sharp, detailed Astro image of the sky, you use a star tracker.



Need for Star Tracker

We have talked about what star tracker has to offer in simple words. But that might not tell you the whole story to the professionals. In technical terms, let us look into the advantages of a star tracker. 


    • Exposure time- Here is the catch- you need to have an exposure of several minutes and also want to omit digital noises from the photograph. The only way to do it is by reducing the shutter time. Using a star tracker, you can do that.
    • ISO- ISO is the sensitivity of the camera. Using a star tracker increases shutter speed, which in turn reduces ISO. More ISO usually contributes to more digital noises. With a star tracker, you can reduce the ISO of the night sky below 1600 instead of 3200-6400.
  • Aperture- Astrophotography demands images of high sharpness, and the narrower the aperture, the sharper the image. Closing the aperture will bring two beautiful outcomes- less vignetting and lens aberrations.

  • Remember, to produce mesmerizing astrophotography of the sky full of stars, you need all these 3 factors to contribute. Using these benefits, professionals produce mind-blowing night sky photographs that you find online.

    Notes on using a Star Tracker for Camera

    It is not always bread and butter every time when producing astrophotography. Just using a Star Tracker will not produce those beautiful images of the sky. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are aiming to be an astrophotographer.

    Know how to use Photoshop

    One exposure is not enough when you are taking a shot with a star tracker. The foreground will be blurry as the camera moves with the movement of the star. So, you take two photos- one for the foreground and one for the sky.


    A complete photo is produced when you combine the two. How can you do that? You must have a working knowledge of photoshop to do that.

    Right Polar Alignment is Necessary

    If you align just any star with a star tracker, you might not receive the desired outcome. There is an unwritten rule that professionals use while taking images of the sky- Always point it to the stationary star in the sky. 

    That is usually the North Star for the northern hemisphere and South Star for the southern hemisphere. Why do we do it? We do it because all the stars in the sky appear to revolve around that star in a hemisphere. Aligning it with them makes the camera turn at the correct angle and speed.

    A Sturdy Tripod

    Since the shooting exposures are several minutes long, without sturdy tripods, your image will be ruined. If you are taking the shot outdoors, even the winds can cause a disturbance. Some tripods have a hook under the center column. For those tripods, add some weight to them to help your camera remain undisturbed by the wind.

    How to Set up a Star Tracker Mount for Camera?

    Now that you have learned the basics of a star tracker mount, it's time you learn how to kickstart your astrophotography with a star tracker. Even when professionals create tracked Milkyway photography, they have to first get their star tracker ready. So, let us look into the 4 steps you can set up a star tracker.


    • First thing first - Level your Tripod. This has to be the first step, as without leveling, how can you track a star properly?  
    • Secondly, mount a ball head. This will hold the star tracker. Do not use some cheap ball head as this must be robust and strong to hold the weight of the whole star tracker setup.
    • Thirdly, you have to slide the tracker on the ball head and ensure the apparatus is not quivering. When it's done, mount a second ball to hold your camera.
    • Lastly, when all the above 3 steps are done, attach your camera to the star tracker.

    After these 4 steps, you are ready to align it with a star or take a test shot to see whether you have the desired outcomes.

    Star Tracker is an amazing tool for you if you wish to take Astrophotography. But remember, it is not a must, and you will still be able to capture beautiful, sharp images of the Milky Way in a good climate. With a star tracker, you will take the game to the next level.


    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!
    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!

    NOMAD Grab & Go Star Tracker für Anfänger und erfahrene Fotografen, 🎁 Schöne Milchstraßen-Saison – verpassen Sie es nicht noch einmal!

    Normaler Preis $341.00 Sonderpreis$284.90
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    Customer Reviews

    Based on 1487 reviews
    84%
    (1250)
    14%
    (202)
    1%
    (22)
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    (6)
    P
    Pierluigi B. (Milan, IT)
    Easy to use

    I found it easy to calibrate with the calibrated pointer and polar scope.
    The lower weight is another advantage when you travel especially when you hike.

    J
    Jared Klein (Scottsdale, US)
    Setting up MSM

    Just received my Move shoot move Nomad Track. I set it up so I would have gone through the process at home before a trip to Northern Arizona for some night landscape and star photography. Was easy to set up and worked well in capturing pinpoint stars in my backyard. I have used other star trackers and they took a lot more work to get accurate stars with long exposure.

    M
    Milosz (Berlin, DE)
    Nice little tracker

    Short version is that I'm super happy with the tracker. Longer version is that for how small it is, I'm happy that I can get long enough exposures with a Samyang 135mm with a DSLR to capture stuff with a dual band filter which I thought might require a more heavy-duty tracker. Will definitely keep using it and I recommend it for beginners cause it's very easy to use.

    S
    Samuel Zorzi (Milan, IT)
    Astroinseguitore MSM Nomad

    Ottimo prodotto, anche se devo ancora testarlo appieno.
    Eccellente l’assistenza con la quale ho dovuto interagire. Veloce la spedizione.

    J
    Jerry Osborn (Arlington, US)
    Haven’t used it yet

    Had cloudy skies and full moon so haven’t used it yet. Had an issue with the polar scope not showing the recticle. The focus for the recticle was stuck and ended up using pliers to loosen it. Looking forward to testing the nomad.

    A
    Amanda Chapman (Oslo, NO)
    MSM Nomad - Game Changer

    Absolute game changer. So much lighter than my previous Tracker, I am now able to take this little STAR on my travels around the world, without worrying about baggage weight restrictions. I have also struggled for ages trying to achieve proper Polar Alignment due to a lower back issue. The calibrated pointed, in conjunction with the wedge from MSM, allows perfect alignment.

    All items (MSM Start Tracker, Wedge, Laser pointer) and the Ayln Wallace Flex Tilt & Pan Head have made everything so much easier. Plus, all these combined, still weigh less than my other tracker.

    All in all, an excellent bit of kits and great value for money.

    A
    Anthony Forster (Ferndale, GB)
    Great bit of kit for the price

    Having received my kit I am very pleased with the quality of the items. The rice is a fraction of what one would pay for other branded items but well worth it. Portable and easy to set up. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to start in astrophotography. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

    P
    Paul O (Suring, US)
    Valuable tool

    I bought this to replace another brand that I had for about ten years. It used a scope to align Polaris so it was difficult to use and hard to stay in place when locking it down. I bought a laser from MSM to use on that tracker but it wouldn't fit. I like the Nomad as it is small and easy to set up. The laser I had did not come with the red laser adapter so I had to order that. Each order takes three weeks so it took a long time before I could use it. I also use the MVM Wedge which helps with quick precise setup. If not for the ordering issues, I would give this 5 stars.

    D
    Deborah (Rotterdam, NL)
    Happy with my Nomad

    Customer service was really helpful with my shipment to NL and my first try with the Nomad was easy and working well. Only struggling with the laser pointer a bit as my camera blocks it's view. But that is probably getting to know the gear better with practice. The Nomad is a sturdy piece of equipment while lightweight. Can't wait to take on the start with it.

    A
    Arun Shetty (Dubai, AE)
    Great compact product , easy to use

    I already have a deep sky gears but i was looking for a compact tracker which i can take anywhere and Nomad provided that solution. Product looks great this month end i will take my gears to test it out in the low light pollution area to check effectiveness.