Well presented comparison, for I've been discussing MSM with a couple of photography contacts after seeing their night images. Living in western North Dakota and finally investing in new gear upgrades (an E-M1X, as well as both the 7-14mm and 12-40mm glass... My 100-400mm might not be sufficiently fast to be up to such tasks, though), I've been eager to play with such subjects in addition to my landscapes. Thanks for sharing a straightforward comparison and demonstration without being "over the top". Well done!
Thank you for this video. I have the original MSM, but your video helped sway me to get the NOMAD - I am all about using the best tool so to not create headaches when out and about. I used your code -- it gave me like 12% off - hope you get a little kickback!
Looking for a tracker to do some nebulae and maybe some Milky Way stuff here and there. All with a dslr. In Australia the SWSA2 and nomad are the same price. Do you think the nomad could handle a 135mm rokinon?
Thank you for another excellent video. A bit off topic but wonder if you still use Olympus gear. The OM-1 mk II has a new 14 bit HHHR mode that might should increase dynamic range and be awesome for Astro. Perhaps limit the need to track sometimes or at least be great on a tracker. Too bad the proposed Astro tracking feature was not included.
Look forward to your video!! I was wondering if the OM-1 with Panny 9/1.7 with the nomad might be a superb travel Astro kit so can leave my heavy Sony gear at home. You made an intriguing comment that the tracked HHHR shots were as good as any. Sounds very slow though.
This is awesome Alex. Thanks for comparing all of the trackers. I have the original MSM Rotator and looking to upgrade because of the screw coming loose during setup and shooting. I'm torn between the NOMAD and the Skywatcher. I love what MSM has done and how they listen to feedback and make changes but I would have to invest in all new gear because the original laser pointer and polar scope are outdated. I've been a fan of your work. Thanks for all the videos and sharing your knowledge. If you are ever in CA hit me up.
Great review Alex I bought the Nomad from Move Shoot Move straight after watching (used your name too for discount thanks dude) Here's to some better Milkyway shots now......if it ever stops raining in the UK 😏😂
That was a really comprehensive comparison, thanks for that. I'm having even more doubts now hahaha. Thing is, I go to the mountains, normally alone, and I spend the entire night there, I usually carry 30kg on my back from time to time up to 3200mts above sea, so, even though is hard, I'm not afraid of carrying more weight. Now, since I don't have now a telescope, I'll be using my camera, my wife angle lenses and, occasionally, an old 300mm Minolta .is very light weight, but I'm also considering the telescope again in the future. When I do timelapses, I do it with a slider, so, that's not really a problem. The nomad or the big one.... That's the question.
Alex, really enjoyed this review. I got the original MSM rotator last year and it helped to improve my Milky Way photography tremendously. However it was a bit frustrating to use at times, and your explanation of the improvements with the Nomad have convinced me that it's time to upgrade for this coming MW season (I'm heading to Moab, UT in May and can't wait to check out the dark skies there!). I used your code and got a nice discount too. Question for you, which of your cameras did you astro-modify? I'm currently shooting with a Canon R5 and am thinking about getting a second camera and having it modified. I'd love to see a video on how you went about this and some other information on auto-modifiying a camera. Thanks again and keep up the great reviews!
I don't have a video... but I got an rp from Spencer's camera. I'd suggest something like an rp, r6 mk1 or a og 6d ... get the astro mod, not full spectrum I went with the rp because it's a simple camera with a solid sensor. You don't need tracking af or high fps with an astro dedicated body
Another great video. By chance do you have or know of a video/tutorial on how to polar align the Move-Shoot-Move in the daytime using the Polar Align Pro iPhone app? Found several on RUclips for the Star Adventurer and used one by Nico Carver for the recent Solar Eclipse and it worked great. Would like to know if/how that can be done with the MSM......thanks.
Excellent review. I currently have both the Skywatcher Adventurer 2i and the MSM, but consider the Nomade as an addition to my "collection" of astro-gear. 😂 Beautiful and inspiring images Alex! (I also love Olympus camera/lenses. My best astro-pics with camera+lens is with Olympus so far.)
@@chasingluminance I've been truly impressed since upgrading to new Olympus gear last year (I was still shooting old 4/3 gear and glass, so it was loooong overdue lol). Between the processing power and modes you mention, and the post-processing software/noiseware available these days, time exposures are not the dream and associated headaches they once were in the old days.
@@johnniewelbornjr.8940 im looking for first star tracker, and was thinking about Skywatcher Adventurer 2i and now i've seen Nomad, which seems to be super portable. What are your impressions on both and which one do you use more often? Which one do you travel with?
A great video, Alex! I have been wanting to dive into astrophotography (hey, it's your fault that I want to take photos like yours!) but have been hesitant to do so because the choices overwhelmed me. Since I have no real desire to shoot moving time lapse videos, I believe my goal (and budget) falls into the Nomad territory. Even though I live in FL where there is no real good 'dark sky', I still want to be able to get some decent shots of the Milky Way and anything else my lenses will capture. I have subscribed in hopes of learning more from you. Keep up the amazing work!
@@chasingluminance Not really. It may be due to geography or it may be lack to technical skill on my part. (light pollution is horrible down here, tbh) I might be lax in my post editing too. Warmer weather is coming soon and it will be easier to try more AP shots before committing to a tracker but I can't help but think it will improve my overall image quality. I will go back and check your older videos out for more tutorials perhaps without a tracker (?) and then progress from there. :)
I have the MSM but have not used it yet - weather is an issue. Tried to use it once but the laser broke, they did send me the latest and greatest one. Seems better then the older version. I hope to try it soon.
Thanks a lot Alex much appreciated 😊I think the penny just dropped in my subconcious, how to make a timelapse of the night sky, and what confused me. The timelapse function of the MSM Rotator is useful for general timelapse photography, that adds panning of the camera (as rotated by the MSM). The timelapses you're showing of the night sky moving overhead, is simply a number of images taken with star tracker function, that you put together into a videoclip. So the additional timelapse function of the MSM or Star Watcher isn't made for that purpose. That means the Nomad would give me the individual tracked images I need, as well as images that can be put together in video editing software to create a timelapse video. (I had a quick look on YT to see if Photoshop can export a timelapse video from a sequence of images, it looks like its supposed to, but has a bug causing it to crash on export. So I would just use Davinci Resolve once I get to that point ) So a Nomad order is imminent 😊 By the way, I think one needs a different method to align in the Southern Hemisphere, as Polaris isn't visible here in Australia. MSM company sells some sort of attachment? Do you know if that works with the Nomad? Thanks again!
Hi mate I shot with the om1, 8mm and 17mm lens I wish to invest in a tracker. Which one would you recommend the nomad or sky watcher. I am asking because I would like to use my Olympus 40-150mm pro 2.8. I will be backpacking a with a rucksack. Your advice would be appreciated.
Good summary, thanks! Is the original MSM Rotator even an option anymore? It is listed as “Sold Out” at MSM. I suspect they no longer make it. The new Nomad improves upon the old Rotator in every important aspect. In particular, it tracks reliably.
Hi Alex! Your video comes at an ideal time for me! I am thinking about buying a tracker, but I am still uncertain if I should do it or not. I have been doing some astrophotography (14-35mm lenses until now) and stacking the images to reduce noise. As I live far north, the Milky Way core is not visible, so I was wondering if it's worth it to buy a tracker, do you recommend buying one? The Nomad would be my best option (after seeing your video and not planning to use 300mm+ lenses), but lasers are forbidden where I live, so I would need a phone adapter. Is it as accurate as the laser? Thanks for creating such great videos, looking forward to the next one!!
I would recommend getting the phone adaptor and the polar scope. The phone system is good but not as accurate as the scope. From your location can you see things like the Andromeda galaxy? Orion nebula? If so, it might be worth it for you. And the nomad is small enough to travel incase you ever search dark skies away from home
Great video explaining the pros and cons of each. I've been curious about the new MSM tracker and have thought about investing in it. I use the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i. I had the SA Mini which was really cool for time-lapse, but I let it go since I bought the SA 2i...wishing I hadn't. The extra kit to go with these trackers that I can't speak highly enough about are the Leofoto QS quick change plates. They have different sizes, depending on the load requirements, but to optimize your own convenience, settle on one size because the different sizes aren't interchangeable. I put the female receivers on all my tripods and on the declination bracket of my tracker, and I put the male plates on all my tripod heads. And I also have a male plate attached to an Arca clamp, in case I attach my camera directly to the declination bracket instead of an additional ball head. It makes attachment and changeover a lot easier. Their low profile are great for the trackers. No more fumbling around (usually in the dark) with screwing on the different pieces. They make your whole system modular. Bit of an extra investment, but well worth it.
Great video, I have a question though. I’m looking at buying my first tracker, and the Nomad ticks most of the boxes. But there is the total solar eclipse coming in April, and I’d like to be able to use it with my m43 50-200/f2.8-4 (maybe with the 1.4tc). Given that it won’t be long exposures, and that the camera/lens is well under 1/2 the max load, is the Nomad able enough for me? Normally will be shooting medium to wide angle lenses, but this is a rare chance to see totality. Oh, and for normal astro on a tracker, do you leave the ibis turned on?
I think the nomad will still fit your needs because you are not going to be using very long exposures with the eclipse. The nomad will keep things in frame. I do leave ibid on, I've never had an issue.... turn off any lens stabilization
hey Im looking at buying the MSM nomad but no one ever mentions what kind of tripod to get, any recommendations before I purchase the wrong one please ?
@@chasingluminance - thank you for your kind reply and for making these videos. I have been very happy with my MSM for wide angle landscape astrophotography.
It has 1 speed that follows the stars. That should work for the sun but not the moon. The stars move at 99.72685% the speed of the sun relative to our perspective
Hi. Thanks for the video. But you need use a second camera focused on gear or reframe the shoot scene. Almost sixteen min of you face and some gear in out of focus area is very low quality shoot.
Thanks to you, I bought MSM, but I have a question: am I able to capture the Orion nebula without a modded camera and without H alpha filters? I have a Sony a7iv and 85mm 1.8 and 20mm 1.8 G Regards
Thanks for the nicely made informative video. I was wondering what the model differences were.
Glad this was helpful!
Well presented comparison, for I've been discussing MSM with a couple of photography contacts after seeing their night images. Living in western North Dakota and finally investing in new gear upgrades (an E-M1X, as well as both the 7-14mm and 12-40mm glass... My 100-400mm might not be sufficiently fast to be up to such tasks, though), I've been eager to play with such subjects in addition to my landscapes. Thanks for sharing a straightforward comparison and demonstration without being "over the top". Well done!
Thank you! I bet you have some nice dark skies there
Thank you for this video. I have the original MSM, but your video helped sway me to get the NOMAD - I am all about using the best tool so to not create headaches when out and about. I used your code -- it gave me like 12% off - hope you get a little kickback!
That's awesome. Yes, I do get a little kick back so thank you!
Looking for a tracker to do some nebulae and maybe some Milky Way stuff here and there. All with a dslr. In Australia the SWSA2 and nomad are the same price. Do you think the nomad could handle a 135mm rokinon?
It handled my 200mm canon
Thank you for another excellent video. A bit off topic but wonder if you still use Olympus gear. The OM-1 mk II has a new 14 bit HHHR mode that might should increase dynamic range and be awesome for Astro. Perhaps limit the need to track sometimes or at least be great on a tracker. Too bad the proposed Astro tracking feature was not included.
I have been using the om1 quite a bit actually. I will be sharing a proper test video... eventually.
I'm actually uploading a nomad video right now
Look forward to your video!! I was wondering if the OM-1 with Panny 9/1.7 with the nomad might be a superb travel Astro kit so can leave my heavy Sony gear at home. You made an intriguing comment that the tracked HHHR shots were as good as any. Sounds very slow though.
This is awesome Alex. Thanks for comparing all of the trackers. I have the original MSM Rotator and looking to upgrade because of the screw coming loose during setup and shooting. I'm torn between the NOMAD and the Skywatcher. I love what MSM has done and how they listen to feedback and make changes but I would have to invest in all new gear because the original laser pointer and polar scope are outdated. I've been a fan of your work. Thanks for all the videos and sharing your knowledge. If you are ever in CA hit me up.
appreciate the comment. For me, it's all about the portability. If you want to hike or travel, get the nomad... if not the SA is great
Great and useful comparison. Thank you so much. Best wishes from Brazil!
glad you enjoyed it!
Great review Alex I bought the Nomad from Move Shoot Move straight after watching (used your name too for discount thanks dude) Here's to some better Milkyway shots now......if it ever stops raining in the UK 😏😂
I've been running into some rough weather too
Thanks for this video. How do you align the Nomad Star Tracker with Polaris when it is not visible during a hazy day or night sky?
The phone bracket would help
Hey Alex. Great video. You are so cool.
Oh, hey Matt, thanks for the awesome comment! Where are you watching from?
I live in Nunya@@chasingluminance
That was a really comprehensive comparison, thanks for that.
I'm having even more doubts now hahaha. Thing is, I go to the mountains, normally alone, and I spend the entire night there, I usually carry 30kg on my back from time to time up to 3200mts above sea, so, even though is hard, I'm not afraid of carrying more weight.
Now, since I don't have now a telescope, I'll be using my camera, my wife angle lenses and, occasionally, an old 300mm Minolta .is very light weight, but I'm also considering the telescope again in the future. When I do timelapses, I do it with a slider, so, that's not really a problem. The nomad or the big one.... That's the question.
Nomad will handle everything you need up to about 200mm
Great video Alex! Your video's are awsome! I have Star Watcher 2I pro and works pretty. Cheers from the Springs!!
That's a great device for sure
Nice comparison!
Did the „full marathon“ last year:
MSM->SA2i->SAgti->AM3 (plus a SAM for MilkyWay)
Crazy!!!
That gti looks really fun
@@chasingluminance yes, but compared to my AM3 it’s a toy…
And now: AM5N 😊
Alex, really enjoyed this review. I got the original MSM rotator last year and it helped to improve my Milky Way photography tremendously. However it was a bit frustrating to use at times, and your explanation of the improvements with the Nomad have convinced me that it's time to upgrade for this coming MW season (I'm heading to Moab, UT in May and can't wait to check out the dark skies there!). I used your code and got a nice discount too. Question for you, which of your cameras did you astro-modify? I'm currently shooting with a Canon R5 and am thinking about getting a second camera and having it modified. I'd love to see a video on how you went about this and some other information on auto-modifiying a camera. Thanks again and keep up the great reviews!
I don't have a video... but I got an rp from Spencer's camera.
I'd suggest something like an rp, r6 mk1 or a og 6d ... get the astro mod, not full spectrum
I went with the rp because it's a simple camera with a solid sensor. You don't need tracking af or high fps with an astro dedicated body
Tripod makers should adopt that Nomad mounting method!
Isn't it cool!
Great overview of these trackers! I had the SAM, but later upgraded.
Thank you!
Another great video. By chance do you have or know of a video/tutorial on how to polar align the Move-Shoot-Move in the daytime using the Polar Align Pro iPhone app? Found several on RUclips for the Star Adventurer and used one by Nico Carver for the recent Solar Eclipse and it worked great. Would like to know if/how that can be done with the MSM......thanks.
ruclips.net/video/p7NcaBQxfDk/видео.html
This is the closest I have
@@chasingluminance Great, thanks..............will check it out.
Excellent review. I currently have both the Skywatcher Adventurer 2i and the MSM, but consider the Nomade as an addition to my "collection" of astro-gear. 😂 Beautiful and inspiring images Alex! (I also love Olympus camera/lenses. My best astro-pics with camera+lens is with Olympus so far.)
Thank you! Olympus is a secret deep space power house.
And with their live comp and high res modes..... they can do some great work
@@chasingluminance I've been truly impressed since upgrading to new Olympus gear last year (I was still shooting old 4/3 gear and glass, so it was loooong overdue lol). Between the processing power and modes you mention, and the post-processing software/noiseware available these days, time exposures are not the dream and associated headaches they once were in the old days.
@@johnniewelbornjr.8940 im looking for first star tracker, and was thinking about Skywatcher Adventurer 2i and now i've seen Nomad, which seems to be super portable. What are your impressions on both and which one do you use more often? Which one do you travel with?
A great video, Alex! I have been wanting to dive into astrophotography (hey, it's your fault that I want to take photos like yours!) but have been hesitant to do so because the choices overwhelmed me. Since I have no real desire to shoot moving time lapse videos, I believe my goal (and budget) falls into the Nomad territory.
Even though I live in FL where there is no real good 'dark sky', I still want to be able to get some decent shots of the Milky Way and anything else my lenses will capture. I have subscribed in hopes of learning more from you.
Keep up the amazing work!
Best part about those smaller trackers is how easy they can travel. Have you gotten shots you're happy with without a tracker?
@@chasingluminance Not really. It may be due to geography or it may be lack to technical skill on my part. (light pollution is horrible down here, tbh)
I might be lax in my post editing too.
Warmer weather is coming soon and it will be easier to try more AP shots before committing to a tracker but I can't help but think it will improve my overall image quality.
I will go back and check your older videos out for more tutorials perhaps without a tracker (?) and then progress from there. :)
Excellent video Alex, I already subscribed to learn more. Any suggestions for a good tripod for the Nomad?
I have the MSM but have not used it yet - weather is an issue. Tried to use it once but the laser broke, they did send me the latest and greatest one. Seems better then the older version. I hope to try it soon.
I love the msm... it's the tracker I've used most in my career. I'm sure you'll enjoy it
Thanks a lot Alex much appreciated 😊I think the penny just dropped in my subconcious, how to make a timelapse of the night sky, and what confused me. The timelapse function of the MSM Rotator is useful for general timelapse photography, that adds panning of the camera (as rotated by the MSM). The timelapses you're showing of the night sky moving overhead, is simply a number of images taken with star tracker function, that you put together into a videoclip. So the additional timelapse function of the MSM or Star Watcher isn't made for that purpose. That means the Nomad would give me the individual tracked images I need, as well as images that can be put together in video editing software to create a timelapse video. (I had a quick look on YT to see if Photoshop can export a timelapse video from a sequence of images, it looks like its supposed to, but has a bug causing it to crash on export. So I would just use Davinci Resolve once I get to that point ) So a Nomad order is imminent 😊 By the way, I think one needs a different method to align in the Southern Hemisphere, as Polaris isn't visible here in Australia. MSM company sells some sort of attachment? Do you know if that works with the Nomad? Thanks again!
Cell phone mount helps in Australia. And yes, the nomad does a great start tracked timelapse. Look into LRTimelapse software for editing the video
Thanks Alex, I will investigate😊
Hi mate I shot with the om1, 8mm and 17mm lens I wish to invest in a tracker. Which one would you recommend the nomad or sky watcher. I am asking because I would like to use my Olympus 40-150mm pro 2.8. I will be backpacking a with a rucksack. Your advice would be appreciated.
I have ordered and still waiting, i have sent email with no response. I hope I haven't lost my money
That would be lame. Reach out to me if you don't hear anything in the neve few days
@@chasingluminance ok
How did you get a Star Adventurer in black? I can only ever find white and green shopping.
It's an older model
Hey Alex - great video describing the differences in trackers. Which bracket are you using that will hold a 600mm lens? Will it work when the SA GTI?
amzn.to/48Iwfea
And I think so, but you should double check
Good summary, thanks! Is the original MSM Rotator even an option anymore? It is listed as “Sold Out” at MSM. I suspect they no longer make it. The new Nomad improves upon the old Rotator in every important aspect. In particular, it tracks reliably.
I just asked the company what their intentions are
Hi Alex, what is your code for purchasing the Nomad.
Sorry for the delay. It's "Alex"
Thank you for the video, quite educational. If I have a 14mm lens can I do 2 min exposures with MSM? Does it produce good round stars?
Totally. 14mm still very hard to see star trail even if the polar alignment wasnt perfect
Yes
Can I program a tracker to follow the ISS? I want a good shot of the ISS with star streaks behind it.
Not that I'm aware of
Hi Alex! Your video comes at an ideal time for me! I am thinking about buying a tracker, but I am still uncertain if I should do it or not. I have been doing some astrophotography (14-35mm lenses until now) and stacking the images to reduce noise. As I live far north, the Milky Way core is not visible, so I was wondering if it's worth it to buy a tracker, do you recommend buying one? The Nomad would be my best option (after seeing your video and not planning to use 300mm+ lenses), but lasers are forbidden where I live, so I would need a phone adapter. Is it as accurate as the laser? Thanks for creating such great videos, looking forward to the next one!!
I would recommend getting the phone adaptor and the polar scope. The phone system is good but not as accurate as the scope.
From your location can you see things like the Andromeda galaxy? Orion nebula? If so, it might be worth it for you. And the nomad is small enough to travel incase you ever search dark skies away from home
@@chasingluminance Thanks for your reply Alex! Yes, I can see both from here, so I will give it a try.
Great video explaining the pros and cons of each. I've been curious about the new MSM tracker and have thought about investing in it.
I use the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i. I had the SA Mini which was really cool for time-lapse, but I let it go since I bought the SA 2i...wishing I hadn't.
The extra kit to go with these trackers that I can't speak highly enough about are the Leofoto QS quick change plates. They have different sizes, depending on the load requirements, but to optimize your own convenience, settle on one size because the different sizes aren't interchangeable. I put the female receivers on all my tripods and on the declination bracket of my tracker, and I put the male plates on all my tripod heads. And I also have a male plate attached to an Arca clamp, in case I attach my camera directly to the declination bracket instead of an additional ball head. It makes attachment and changeover a lot easier. Their low profile are great for the trackers. No more fumbling around (usually in the dark) with screwing on the different pieces. They make your whole system modular. Bit of an extra investment, but well worth it.
Good work Alex. Thanks for your info. I appreciate you taking the time to share.
Glad it was helpful!
If somebody already have the move shoot move older version is it much beneficial to upgrade to Nomad ? Hows the accuracy with mid telephoto?
It is a good bit more secure because of the geared rotational plate.
OG msm is solid, nomad is noticeably better
Great video, I have a question though. I’m looking at buying my first tracker, and the Nomad ticks most of the boxes. But there is the total solar eclipse coming in April, and I’d like to be able to use it with my m43 50-200/f2.8-4 (maybe with the 1.4tc). Given that it won’t be long exposures, and that the camera/lens is well under 1/2 the max load, is the Nomad able enough for me? Normally will be shooting medium to wide angle lenses, but this is a rare chance to see totality. Oh, and for normal astro on a tracker, do you leave the ibis turned on?
I think the nomad will still fit your needs because you are not going to be using very long exposures with the eclipse. The nomad will keep things in frame. I do leave ibid on, I've never had an issue.... turn off any lens stabilization
@@chasingluminance thanks for answering! Do you think it’s worth getting the phone mount just to make alignment easier during the day for the eclipse?
@@FieldingSmith I haven't thought about that... but yes.
hey Im looking at buying the MSM nomad but no one ever mentions what kind of tripod to get, any recommendations before I purchase the wrong one please ?
Sorry I'm late... but ruclips.net/video/snl_sovjsjU/видео.htmlsi=dPpO66Q0F1_sooXA
Thanks. I've had the MSM two years. Can i use the laser I have on the Nomad?
It depends on the laser, is it the adjustable one with the threads on the tip? Or the older/ longer one?
Thank you for the vid Alex very helpfull, I loike your vids.👍
😁😁😁
Is a GoTo system necessary to find deep sky objects at 600mm?
Not necessary at all. But it sure helps
@@chasingluminance - thank you for your kind reply and for making these videos. I have been very happy with my MSM for wide angle landscape astrophotography.
You can use online plate solving when it comes to 300mm plus. I take a picture of my camera screen and upload it lol
You can also find your dso with a wider lens then put the longer lens on pointed in the same direction
Thank you
With the Nomad, you can only track stars. It will not track the sun for solar eclipse or the moon, right?? So it is limited in functionality??
It has 1 speed that follows the stars. That should work for the sun but not the moon.
The stars move at 99.72685% the speed of the sun relative to our perspective
Hi. Thanks for the video. But you need use a second camera focused on gear or reframe the shoot scene. Almost sixteen min of you face and some gear in out of focus area is very low quality shoot.
You're 100% right.... I was lazy.
Thanks to you, I bought MSM, but I have a question: am I able to capture the Orion nebula without a modded camera and without H alpha filters? I have a Sony a7iv and 85mm 1.8 and 20mm 1.8 G Regards
Yes, you can capture it for sure. You will have slightly less gassy detail but still a solid image