I needed a refresher video and this is the best one I could find. Simple and clear. Thank you for going through all the steps and not assuming we already know the details. I am headed outside now to give it a shot.
Tip: the little white screws holding the laser appear to be pretty durable, but I took them to my local Ace Hardware store and found 2 small brass ones, same size and thread, and use them. Maybe a personal choice, but I feel the metal ones are more durable and will likely help me avoid future mounting issues.
Probably THEE best instructional video I've seen on the product. Hats off young sir.. Just ordered one of these with all the accessories. Let you know how it all turns out.
Alex, this was EXCELLENT! I know understand this process so much better and what I have been not doing correctly! I can also see how the Benro head can be a benefit! THANK YOU!!
THIS^^ is why I LOVE the internet. I found your video on "Move Shoot Move" after seeing a guy on FB talking about using one. Your explanation was very easy to understand. Sub'd.
Thank you again for an easy to follow and comprehensive video. I also really enjoyed your webinar last week! Quick question. You mentioned about checking out the histogram, but did not provide a suggestion as to what it should look like for a MW photo. In general I have heard recommended that it should be at least 1/2 way to the right - please provide your recommendation. A suggestion for when you do an update someday is to add what the histogram looks like when you show us your test shots. Another thing (sorry) while you are shooting how often do you recheck you alignment Thanks for wonderful contributions to RUclips and the MSM FG group. James
I thought about including my histogram, but I got a little lazy I guess. If black is 0 and white is 100 I like to get the main peak beaten 40-60... if that makes sense. I never recheck alignment unless I see an issue in the photos.
Nice and thank you. Three questions…sorry Does the base where you mount the MSM on to be really horizontal ? don’t think but not sure. And you set up the laser + the polaroscope on what mount (the two are actually mounted at the same time, nice) ? Is it the polaroscope from MSM…light device from ?
What can be a good MsM setup...unfortunately, my Z-plate's base won't tighten anymore even if I tried other screws bought from our local hardware...I'm thinking of doing a double ball-head setup mounted on my MsM...is this safe?using a single ball-head is kind of limiting mg angles. Will this supporty my heaviest possible setup which is a Canon EOS R with a 70-300mm.
I have a problem, I have a Sony a7iv and a 20mm 1.8 g lens. I saw in tutorials that they set the exposure time to even 2 or 3 minutes and there are no star trails. I set it to a minute or a minute and 20 seconds and the stars start to blur. I don't know where the problem is. I choose the polar star from the stellarium application, I have a phone mount for MSM.
Hi Alex, Do you have a tutorial where you show how to do a panorama of the Milky Way, say a single row, with the MSM tracker? If not, can you do that? Thanks
@@chasingluminance thanks for this, what I was looking for is how to level and pano on the tracker, I use a ball head on the tracker and the knobs come in the way after some shots.
Why wouldn't you turn the tracker on immediately after polar aligning it? Won't you lose the finely set proper alignment by letting more time pass between aligning it and starting the tracker?
That makes sense, but no. You're aligning to the axis of the earth. That never changes even with the passage of time. Technically, if you polar align perfectly, you could leave the tracker in the same position and off indefinitely
@@chasingluminance ah, thanks for clearing that up, I was thinking backwards that you were aligning to the moving stars, not the axis of the earth. Thanks for the explanation.
@@chasingluminance Thanks for the quick reply. I just purchased the starter kit and it's on the way. In addition, I also ordered the phone mount. In hindsight after watching your videos, I should have ordered the 3-way pan or wedge but it is what it is. Do you offer any Zoom workshops that are shorter for setup & instruction? I'm pretty confident other than I don't want my ball head to unscrew. That would be the pits. Thanks!
Any good way to keep the head from unscrewing from the MSM as it rotates to the right and the weight of the camera is pushing down? I guess the head needs to be well to the counter clockwise side so that the weight is pushing to tighten the attachment to the MSM.
I've never actually had that happen, but I've heard it can be an issue. The easiest solution is , as you said, keep the weight to about the 10 - 11 o'clock position
I’ve had the payload unscrew more than once. Fortunately I was in a position to catch the camera. It is necessary to keep the payload center of gravity such that the torque is clockwise, tending to tighten the payload. That is a limitation of the MSM tracker, you can only safely use one hall of its rotation. Checking tracking accuracy I noticed occasional jumps in the clockwise (westward) direction. I suspect creep as the payload tightened slightly. I keep a V plate permanently mounted with hopefully any further creep worked out.
Great video. One question. Once I have the polar alignment, is it okay to reposition the camera on the ballhead to adjust for composition so as long as I don't adjust the tracker?
You show both the laser and scope mounted on the side of the rotator. My package I ordered came with two holders, but neither one does the scope or laser really fit through as yours shows?
Alex, love your videos. You do a great job explaining the MSM and setup. I'm new to the tracker world, so lots to learn! Question: I have been out a couple times, following all your instructions. I have a Canon R6, with either a 16-45 or 14mm lens. I seem to be overexposing most images quite a lot at anything over 2 minutes even though I'm stopped down to f8 and iso at 100. No star trails at all. What can I do to increase my shutter to 4 or 5 minutes without hopelessly overexposing. Or does the magic happen in LR or Photoshop? Any suggestions would help me a lot. Thanks again for what you do.
@@chasingluminance . Yes, that is a definite possibility. I'm along the Edmonton-Calgary corridor and light can be an issue! Hope to head out to the mountains soon to escape. Actually have a couple more questions regarding polar alignment. Does the battery for the laser fizzle out quickly, maybe one 20 second use in an evening. Having difficulty focusing the scope and right angle attachment. Any tips? Thanks. Ron
Yeah, get away from the city, your exposures will be much better... keep the laser warm until you have to use it... like inside your glove warm. And I've not really enjoyed using the right angle deal for the scope, I just look directly though the scope from below
I don't have a tracker of any kind and a bit confused, I'm in Australia and after aligning to the scp because the milky way core rises in our Eastern sky do you then turn it all to face that direction(if it's on a swivel base) or do you only orientate the camera to face that direction via the ballhead it's on?
I just used my MSM star tracker for the first time in a few months, and I noticed that once the whole setup with the camera is mounted on the star tracker, there is an uncomfortable amount of movement/give that seems to come from the rotating disk part of the tracker. I made sure all parts of the setup were tightened down properly, but still had that side to side movement. Does your MSM tracker do this also (I wasn’t using a heavy lens), or do you think my MSM tracker is broken? The motor still makes the clicking sound like it is working. Not sure if I could send mine in to be inspected and repaired if necessary? Great video explanation of the set up though!
After polar aligning the MSM, what do you do to align your camera to photograph a DSO like say the Andromeda Galaxy or some nebula. I use photopills, sky map apps to find the object in my phone. What's the best way to align the object in the camera?
That is the tough part. If you get the laser bracket with the cold shoe mount you can use the laser on the camera to point to a specific part of the sky. Honestly - Stevan (Mr. Rat) on the fb group knows better than I do
@@chasingluminance so yea iam able to attach the laser bracket along with the laser to my dslr in the spot where the flash can be attached. This will help star hopping using this tutorial for e.g. ruclips.net/video/Ju9yeXK4jEc/видео.html
Do I need to align the star tracker with polar scope if I want to shoot with a 40mm lens on full frame camera or is alignment with laser accurate enough?
Annoying, but necessary. That's what I do, but sometimes you need it on longer. I use other lasers of this type on a hotshoe ball head to help pointing my camera. I actually wrapped my laser in nicrom wire and keep it warm like a Dew heater.
Hey....Love the images...im slightly confused.....if you line up the rotator to the pole....and then...you connect your camera...frame up, play with iso, play with aperture,...then hit the shutter button...in that space of time...wouldnt the rotator be out of alignment with the pole..even the space of time of just connecting the camera it would be out of alignment...???..i would be shooting with a 150mm fyi.....and...new to this.
Tonight taking my MSM back out, have not used it in a while. Nikon D750 with 24 f2.8D, 50 f1.4D, and the EM5iii with 17 f1.8, and the 12 f2. Not going to use my EM1X as the EM5 has the same sensor. Just for fun in the yard to tune up my skills, and then go into the mountains tomorrow night for some real stuff. I had to re-glue the rubber type pad that the camera ball head mounted to. It totally slipped off. Would not hold the camera. Used some monster glue and can now mount my D750 without slipping. Have you mounted the Oly 300 pro to the MSM? Do you dark frame noise removal? Awesome Video! Cheers!
Thanks Alex, great video. Question, if your shoot location blocks the trackers view of the North Star, such as a tree, building, canyon wall etc., is there a way to deal with that and get polar alignment?
I tried to do it how you did, but it seems the hole on the wedge is too small to fit my tripod base. Would it be possible to mount the MSM to the tripod and then the wedge on top? I bought the full package expecting to get a full package, but now it seems I need a tripod with base that will actually fit + another ballhead to mount on the MSM? This makes things way more expensive than i've thought.
Hey Alex, I can't remember where but I've read online that it's important to have the tripod leveled perfectly (on top of that you place the rotator). Is it right or wrong?
Did you stack photos that you tracked with MSM? Aren’t stars in different positions? Also I’m new to this so just wanted to know , I’m confused the tracker turns when you turn it on the N and star signal? Can you check to see if it spins or works? Thanks Adam
I think the 19:00 mark in the video should answer your 1st question. To make sure your rotator works you can set it on a table and turn it on.... set your camera on there and come back in a half hour to see if it has moved. The movement is too slow to see with your eye
@@chasingluminance Cool. Inquired because you mentioned in this new tutorial. I lived in GW Springs for a short while and thought it would be fun to do a workshop in Summit/Garfield Counties. Maybe for leaf colors in Mid-September!
Tightening that stud is touchy business. You need it tight, but if you apply too much pressure, the fine gears will jump teeth. I find this to be an issue. If the payload applies too much CCW force, it can unscrew. I inquired with MSN, and they did send me ideas that I'm still experimenting with.
I had this happen twice while tightening the payload. I felt and heard a click. Subsequently, over 4 nights of collecting Perseus meteor images I encountered inconsistent tracking rate. Fearing I had damaged the gears I purchased a replacement MSM tracker (I could not in good conscience claim a warranty replacement). I’ve attached a V bracket permanently to the replacement tracker, tightening, and carefully working out any creep only once. In subsequent tests I still found occasional tracking rate error, but probably at a frequency and magnitude intrinsic to this small, lightweight tracker. Plan on rejecting some fraction of subs. BTW the original unit still works fine as a time lapse rotator.
On another note about camera settings. I live in bortle 9 milwaukee. I have an astromoded ( IR cut filter removed). Use an Astronomic HA clip in filter. Where would you set the camera, as to not let light pollution swamp out the DSO?
Many thanks Alex for this and other videos on MSM, very helpful indeed. I have a question about the battery. Do you know if we can recharge MSM anytime we want or we'd better wait until the battery is completed drained to ensure a longer battery life? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Alex, I have just received my MSM complete kit and am very excited to use it! I have some questions though. Your polar scope in this video has a light. The one I have does not but comes with a plastic piece that fits on the end that glows. Have you tried that? Also, do you re-align it after you attach your camera to it? Just setting up in my room, it seems to move a lot when I add the camera.
@@chasingluminance Thanks for the reply! I am thinking I might need a new tripod. I have the AM-225 for travel but thinking maybe the AM-284 would be a better option for this. I am quickly learning that this is an expensive hobby!
Alex - Great video! Do you always start your tracking with your camera positioned to the right of vertical? Any tips or tricks you use for tightening the z bracket to the MSM so the bracket, camera, and lens don't come loose during rotation?
Hi Alex. I've noticed some people tracking with the MSM rotator in the horizontal position. Meaning not mounting the quick release to the bottom. The way it's mounted for panoramas by mounting the quick release plate using the 3/8 screw adaptor on the opposite side (bubble level side) of the rotator, directly to the wedge. Does that track any better? It seems there is more room to maneuver the ball head. Just curious if you've tried it.
Hey, sorry I didn't respond.. I have tried it and prefer to mount it the way I show in the video.... but I don't really know why. I need to test that way properly
Thanks a lot for that. That was an excellent video. Contained a great deal of information I wanted to know. Your Zoom meetings sounds like a good option too before I go buying extra equipment etc. 2 noob questions please - I take it the MSM rotator will fit onto any normal camera tripod?? When you align the MSM to Polaris, is that just for it's ability to track accurately? How did you know where the Milky Way is? I'd love to take those Milky Way photos but don't know where to point the camera 😕😊
Yes, it will fit on almost any tripod. And yes... Polaris is just for accurate tracking. Then you have to find the right part of the sky. There's phone apps that can help you with that
@@Rainy78 I have used a200mm lens ... so yes, it can be done. I'd say check that everything is as tight as possible, double check your laser or scope is calibrated properly. This was 3 months ago, have you had some more success?
At 18:20 you mention you can turn your tracker on, I am a bit confused if all those images you took prior, including the 2 minute one were clear without the tracker or with it? Because I think initially you mentioned the tracker was on when you mounted the camera. Great videos btw, thanks a lot for the help, I just ordered my MSM tracker and am really excited to try it out!
I just purchased a MSM with a Wedge, Laser pointer and a Polar Scope based upon your recommendation’s, frankly I wished I hadn’t. I received a mount for the laser and polar scope which has to be reversed to change from one or the other. Both the laser and the polar scope needed considerable adjustment, why can these be set up in the factory? You only have breath on the mount and the alignment changes by quite a few degrees even though everything is tightened down the same has to be said of the wedge, the azimuth works ok but the elevation is very difficult to set. I’ve asked for either a refund or a working system, so far all I’ve got are a couple of replies saying to watch Glens RUclips videos. All I can say is you must have a better made system than mine.
Thanks for your reply, unfortunately the weather here in Northern California despite it being hot has also been cloudy, the forecast is looking better. I cannot use the laser until I verify it’s legal to do so, I have a friend who is a helicopter pilot for the CHP and I have a txt into him and I’m waiting for a reply. With the laser that MSM sent me the only way to mount it is to remove the battery cover first since it will not fit through the mint without doing so first. The polar scope only will slide into the mount by about half a inch and even with the nylon bolt tighten has much as I can it is still possible to move it side to side by several degrees, so accurate alignment with Polaris is impossible. I’ve managed to adjust the reticule after several hours of trying. So tonight I’ll attempt a simple twenty second and a four minute Astro shot and see what I I come up with. I wish I had purchased the Z mount instead of the MSM wedge More later! Oh what’s your email?
Alex, doing a test....have it all set up, inside, just to see if I have it working properly..Have MSM in N mode...Solid Star and N lit up...I hear it ticking VERY slightly. Does that mean its working...I'ver had it on for 10 minutes, and havent seen the rotator wheel move the camera at all in those 10 minuets. Isnt it supposed to rotate? Even without a Intervelameter attached? Getting frustrated rapidly, been at it for about 2 hrs.
It moves very very very slowly... as fast as the earth spins so 10 minutes is a pretty short time to notice a difference. Pay attention to the motion over an hour. And yes a faint ticking is too be expected
Confused as to when you use the external intervalometer. You unplugged it then plugged it back into where,,,MSM ?? after that, when do you actually stop taking pictures? is that set up with external intervalometer. So Lost I cant even begin to tell you and you explain things in detail, but I'm missing something....help
If you're on Facebook I recommend joining the move shoot move users group. There's a lot of people on there that are very helpful. I'm not sure I follow your question totally, but intervallometer plugged into camera, and when do I stop taking pictures? When I feel like I have enough exposures. There's no rule for this.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
I needed a refresher video and this is the best one I could find. Simple and clear. Thank you for going through all the steps and not assuming we already know the details. I am headed outside now to give it a shot.
so glad it helped
Tip: the little white screws holding the laser appear to be pretty durable, but I took them to my local Ace Hardware store and found 2 small brass ones, same size and thread, and use them. Maybe a personal choice, but I feel the metal ones are more durable and will likely help me avoid future mounting issues.
ah yeah...thats a good idea...cheers for that.
Great idea, I was wondering the same thing, some small brass screws would be awesome good looking.
Thank you so much for this. I'm going to finally try mine in west Texas tomorrow night
Probably THEE best instructional video I've seen on the product. Hats off young sir..
Just ordered one of these with all the accessories. Let you know how it all turns out.
Dude! Nice video! Thank you. I have a MSM, haven't used it yet but now I really want to.
Great job summarizing everything needed in one concise video. Thank you!
I'm glad it helps!
Thank you so much, Alex!
Alex, this was EXCELLENT! I know understand this process so much better and what I have been not doing correctly! I can also see how the Benro head can be a benefit! THANK YOU!!
So glad it helped!!
A superb overview. Thanks for the huge effort, much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed
Here I go again. Can you please point me to your video on processing this image. Can't seem to find it. Much Thanks!
It's not this exact image, but here's my best processing video ruclips.net/video/lkJi_NYr_Co/видео.html
THIS^^ is why I LOVE the internet. I found your video on "Move Shoot Move" after seeing a guy on FB talking about using one. Your explanation was very easy to understand. Sub'd.
Thanks Alex! Another excellent tutorial.
Good tutorial. Thank you.
Thank you again for an easy to follow and comprehensive video. I also really enjoyed your webinar last week! Quick question. You mentioned about checking out the histogram, but did not provide a suggestion as to what it should look like for a MW photo. In general I have heard recommended that it should be at least 1/2 way to the right - please provide your recommendation. A suggestion for when you do an update someday is to add what the histogram looks like when you show us your test shots. Another thing (sorry) while you are shooting how often do you recheck you alignment Thanks for wonderful contributions to RUclips and the MSM FG group. James
I thought about including my histogram, but I got a little lazy I guess. If black is 0 and white is 100 I like to get the main peak beaten 40-60... if that makes sense. I never recheck alignment unless I see an issue in the photos.
@@chasingluminance Perfect!!!! Thanks
Wow! Fantastic tutorial! Thank you SO much!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great Tutorial! Really appreciate the camera settings walkthrough
YESS buddy, so glad you enjoyed
Nice and thank you. Three questions…sorry
Does the base where you mount the MSM on to be really horizontal ? don’t think but not sure.
And you set up the laser + the polaroscope on what mount (the two are actually mounted at the same time, nice) ?
Is it the polaroscope from MSM…light device from ?
Awesome tutorial you explain everything nicely.
What can be a good MsM setup...unfortunately, my Z-plate's base won't tighten anymore even if I tried other screws bought from our local hardware...I'm thinking of doing a double ball-head setup mounted on my MsM...is this safe?using a single ball-head is kind of limiting mg angles. Will this supporty my heaviest possible setup which is a Canon EOS R with a 70-300mm.
Great video again!!! Thank You.
I can tell you have put that gear through a lot of good use.
It's done a lot of work
I have a problem, I have a Sony a7iv and a 20mm 1.8 g lens. I saw in tutorials that they set the exposure time to even 2 or 3 minutes and there are no star trails. I set it to a minute or a minute and 20 seconds and the stars start to blur. I don't know where the problem is. I choose the polar star from the stellarium application, I have a phone mount for MSM.
Very well done. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed
What tripod are you using? I am looking for a lightweight tripod to use while backpacking in wilderness
ruclips.net/video/snl_sovjsjU/видео.html
Hi Alex, Do you have a tutorial where you show how to do a panorama of the Milky Way, say a single row, with the MSM tracker? If not, can you do that?
Thanks
ruclips.net/video/YG2oeb8610w/видео.htmlsi=5kvZfp8H2QHiopK-
@@chasingluminance thanks for this, what I was looking for is how to level and pano on the tracker, I use a ball head on the tracker and the knobs come in the way after some shots.
Why wouldn't you turn the tracker on immediately after polar aligning it? Won't you lose the finely set proper alignment by letting more time pass between aligning it and starting the tracker?
That makes sense, but no. You're aligning to the axis of the earth. That never changes even with the passage of time. Technically, if you polar align perfectly, you could leave the tracker in the same position and off indefinitely
@@chasingluminance ah, thanks for clearing that up, I was thinking backwards that you were aligning to the moving stars, not the axis of the earth. Thanks for the explanation.
Perfect timing Alex. I just received my msm tracker. To put all together is just a piece of cake.
Thanks for the concise and thorough setup! Going to try off the beach near cape Canaveral with the 15mm irix tonight!
Hope it goes well!
Would you please do a video or add in a section on the 15° rule? I don't want my camera and ball head unscrewing.
Yes, I need to.
@@chasingluminance Thanks for the quick reply. I just purchased the starter kit and it's on the way. In addition, I also ordered the phone mount. In hindsight after watching your videos, I should have ordered the 3-way pan or wedge but it is what it is. Do you offer any Zoom workshops that are shorter for setup & instruction? I'm pretty confident other than I don't want my ball head to unscrew. That would be the pits. Thanks!
@@RScottDuncan yeah, of course we could do a custom zoom chat.
Send me an email chasingluminance@gmail.com
Any good way to keep the head from unscrewing from the MSM as it rotates to the right and the weight of the camera is pushing down? I guess the head needs to be well to the counter clockwise side so that the weight is pushing to tighten the attachment to the MSM.
I've never actually had that happen, but I've heard it can be an issue. The easiest solution is , as you said, keep the weight to about the 10 - 11 o'clock position
@@chasingluminance Thanks
You don’t want any negative pressure on the ball head or yes it will loosen up on you and is no fun.
I’ve had the payload unscrew more than once. Fortunately I was in a position to catch the camera. It is necessary to keep the payload center of gravity such that the torque is clockwise, tending to tighten the payload. That is a limitation of the MSM tracker, you can only safely use one hall of its rotation. Checking tracking accuracy I noticed occasional jumps in the clockwise (westward) direction. I suspect creep as the payload tightened slightly. I keep a V plate permanently mounted with hopefully any further creep worked out.
Great video. One question. Once I have the polar alignment, is it okay to reposition the camera on the ballhead to adjust for composition so as long as I don't adjust the tracker?
Yes
Found you by chance…excellent video/tutorial!
Thank you!
Does anybody have solutions for camera interferance with cell phone positioning?
Can you explain how do you did the time lapse? thanks ---- bud ---- good stuff!!!!!
ruclips.net/video/9leRRiIcwfs/видео.htmlsi=dBICIA9oh7JR7yV6
You show both the laser and scope mounted on the side of the rotator. My package I ordered came with two holders, but neither one does the scope or laser really fit through as yours shows?
Excellent content, thank you!
Great video Alex. Love the timelapse towards the end.
Is your camera astro modded? I’m just starting out and have just ordered the msm, can’t wait to get out and try it ✌🏼✌🏼💚
I have an auto camera, but all the shots from your video were stock
Alex, love your videos. You do a great job explaining the MSM and setup. I'm new to the tracker world, so lots to learn! Question: I have been out a couple times, following all your instructions. I have a Canon R6, with either a 16-45 or 14mm lens. I seem to be overexposing most images quite a lot at anything over 2 minutes even though I'm stopped down to f8 and iso at 100. No star trails at all. What can I do to increase my shutter to 4 or 5 minutes without hopelessly overexposing. Or does the magic happen in LR or Photoshop? Any suggestions would help me a lot. Thanks again for what you do.
Are you in an area with bad light pollution?
@@chasingluminance . Yes, that is a definite possibility. I'm along the Edmonton-Calgary corridor and light can be an issue! Hope to head out to the mountains soon to escape.
Actually have a couple more questions regarding polar alignment. Does the battery for the laser fizzle out quickly, maybe one 20 second use in an evening. Having difficulty focusing the scope and right angle attachment. Any tips? Thanks. Ron
Yeah, get away from the city, your exposures will be much better... keep the laser warm until you have to use it... like inside your glove warm. And I've not really enjoyed using the right angle deal for the scope, I just look directly though the scope from below
I don't have a tracker of any kind and a bit confused, I'm in Australia and after aligning to the scp because the milky way core rises in our Eastern sky do you then turn it all to face that direction(if it's on a swivel base) or do you only orientate the camera to face that direction via the ballhead it's on?
Only orient the Camara
Camera
Great Video Alex! Keep it up!
Thank you sir. I've got a few more on the way just gotta get some computer time
Great VLOGS, which intervalometer of Pixelpro do you use with the OM D E1 Mk iii?
I just used my MSM star tracker for the first time in a few months, and I noticed that once the whole setup with the camera is mounted on the star tracker, there is an uncomfortable amount of movement/give that seems to come from the rotating disk part of the tracker. I made sure all parts of the setup were tightened down properly, but still had that side to side movement. Does your MSM tracker do this also (I wasn’t using a heavy lens), or do you think my MSM tracker is broken? The motor still makes the clicking sound like it is working. Not sure if I could send mine in to be inspected and repaired if necessary? Great video explanation of the set up though!
After polar aligning the MSM, what do you do to align your camera to photograph a DSO like say the Andromeda Galaxy or some nebula. I use photopills, sky map apps to find the object in my phone. What's the best way to align the object in the camera?
That is the tough part. If you get the laser bracket with the cold shoe mount you can use the laser on the camera to point to a specific part of the sky.
Honestly - Stevan (Mr. Rat) on the fb group knows better than I do
@@chasingluminance so yea iam able to attach the laser bracket along with the laser to my dslr in the spot where the flash can be attached. This will help star hopping using this tutorial for e.g.
ruclips.net/video/Ju9yeXK4jEc/видео.html
Do I need to align the star tracker with polar scope if I want to shoot with a 40mm lens on full frame camera or is alignment with laser accurate enough?
A properly calibrated laser will be enough
Is there an app to do exposure calculations but in the area of Astro for milky way photos?
lonelyspeck.com has a good one
Sorry for being a pest. Obviously cold that night. How do you keep your laser from dimming. Cold messes with the output brightness drastically .
Keep it warm in a pocket until right before use.... use it quick and warm it up again. I only ever have it out for about 60 seconds
Annoying, but necessary. That's what I do, but sometimes you need it on longer. I use other lasers of this type on a hotshoe ball head to help pointing my camera. I actually wrapped my laser in nicrom wire and keep it warm like a Dew heater.
Hey....Love the images...im slightly confused.....if you line up the rotator to the pole....and then...you connect your camera...frame up, play with iso, play with aperture,...then hit the shutter button...in that space of time...wouldnt the rotator be out of alignment with the pole..even the space of time of just connecting the camera it would be out of alignment...???..i would be shooting with a 150mm fyi.....and...new to this.
Actually no. The true pole never moves. . Once you're aligned you can take however much time you need and it will still be good
Thanks for the video Alex! One little question: is the tracker moving when you turn it on or it's only rotating when it detects the camera shooting?
In the star modes it rotates constantly.
Tonight taking my MSM back out, have not used it in a while. Nikon D750 with 24 f2.8D, 50 f1.4D, and the EM5iii with 17 f1.8, and the 12 f2. Not going to use my EM1X as the EM5 has the same sensor. Just for fun in the yard to tune up my skills, and then go into the mountains tomorrow night for some real stuff. I had to re-glue the rubber type pad that the camera ball head mounted to. It totally slipped off. Would not hold the camera. Used some monster glue and can now mount my D750 without slipping. Have you mounted the Oly 300 pro to the MSM? Do you dark frame noise removal? Awesome Video! Cheers!
Sounds fun! Clear skies!
Hi Aex, do need to do any leveling in the field? You do great videos. Thanks
Level is always best, but not essential. Level"ish" is good enough
Any video about rotation mode ?
ruclips.net/video/ZTWmMbfSXc8/видео.html
Hi Alex,
Great Video...very helpful...Which Sirui Tripod are you using with your MSM and Benro head ?
Am-284
Thanks Alex, great video. Question, if your shoot location blocks the trackers view of the North Star, such as a tree, building, canyon wall etc., is there a way to deal with that and get polar alignment?
You can work the phone mount... or a 🧭 and a bit of math. It's less accurate but can work
I tried to do it how you did, but it seems the hole on the wedge is too small to fit my tripod base. Would it be possible to mount the MSM to the tripod and then the wedge on top? I bought the full package expecting to get a full package, but now it seems I need a tripod with base that will actually fit + another ballhead to mount on the MSM? This makes things way more expensive than i've thought.
There may be an adapter in the bottom of the wedge. Try to remove it by unscrewing it
@@chasingluminance Thanks, I just found out and now almost everything is setup, except that I need another ballhead... Which I just ordered.
Hey Alex, I can't remember where but I've read online that it's important to have the tripod leveled perfectly (on top of that you place the rotator). Is it right or wrong?
I used to think so. But no, you don't have to be perfectly level. I aim for "level "ish" and have good success
@@chasingluminance thanks very much :)
Hey. Thank you for your review ! Is it possible to use it for deep sky, nebula, planets astrophotography ? Thank you.
It can be used for that... but its not the best. Really more intended for wide astro/landscape work
@@chasingluminance thank you sir !
Please pardon my ignorance, but isn't the purpose of the MSM to eliminate the need for stacking?
The msm eliminates the need to limit your exposure time to under 30 seconds.
Stacking still helps in many, many ways
Did you stack photos that you tracked with MSM? Aren’t stars in different positions? Also I’m new to this so just wanted to know , I’m confused the tracker turns when you turn it on the N and star signal? Can you check to see if it spins or works? Thanks Adam
I think the 19:00 mark in the video should answer your 1st question.
To make sure your rotator works you can set it on a table and turn it on.... set your camera on there and come back in a half hour to see if it has moved. The movement is too slow to see with your eye
Thanks very much!!
Would this work on a D3 with a Nikon 14-24? Or should this be used on only mirrorless or FF cameras not pro bodies?
Yeah it should work. That's a little heavy but with a wide lens like that I would be confident.
Alex, no link to CO workshops? Thanks for a great video!
We're not really scheduling major workshops this summer, more doing smaller groups on demand. Check out Coloradoastrophotography.com for more info
@@chasingluminance Cool. Inquired because you mentioned in this new tutorial. I lived in GW Springs for a short while and thought it would be fun to do a workshop in Summit/Garfield Counties. Maybe for leaf colors in Mid-September!
Tightening that stud is touchy business. You need it tight, but if you apply too much pressure, the fine gears will jump teeth. I find this to be an issue. If the payload applies too much CCW force, it can unscrew. I inquired with MSN, and they did send me ideas that I'm still experimenting with.
I had this happen twice while tightening the payload. I felt and heard a click. Subsequently, over 4 nights of collecting Perseus meteor images I encountered inconsistent tracking rate. Fearing I had damaged the gears I purchased a replacement MSM tracker (I could not in good conscience claim a warranty replacement). I’ve attached a V bracket permanently to the replacement tracker, tightening, and carefully working out any creep only once. In subsequent tests I still found occasional tracking rate error, but probably at a frequency and magnitude intrinsic to this small, lightweight tracker. Plan on rejecting some fraction of subs. BTW the original unit still works fine as a time lapse rotator.
On another note about camera settings. I live in bortle 9 milwaukee. I have an astromoded ( IR cut filter removed). Use an Astronomic HA clip in filter. Where would you set the camera, as to not let light pollution swamp out the DSO?
That's a hard one. I don't have much experience shooting in light pollution
beautiful review.
Thank you!
Many thanks Alex for this and other videos on MSM, very helpful indeed. I have a question about the battery. Do you know if we can recharge MSM anytime we want or we'd better wait until the battery is completed drained to ensure a longer battery life? Many thanks in advance.
Not positive, but I think the days of batteries holding memory are gone. I recharge after every use and I haven't noticed an issue
I see they also have a pan-tilt head, but it is not included in their packages, is that better than the wedge? do you know?
I prefer wedge
Excellent ------
Once you install the kit can you just leave it as is or do I need to remove the pieces after every shoot
Depends on how you transport it. I take the laser off but key the ball head on
Hi Alex, I have just received my MSM complete kit and am very excited to use it! I have some questions though. Your polar scope in this video has a light. The one I have does not but comes with a plastic piece that fits on the end that glows. Have you tried that? Also, do you re-align it after you attach your camera to it? Just setting up in my room, it seems to move a lot when I add the camera.
That glowing end works really well, just hit it with your lamp.
You can realign with the camera on, sometimes you do bump things a bit setting it up
@@chasingluminance Thanks for the reply! I am thinking I might need a new tripod. I have the AM-225 for travel but thinking maybe the AM-284 would be a better option for this. I am quickly learning that this is an expensive hobby!
Why don't you leave everything connected and transport protected?
for me it's just easier to set up in the field... but i'm sure that could work
Alex - Great video! Do you always start your tracking with your camera positioned to the right of vertical? Any tips or tricks you use for tightening the z bracket to the MSM so the bracket, camera, and lens don't come loose during rotation?
It is good to weight your camera to the right... I've never actually had anything come loose, but I've heard it is a problem
About lasers? I thought they can be a hazard to aircraft and pilots?
Yes, thankfully with the flashing lights it's easy to see them. Always important to be careful
Hi Alex. I've noticed some people tracking with the MSM rotator in the horizontal position. Meaning not mounting the quick release to the bottom. The way it's mounted for panoramas by mounting the quick release plate using the 3/8 screw adaptor on the opposite side (bubble level side) of the rotator, directly to the wedge. Does that track any better? It seems there is more room to maneuver the ball head. Just curious if you've tried it.
Hey, sorry I didn't respond..
I have tried it and prefer to mount it the way I show in the video.... but I don't really know why. I need to test that way properly
I’m confused. How can you point a laser in the sky and see it?
You see the beam passing through whatever is in the atmosphere.
Looks very heavy camera! How does your MSM cope with such heavy loads?
The Olympus and 17mm are pretty light. This is no struggle for the msm
Thanks a lot for that. That was an excellent video. Contained a great deal of information I wanted to know. Your Zoom meetings sounds like a good option too before I go buying extra equipment etc.
2 noob questions please -
I take it the MSM rotator will fit onto any normal camera tripod??
When you align the MSM to Polaris, is that just for it's ability to track accurately? How did you know where the Milky Way is? I'd love to take those Milky Way photos but don't know where to point the camera 😕😊
Thank you! We can also adjust the zoom session to 1 hour or less if you think that would be good
Yes, it will fit on almost any tripod.
And yes... Polaris is just for accurate tracking. Then you have to find the right part of the sky. There's phone apps that can help you with that
@@chasingluminance Great stuff. I'll come back to you when I'm at home and give you a shout. That would be great. Thanks 😊
@@chasingluminance Great - got it. Thanks for that 👍
Can you track moon with the tracker, is it possible? Or is moon traveling to fast through sky for msm to keep up
It's close, but not exact
Thanks for response appreciate it. Really like your insight. 👍
I tried it with my 135mm but seem to be getting little trails. Im guessing due to weight or ballhead not tight enough?
135 is the top end of what this tracker can handle. It's designed for convenience and ease of use on wider lenses
@@chasingluminance I see many videos of people using 70-200mm canon l lenses no prob 🤷♂️
@@Rainy78 I have used a200mm lens ... so yes, it can be done.
I'd say check that everything is as tight as possible, double check your laser or scope is calibrated properly.
This was 3 months ago, have you had some more success?
@@chasingluminance Havent tried since haha I need to buy a star tracker that can handle more weight . Thanks
@@Rainy78 I have a sky watcher star adventure for my deep stuff
At 18:20 you mention you can turn your tracker on, I am a bit confused if all those images you took prior, including the 2 minute one were clear without the tracker or with it? Because I think initially you mentioned the tracker was on when you mounted the camera. Great videos btw, thanks a lot for the help, I just ordered my MSM tracker and am really excited to try it out!
I think i was saying that I turned the tracker off to capture the foreground
@@chasingluminance Thanks!
I just purchased a MSM with a Wedge, Laser pointer and a Polar Scope based upon your recommendation’s, frankly I wished I hadn’t. I received a mount for the laser and polar scope which has to be reversed to change from one or the other. Both the laser and the polar scope needed considerable adjustment, why can these be set up in the factory? You only have breath on the mount and the alignment changes by quite a few degrees even though everything is tightened down the same has to be said of the wedge, the azimuth works ok but the elevation is very difficult to set.
I’ve asked for either a refund or a working system, so far all I’ve got are a couple of replies saying to watch Glens RUclips videos.
All I can say is you must have a better made system than mine.
I'm sorry you're unhappy with the product.... my only question is - have you tried it at night yet?
The bracket needing reversed seems odd. Feel free to email me some photos to see what we can work out
Thanks for your reply, unfortunately the weather here in Northern California despite it being hot has also been cloudy, the forecast is looking better. I cannot use the laser until I verify it’s legal to do so, I have a friend who is a helicopter pilot for the CHP and I have a txt into him and I’m waiting for a reply.
With the laser that MSM sent me the only way to mount it is to remove the battery cover first since it will not fit through the mint without doing so first.
The polar scope only will slide into the mount by about half a inch and even with the nylon bolt tighten has much as I can it is still possible to move it side to side by several degrees, so accurate alignment with Polaris is impossible. I’ve managed to adjust the reticule after several hours of trying. So tonight I’ll attempt a simple twenty second and a four minute Astro shot and see what I I come up with.
I wish I had purchased the Z mount instead of the MSM wedge
More later! Oh what’s your email?
Alex, doing a test....have it all set up, inside, just to see if I have it working properly..Have MSM in N mode...Solid Star and N lit up...I hear it ticking VERY slightly. Does that mean its working...I'ver had it on for 10 minutes, and havent seen the rotator wheel move the camera at all in those 10 minuets. Isnt it supposed to rotate? Even without a Intervelameter attached? Getting frustrated rapidly, been at it for about 2 hrs.
It moves very very very slowly... as fast as the earth spins so 10 minutes is a pretty short time to notice a difference. Pay attention to the motion over an hour.
And yes a faint ticking is too be expected
Confused as to when you use the external intervalometer. You unplugged it then plugged it back into where,,,MSM ?? after that, when do you actually stop taking pictures?
is that set up with external intervalometer. So Lost I cant even begin to tell you and you explain things in detail, but I'm missing something....help
If you're on Facebook I recommend joining the move shoot move users group. There's a lot of people on there that are very helpful.
I'm not sure I follow your question totally, but intervallometer plugged into camera, and when do I stop taking pictures? When I feel like I have enough exposures. There's no rule for this.
is this music from the vegetable police?
I couldn't help myself