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Tripod advice
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 3:13 pm
by triniwasp
Hello all, it's been a while. I'm experimenting with night sky/star photography. So far the issue I'm having is fuzzy stars. I'm guessing it's my uber-cheap aluminum tripod. So I came across a goldcrest 679 3 tripod for $35. Is anyone familiar with these tripods? I know it's old but I've heard they're well made.
Any other tripod suggestions for this type of photography are welcome (or any other suggestions for this noob). I know expensive Manfrottos and similar are probably optimal but I'm on a budget (especially after buying the camera
).
Thanks.
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:54 pm
by Philip
Do you think the tripod is moving while the shutter is open ? Are you using a cable release/self timer/remote, or pressing the button manually (this may help minimize vibration) ?
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 12:56 am
by triniwasp
Yes, I do. I'm using the self-timer.
starWeb.jpg
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 10:39 am
by Philip
Seems you know what you're doing... I hope it's not the lens causing the issues.
Unfortunately I have very little experience with tripods, from what I could find the Goldcrest 679L is a sturdy aluminum older Japanese tripod that may be just a bit heavier than the latest trendy ones. Its weight may actually be a good thing if it is windy
BTW, there is one on eBay for $16, auction# 201169788573
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 11:28 am
by downhill
Trini the earths rotation is faster than you might think. Depending on your exposure length that might be an issue for you in that they aren't blurry cuz of instability but because you're seeing the beginning of star trails. Best to shoot manually like your doing with a very wide aperture the mirror open and use a remote. Maybe that might help. Even a manually shutter release should be ok if your careful.
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 4:06 am
by Berliner89
What about Manfrotto 055 PROB + Surui ballhead?
It's what I have and I'm quite satisfied.