C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

Hi Mariusz,

Nice work.

I had imaged it briefly from South Florida , but the very low altitude and cloud cover did place many limitations as to what was accomplished during its visibility.

One note: the star trails are unavoidable with such a focal length and exposure used unless a tracking mount is employed. Since all the scene elements are in motion due to the Earth's rotation, there is no gain from extended exposures because the same pixels are not gathering the light from the same stars and comet components. The tail of the comet is extended more than it is in reality, but the aesthetic value of your image is very nice.

Best Regards, Mike

Hello Mike. 

I'm using tracking platform to make astro photos. 

This photo is not alternated or manipulated except contrasts and levels. 

This comet is at very low altitude just above horizon after sunset so time is crucial here. 

Thanks for comment and kind words. 

Mariusz

Hi Mariusz,

Perhaps your Polar Alignment might be off or the RA drive has a little backlash or other issue (like balance or motor speed). I say this because there is some elongation (star trailing) in only 45 seconds. However, at smaller display sizes, it is not that apparent. I have seen this happen in many mounts.

I figure you probably used the 300mm at F/4.5 , since the more light the better for most astro imaging purposes.

You did well with the noise management at ISO 4000, too.

I do understand the need to get the image quickly, due to its low altitude.

I used high speed lens to take the few images I got because with a sturdy fixed tripod all my exposures were short enough not to reveal any motion.

Best Regards my friend, Mike

Thanks Mike.

I'm just starting with Astro Photography and I think the problem here was caused by wind (It was constantly blowing with freezing air from the side). I have normal tripod and I'm thinking to change it for surveyor tripod with big spikes to make all set more stable.

Hi Mariusz,

You certainly are off to a great start my friend.

Yes, a surveyor's tripod should help out, especially if the legs are wood. Wooden tripod do a better job in dampening vibrations for small camera/lens setups.

Best Regards, Mike