I tried to photograph comet C/2021 A1 Leonard and a winter Milky Way panorama

No video

I tried to photograph comet C/2021 A1 Leonard and a winter Milky Way panorama

Рет қаралды 4,016

2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes no matter how meticulously we plan an astrophotography trip things go wrong and what can we do about it? Watch me try to photograph comet C/2021 A1 Leonard and a winter Milky Way panorama in one of my favourite spots in Beskidy mountains in southern Poland. A trip that I was so excited about, but went so horribly wrong...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
► Support me on PATREON - / kamilpekala
► Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE - new videos every week!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
► BEST Music for videos on ANY platform - static.kamilpe...
(2 extra months for free of Artlist using my link)
► Incredible library of STOCK FOOTAGE - static.kamilpe...
(2 extra months for free of Artgrid using my link)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GEAR I USE (links affiliated):
► (Amazon) geni.us/ZHZHUX - Canon EOS R (I 100% recommend this camera for people both into photography and filmmaking)
► (Amazon) geni.us/CbHxKU - Sony a7s III (King of low-light filmmaking and photography)
► (Amazon) geni.us/scaBXB - Sigma ART 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM (excellent wide prime for astrophotography, landscapes and videos)
► (Amazon) geni.us/JV3H - Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (excellent lens for moon photos, landscapes and deep sky astrophotography)
► (Amazon) geni.us/5D559tK - Sigma ART 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM (best of it's kind - absolute beast for wide field deep sky astrophotography)
► (Amazon) geni.us/pv2sf - Sigma ART 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM (perfect for video, wide field deep sky or Milky Way mosaics
► (Amazon) geni.us/3AyuGQ6 - Sky-Watcher EQM-35 Pro (astrophotography equatorial mount)
► (Amazon) geni.us/lQ0Tasy - Rode VideoMicro (excellent quality cheap shotgun microphone - perfect for vlogging and youtube)
► (Amazon) geni.us/oJnDn3 - Gorillapod 3K PRO (best gorillapod ever - with aluminum sockets that don't break!)
► (Amazon) geni.us/0NuB - Aputure MC (the best every tiny RGB LED video light with build-in battery
► (Amazon) geni.us/AX3KABz - DJI Mavic 2 Pro (legend in drones - foldable, reliable, produces a beautiful image)
► (Amazon) geni.us/p9CINIu - Samsung T5 (excellent blazing fast, durable and tiny external SSD drive that I edit on)
► (Amazon) geni.us/6XnpwVq - Benro IB0 ballhead (excellent cheap ballhead with friction control Arca Swiss standard - very precise and durable)
OTHER VIDEOS OF MINE:
► • Double your focal leng... - Astrophotographers' best kept processing SECRET 🤫
► • How to set up AUTO GUI... - Dithering using Mac OS or Windows with any mount including Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
► • How to edit deep sky p... - Elephant's trunk nebula from only 32 minutes of data!
► • GOTO SYSTEM for Sky-Wa... - GOTO system for Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer - find deep sky objects with ease
► • Colourful MILKY WAY PH... - Colorful Milky Way images with an unmodified camera and a special filter
► • Sky-Watcher Star Adven... - My complete DEEP SKY astrophotography setup with Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
► • How to edit DEEP SKY i... - new FREE astrophotography processing tool - SIRIL - for both Windows and Mac OS!
► • My Adobe Lightroom PRE... - Introducing My Adobe Lightroom presets for Milky Way photos
► • POLAR ALIGN without lo... - Best ways to coarsely POLAR ALIGN an astro tracker without even looking through the scope
► • PHOTOGRAPHING THE MILK... - Photographing the Milky Way with a star tracker - FULL VLOG IN THE FIELD
GET IN TOUCH:
► Website & Shop: kamilpekala.com/
► Instagram: / kamil_pekala
► Twitter: / kamilpekala
► Facebook: / kamilkp
► Email: kamil@kamilpekala.com
► Astrobin: www.astrobin.c...
► Patreon: / kamilpekala

Пікірлер: 56

@honestozzy244 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this "reality check" video, when one tries to collect distant light from the night sky on Earth. Like you, I live at a high latitude in the northern hemisphere of this planet (i.e., Pacific northwest USA). Though we are "blessed" with many hours of darkness this time of year, we are simultaneously "cursed" by seemingly endless cloudiness. (I dream of observing in the high deserts of Arizona.) Anyway, you did very well, and thank you very much for your perseverance.

@lawr0 2 жыл бұрын

Great work man! Clouds suck, but you still got out there and gave it a go and that's very admirable. 95% of this is just showing up and remember that fortune favors the brave!

@EricGebhard 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Let's face it, we all have more failures than successes. The truth is we learn more from our failure than our success. In the end, the failures make the successes so much more rewarding.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@CuivTheLazyGeek 2 жыл бұрын

Well done you really made the best of that :) I think all my dark skies trips this year were basically the same story... Clear forecast, once onsite it was hazy, then cloudy. Unfortunately no recovery from that either time... I love that shot with the comet playing hide and seek though!

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Too bad I didn’t notice it was there on the edge of the trees - I would’ve at least wait another 10 mins and got a few more exposures on that. Well, maybe next time or maybe with another comet 😅

@hapestr 2 жыл бұрын

The quintessence of our life, right? Well done keeping in there!

@natem7440 2 жыл бұрын

kudos for sharing your mistakes - it's encouraging for others in the hobby to not get disappointed if things don't go as planned during a session.

@crrc250 2 жыл бұрын

I love it when people share things like this, gives the rest of us inspiration. I'm a Beginner to the Star adventurer 2I, but not to astrophotography. The first 30 days I was so frustrated! Just getting it set up. I was beginning to think it was too complicated for me. 6 weeks in, simple investment in a strong tripod, longer swiss arca plate and bracket, finally set up is in minutes. Out of 72 frames this past Sunday night, 4 test shots to get Andromeda in the center, the remaining 68 were steady and no trails! I did the comet one morning and fog became a problem, but, it was there. Now I am impatient for weather to clear. I may try the comet again in the morning. Rain is back on Friday~ I'm glad I kept at it.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story. Getting the hang of a new piece of equipment can be challenging indeed. Especially if it’s something you cannot test during daytime or at the comfort of your home. Glad you figured it out!

@pedroboque2562 2 жыл бұрын

I live in the Caribbean and cloudy nights are a constant. I have learned to be more patient and as you said, find a different composition, that way you can still practice the craft.

@lukomatico 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Kamil! - I'd honestly not view this as a fail my friend :-D The only time we truly fail is when we fail to try at all, - You however, made a plan, got out and enjoyed some time under the stars and had some really cool shots to show for it! - that's a solid win in my books dude! :-) I enjoyed this video a lot to be honest man, bravo! (also I really liked your overall message, that this hobby rarely goes to plan and you've just gotta accept it haha) Clear skies, and thanks for taking us along on your journey mate!

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Luke - it’s great to hear that! Clear skies to you too mate. That’s the best Christmas wish for all of us right? 😀

@lukomatico 2 жыл бұрын

@@kamilkp Absolutely agree mate haha!! Here's to clear skies & Christmas cheer! :-D

@vtfollett 2 жыл бұрын

It was such a relief to watch this. I'm new to the hobby, and have met with a dismal series of viewing attempts. In the fall it was dew-coated optics. Or a neighbor would leave his yard light on. And trees. Don't forget trees. And the horizon, dammit. Oh, and I need a new winter wardrobe. But the best advice I got was from another video: Treasure the good nights, because there aren't that many.

@linkedwinters 2 жыл бұрын

Very awesome that you show things that go wrong as well as those things that go right. I've had way more of things going wrong rather than right in this hobby and it's incredibly demotivating, especially in this short comet's time limit.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah this comet is playing hard to get for sure 😅

@Zealor365 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Yes, I have had my bad nights...Forgot batteries, bad polar alignment, etc. You are so correct to try and salvage and think of another method that can result in getting some useable data.

@msmith2016 2 жыл бұрын

Take heart Kamil. I drove to a dark sky location in time to set up for a 3:15 or so rise. Got setup, located the comet, which was not easy, and had just finished my high ISO framing shots when this incredibly dense fog rolled in in the space of 10 minutes. I tried to wait it out but spent the next 3 hours with basically nothing except a bunch of wet equipment. I don't think I'll have another good chance to image this one but maybe after perihelion. I really enjoy your channel - its been a great help to me. Keep up the good work.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Oh maan that kind if unexpected fog is the worst, especially when objects are near horizon. Hope you’ll have more luck next time!

@stilianoskalatzis7491 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video Kamil, your words are inspiring and yes we've all been there before. Keep up the good work mate and clear skies ahead.. I always look forward to your videos.

@DLMVegas 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to my world. No matter how well we plan, things don't tend to work out for us every time. Thanks for the video....

@corinlewis3073 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed your video, and thanks for words of encouragement, with this hobby you learned from your setbacks, just keep at it, " passion keep us to the task ." , clear skies 🌠🙂

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Likewise!

@dw.in.michigan 2 жыл бұрын

This is a good gut check for anyone doing nighttime photography, especially shooting objects that aren't necessarily going to be available to shoot next month or next year. Because I'm still just starting out, I have many more failures than successes. Living in thickly forested Michigan, I've had trees block many attempts at planned shots. The most disappointing was trying to catch a super moon rising over a covered bridge. Because of the angle of its trajectory from the horizon, it kept moving toward and behind a nearby treeline. I was right next to the stream and couldn't move my position to be free of the treeline. By the time it cleared the trees, it was long past having the bridge in frame, and the brilliant coloring had given way to the "blah" white. And to add insult to injury, the wind picked up, so I couldn't even get a crisp shot of it with it high in the sky. But fortunately for me, I can probably attempt that shot again when the moon rises more perpendicularly rather than at an angle. I just have to plan better. I hope you are able to catch the comet while it's still visible.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story. With lunar alignments a particular angle happens only twice a year but at least it is repeatable, unlike something like a comet

@Black3ternity 2 жыл бұрын

You did not fail. I bought a used star adventurer 4 month ago and since then I could take it out four times for a spin - Weather was always cloud and rain and bad. The four times I could take it out, I only could use the data of ONE of these nights because I'm still inexperienced with it. You on the other hand know what you are doing and sometimes the weather is just misty and foggy like with your clouds. Great shot of the Comet Leonard - that you even got it. I wish the thick clouds would part and I could give it a whirl - I really wish that I could try my luck with it. Go Neowise only by luck when it was really far away already. Thanks for all the videos and enjoyment you bring us :-)

@ianmacdonald2307 2 жыл бұрын

Whilst still pretty new to this hobby and having experienced failure, your words of wisdom are inspirational for myself and others

@fumblingninja 2 жыл бұрын

I bought the skywatcher star adventurer last week, so far its lived in its box as we have had clouds, rain and high winds since buying it! better luck to us all in the future and cloudless nights.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Amen! 😀

@BRP42 2 жыл бұрын

“Astrophotography isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.” ™️ by Kamil Pekala 🤣🤣🤣

@Wheeljack678 2 жыл бұрын

You know... even if the night and the results didn't turn out like you wanted to, the video is still very much educational. I found value in this. Not only because it is so relatable, but also inspirational and encouraging. Thank you for uploading, I enjoyed watching this.

@nickholt8104 2 жыл бұрын

We all have nights like that, I drove 2.5 hours to the south west of Western Australia a few weeks ago to photograph the Milky Way over a big rock formation just offshore in the ocean, I had it planned perfectly with only a sliver of a moon….but I screwed up and got the moon all wrong, it was a sliver but it was smack bang in the middle of the core, I got nice pics of the rock but that’s all😂😂😂

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Oh maan, yeah when the moon is out like that there is not much that can be done 😕 glad you still got something out of that trip though!

@BIueWolf58 2 жыл бұрын

A couple of years ago I planned a Milky Way arch shot that was going to enclose a mountain that I like. I got out there, got all set up (I was camping) and got ready. What I forgot to check on was the moon. It was a full moon that came up behind that mountain at about the same time as the Milky Way was coming into view. At least I was camping....

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Oh maan that must’ve been disappointing. A full moon can really ruin the shot :/

@jancurtis7827 2 жыл бұрын

I can relate!

@Decy411 2 жыл бұрын

It s just sad. Woke up Monday at 4 am before going to work to capture the comet, turned out the sky was cloudy and i ended up waiting for clear sky until 7. Sadly, was going to work tired af.

@kevinnewell09 2 жыл бұрын

finally had clear early morning skyscrapers and was able to image Comet Leonard! woke up at 330 and got the shots around 445. then went to work at 6am. on break now and get off at 6pm. gonna grab my gear head to dark site and try and capture the Christmas tree nebula. wish me luck, only have a star adventure, canon 60d, and 75-300mm kit lens

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck! I have nothing but 100% overcast in the upcoming days :/

@sleeplesslights795 2 жыл бұрын

The clouds have been cruel and relentless the past two months. Was all excited to drive to Oslawice a week ago to try and catch Orion but got blanked. Beautiful area though and we made the most of it.

@brunofigueira4970 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the Club. That's our live as amateur astrophotographers. Last night I woke up at 4am and drived from sea level to 1868m to photograph Comet Leonard and just there I realized that 1 - I've forgotten my microUSB cable to powerup my stellarmate 2 - My Nikon D5600 + SIGMA 70-300 APO decided to fail So tomorow i'll try again

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

I once forgot a guidescope adapter to mount it on my main scope. Had to go back and get it. Lost about 1.5h just driving back and forth :/ since then I always make checklists like airline pilots have before takeoff

@DavidJohnson-xr7ep 2 жыл бұрын

I feel your pain. I've been trying to get a few shots of it for close to 2 weeks. For me but by the time it comes over my trees it's gives me maybe 30 minutes to an hour B4 the sun comes up but the biggest problem for me has been the clouds. Every morning it's been cloudy. So I'm hoping to get it later this month when I up in the evening. But I'll have to drive to get it bc it'll be to low for me to get it in my back yard. That said I we'll be able to shot it looking over a decent massage the lake that I live on

@zygmuntziokowski7877 2 жыл бұрын

I agree with David, I also tried to capture a picture of the Leonard Comet at my dark sky spot, but I was unsuccessful. I have up to 12 December to try before sunrise, but after the 12th, I try again after sunset. I also tried to take a picture of the winter Milky Way and Orion, but did not any go photos.

@paulmcandrew1090 2 жыл бұрын

Last night targeting Pleiades cluster, had got limited data on Sunday night and tried again last night. Perfect setup, targeted and framed right in centre on DSLR but got the focus so wrong on my telescope and didn’t notice. So 2 hours of data in best conditions I have had in Scotland for months and all ruined by fiddling with focus on telescope too much.

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

Damn, that must’ve been painful to realize after the fact :/ I’m sure you won’t make the same mistake again though!

@paulmcandrew1090 2 жыл бұрын

@@kamilkp nope but telescope is all new to me so got to trust the DSLR screen more over trusting myself when focussing, as that doesn’t work it seems 😂

@zygmuntziokowski7877 2 жыл бұрын

What was surprising, when I was taking my photos, I focus on the lighthouse 3 miles away, and the lighthouse came in sharp, the stars behind it did not. I was using a Star Tracker and had the shutter speed set to 15 secs. The light from the lighthouse came out perfect, the stars were trailing.

@prabhakarrao4922 2 жыл бұрын

Very reassuring. I'm based in Auckland New Zealand. I have a Canon Full Frame camera and want to shoot an image of Leonid C/2021 which is gaining brightness. What focal length lens should I use? Will a 135mm or a 200mm be sufficient? Thanks

@kamilkp 2 жыл бұрын

It definitely will show up nicely at 135mm but it’s more of a landscape framing. If you want a more closeup look than 300-400mm would be better

@prabhakarrao4922 2 жыл бұрын

@@kamilkp many thanks Kamil