Milky Way Shot from Highway 93 to Nothing

[Steve Machol]

Here's another shot of the Milky Way from Highway 93 to Nothing.

[Uilleann]

Nice Steve. Single exposure? Multi-stitched together? What sorta lens and exposures do you use may I ask?

[Steve Machol]

Nice Steve. Single exposure? Multi-stitched together? What sorta lens and exposures do you use may I ask?

Thanks!

Single exposure.

Nikon D750 w/Rokinon 14mm lens
20 sec at f/3.2, ISO 3200

The trails were from passing cars and big rigs.

[Uilleann]

I've done a few of those (with the moving traffic) myself, and the obligatory star trails. :) I've been shooting with a Sigma 24 mm, 1.4 Art lens so far but think I want to move up to at least a 35 mm to grab a bit more detail in my core images, then stitch them together. Of course, that will shorten the exposure time to silly levels (no star tracker yet!), but may just be do-able.

Have you ever done stacking to reduce noise? I'm new to it myself, but really liking the results so far.

[Steve Machol]

I've done a few of those (with the moving traffic) myself, and the obligatory star trails. :) I've been shooting with a Sigma 24 mm, 1.4 Art lens so far but think I want to move up to at least a 35 mm to grab a bit more detail in my core images, then stitch them together. Of course, that will shorten the exposure time to silly levels (no star tracker yet!), but may just be do-able.

Have you ever done stacking to reduce noise? I'm new to it myself, but really liking the results so far.

Not yet, although I'll probably try it the next time I shoot. I also want to try panoramas.

I really like the Rokinon 14mm. It's relatively inexpensive and does a pretty good job.

[Uilleann]

I have a good friend who shoots with Rokinon glass, and really likes it. The Sigma Art line is said to have better central sharpness, but at the expense of astigmatism gremlins in the corners and some chromatic aberration when wide open. Stopped down a few steps, the sharpness is amazing. Really nice for stars. Stitching multi image panos remains beyond my current ability to do well, but I continue to learn with each shoot. Thanks for sharing your shots Steve, and your techie details too. :)

[drk]

Outstanding!