May 2022 Full Blood Moon Eclipse

[Sconnie_Shotz]

This was mounted on my Benro Polaris electric tripod head and exposed for 20 seconds. My first ever somewhat successful serious astrophotography attempt!

 

[Kwazy]

This is certainly better than any picture of the Moon I've ever attempted and is quite an accomplishment, but I'm curious if you have ideas as to why it's not clearer. Is it the atmospheric fog, lens quality, minute movement during the 20s exposure, or perhaps a combination of these or something else entirely?

 

[Sconnie_Shotz]

Thank you!

I think it's a combination of 3 factors:

• It was my first time trying to manual focus on the moon using the "x10" magnification on my R6 screen.
• I'm a complete newb at using the electric tripod head which I don't think I had perfectly level (I live in an apartment and was shooting from my wooden balcony).
• I'm just learning astrophotography through reading, YouTube, and trial & error.

I have since purchased a leveling head that I'll use for future use of the tripod head.

 

[Kwazy]

I have since purchased

'tis a slippery slope!

 

[Sconnie_Shotz]

Oh, I know it!

 

[DPiddy]

I am considering purchasing that same benro Polaris head as well - interested in your thoughts on it, as those I have spoken to so far are more at the serious pro end of Astro rather than starting out like I am

 

[Sconnie_Shotz]

I am considering purchasing that same benro Polaris head as well - interested in your thoughts on it, as those I have spoken to so far are more at the serious pro end of Astro rather than starting out like I am

Honestly, I haven't used it enough to form a fully educated opinion on it other than the following:

The hardware is phenomenal. It's very solidly built and runs very quietly when tracking, but you can hear it if you're in a quiet environment. The software (phone app) needs work, but Benro has a team making constant improvements. Usually when a new app version drops, a firmware update for the hardware does, too. I think it'll eventually become what Benro envisioned, but it's not quite there yet.

If you're not already a member, maybe check out the Facebook Group for it. There are 7,500+ members and Benro Polaris is active in the group.

Polaris -Camera Controller Global Group

- Terry