1st ever attempt (don't laugh now)

[weetooner]

Well folks here it is, 1st ever attempt at taking a photo of the stars,

Stupid telephone wire got in the way (

So that's it. Next question what am I doing wrong?

Followed instructions given on a video on youtube ISO 3200, Aperture 5.6 (did say 2.8 but camera does not go down that far) and 30" Exposure.

Camera was a Nikon D3100 with 18 - 55mm lens.

All advice gratefully received :0)

Cheeers.

[knobby]

Nothing wrong, just try more shots and stacking them with software such as deep sky stacker ... You've got Orion in there !

[Starlight 1]

I would start with Iso 800 /Exposure. 15 to 3o sec. Aperture 5.6 will work ok.

[knobby]

Also, have a fiddle with levels etc.

Did this with snapseed on my phone

Not sure if its better, or just different

[Jammy]

You're not doing much wrong.  Lots of stars showing.  Personally I'd reduce the ISO to 400 or 800.  Trial and error.  Short exposures to reduce star trails, then stack them in Deep Sky Stacker.

[dweller25]

Also, have a fiddle with levels etc.

Did this with snapseed on my phone

Not sure if its better, or just different

A little higher and you would have caught comet Lovejoy

[weetooner]

2nd attempt

Zoomed in a bit more to Orion still at ISO 3200 but I think I shortened the exposure.

Will head out in a bit and try it with 400 - 800 ISO.

Thanks for the replies.

[weetooner]

and another

[Starlight 1]

are you useing a tracking mount  if not stay under 30 sec.

[weetooner]

are you useing a tracking mount  if not stay under 30 sec.

No tracking mount just a normal tripod.

[Starlight 1]

The last one to dark loss of Stars.

[weetooner]

Last one for the night, its getting like a skating rink, don't want to slip and damage anything.

ISO 800, F5.6, 5" exposure.

Think I can see a bit of the nebula in this one.

[Starlight 1]

Much better you soon be running. PS but not on the ice, lol

[weetooner]

I have image quality set to fine, do you think I should set it to raw?

[Atreta]

nice pictures

it's always good to use raw or raw + jpeg (don't know if nikon has this option).

in what focal length you took the pictures? give a try with 18mm and about 20 or 25s exposures. Iso 3200 is a bit too high because of light pollution and noise, i always stick to 800 and sometimes go up to 1600.

you're on the right track, keep them coming

[Carina Lass]

There's a lot of light pollution in the pics.

Not your fault.

Other than that, pretty good start.

[weetooner]

This is what's to blame for the light pollution.

But I shall persevere

[weetooner]

Have downloaded deep sky stacker, but to be honest once I open it I don't have a clue how it works or what to do.

Is there a help section anywhere?

Wait a minute, hold that result, I have found the help section at the bottom of the menu list, silly me

[wxsatuser]

Don't let the LP stop you, a good portion of APs suffer this mence, I know I do.

Streetlights, football floodlights, security lights to name a few here.

[PeterCPC]

You really need a light pollution filter on there. You can get step down rings to allow you to use a standard 2" (48mm) LPF on a camera. For instance I have a 58mm to 48mm step down ring.

Peter

[kalasinman]

Very good. Last dark image has a bit of color on Orion Nebula. You should be pleased.--Jack

[Starlight 1]

Just pop in to see how its coming along ,  That bad LP but as put a good LPF will help, As you was down to only 5" in your last pic try Iso 1600 next and see if you can get up to around 5 secs

as you are not tracking in any way its going to be hard to hold a good Star .

[weetooner]

Looks like we are going to have clear skies again tonight so will give it another go  

When you say stack what exactly do you mean? Do I take a few photos of the same bit of sky and then use "deep sky stacker" to stack them on top of one and other, is that how it works? Sorry for all the questions but I am a complete newbie to all this and do appreciate all the advice you are giving.

[Charic]

stacking takes the best bits and creates the master shot, when you get it right. Yes your on the right track here.

just one of many guides available here, http://www.stevebb.com/deep_sky_stacker.html

[Starlight 1]

Forget Dss and RAW pics tonight.  just go for good round Stars, Then start taking in raw after that.