I finally got a decent shot of the Orion Nebula after three failed attempts

My problem was always blurry stars from camera shake, even with a tripod. I read online to use a remote shutter release, but I didn't have one. On my fourth try, I set my camera's 2-second timer delay instead of pressing the shutter button directly. That tiny pause let everything settle. I took thirty 15-second exposures at ISO 1600 and stacked them. The final image was the clearest I've ever managed from my backyard. Has anyone else found a simple workaround like the timer trick that made a big difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

wadeyoung2mo ago

Ever try a beanbag instead of a tripod?

fiona_murray2mo ago

Nice work figuring out the timer trick! I've had the same blur issue. @wadeyoung's beanbag idea is clever for a steady base, but what about wind? Do you wait for totally still nights or do you add weight to your tripod?

holly_flores796d ago

Honestly I think people overthink the wind thing. Unless its like a full on storm a little breeze wont show up much if your shutter speed is fast enough. @wadeyoung's beanbag trick is fine for most nights but Ive gotten sharp shots in 15mph gusts just using a cheap tripod with the legs spread wide. More weight just makes it harder to move if you gotta adjust.