Had to pick between a tracking mount and a bigger lens for my camera

Been saving up for months and finally had enough cash to upgrade my astrophotography setup. I could either get a star tracker to let me take longer exposures or buy a 200mm lens with a faster aperture. I went with the tracker because I figured I could already take decent shots with my kit lens. First clear night I set it up in my backyard and it took me 45 minutes to get it aligned right, and then the battery died after an hour. Has anyone else been stuck between two gear upgrades and regretted their choice?

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2 Comments

cameron_hernandez691mo ago

Read this thing online about how people who buy trackers first end up spending more time fighting the gear than actually shooting. Sounds like you found that out the hard way. I bet if you grabbed the 200mm instead you wouldve been taking sharp shots right away, just shorter exposures. Did you check the weather forecast before setting up? That battery drain is brutal though, happens to everyone at least once.

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davis.olivia1mo ago

Oh man, I did almost the exact same thing last year. Spent forever with a tracker trying to get it dialed in and just ended up frustrated in my driveway. I should've just gotten the faster lens, woulda saved me a lot of headaches.

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