Archive 2013 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

voltaire
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Hi everyone! I drove down to the Monterey coast hoping to get more usage out of the Polarie but unfortunately the conditions weren't ideal. The ability to use a longer lens like the 100-400 on a 7D with the RRS BH-30 wasn't feasible. The lock kept on slipping on the Polarie which means the rig was just too heavy. A 200 2.8L and a 2X II on it the next time out which will be a lighter set-up.

I think the Polarie is more for the wider shots in astrophotography rather than using longer lenses to capture Orion's nebula or some other heavenly body.

Fred, you are right I used a fisheye on the Milky Way shot. A 14mm would have been better but still would have the moustache effect on the shot. Unfortunately, there was no chance to use a half tracker. The foreground had footprints all over in the dunes and the moon was just too bright when I was there. Sorry to let you guys down.

Mar 18, 2013 at 08:28 AM

nburwell
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Nicely done!

-Nick

Mar 18, 2013 at 11:34 AM

dgdg
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

voltaire wrote:
Hi everyone! I drove down to the Monterey coast hoping to get more usage out of the Polarie but unfortunately the conditions weren't ideal. The ability to use a longer lens like the 100-400 on a 7D with the RRS BH-30 wasn't feasible. The lock kept on slipping on the Polarie which means the rig was just too heavy. A 200 2.8L and a 2X II on it the next time out which will be a lighter set-up.

I think the Polarie is more for the wider shots in astrophotography rather than using longer lenses to capture Orion's nebula or some...Show more →

I use a 70-200mm f4 lens and 1.4x extender with a rebel body on the Vixen Polarie and have very good tracking. Only minor issues at 100% on the monitor.
Don't think you can get anything heavier. At that point you have to decide if you want the astrotrac or a full fledged GEM.

Mar 18, 2013 at 12:03 PM

Brad Williams
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Voltaire, Beautiful Photograph! I never get tired of seeing good Star photos!

Mar 21, 2013 at 04:26 PM

marty bober
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

This shot works. Love it...

Mar 21, 2013 at 10:59 PM

voltaire
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Thanks Nick, dgdg, Brad, and Marty! I appreciate it.

Voltaire

Mar 22, 2013 at 12:11 AM

sky-candy.ca
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Hi, I'm brand new to the forums, and thought I'd say congrats on an awesome shot. Great to see there's astrophotography here!

I've just ordered a Polarie myself, looking forward to putting it to use.

You mention the weight limit (rated at 6-7 lbs I believe). Is this a function of the Polarie's lock nuts slipping? Or of the tracking motors not handling the weight/moment arm of long, heavy lenses?

If the latter, has anyone tried offsetting the camera with a counterweight bar? I think this balance might reduce asymmetrical strain on the gears and allow heavier payloads and/or longer exposures. I'm hoping to try this myself once the Polarie arrives.

(Of course none of this will work if the locking screws on the Polarie slip under load.)

Thanks for any input!

Adam

Mar 26, 2013 at 09:15 PM

voltaire
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Hi Adam,
I actually spoke with the Vixen Polarie distributor here in the U.S. and he said that it is more of a counterbalance issue but I'm not too sure because when I use the 100-400 on it the aluminum locks on Polarie starts to slip. Not sure if that's what he meant by counterbalance or the tripod not being able to hold it steady. I use a Gitzo 3521 series so I know the tripod is super steady.

So the solution right now is to save up for a 200mm tele and plop in a 1.4 or 2x to get more distance.

Please let me know your findings when you get your Polarie.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Voltaire

Mar 26, 2013 at 10:59 PM

Steve Perry
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Milky Way Using Vixen Polarie

Very cool - love the color you're getting in the Milky Way!

Mar 27, 2013 at 08:43 AM

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