Capturing the Majestic Milky Way Core with a 45mm Lens
This incredible shot of the Milky Way's core was taken at Lake Sylvenstein, a location that provided truly perfect conditions for stargazing. The galactic core was so vivid to the naked eye that it was an almost mesmerizing experience, making it difficult to look away.
I'm excited to share that in just two weeks, I'll be heading to Tenerife, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the stargazing compares to this amazing night.
Behind the Lens: The Technicals
Here's a breakdown of the equipment and settings used to capture this breathtaking image:
- Camera: Sony A7III
- Lens: Sigma 28-45mm f1.8
- Tracking Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Processing: HaRGB | Tracked | Stacked | Mosaic | Composite
Sky Settings:
- ISO: 1250
- Aperture: f1.8
- Exposure: 3x45 seconds
- Composition: 3x2 Panel Panorama
Foreground Settings:
- ISO: 3200
- Aperture: f1.8
- Exposure: 75 seconds
- Composition: 3x2 Panel Panorama
Additional H-alpha Data:
- Lens: Sigma 65mm f2
- ISO: 2500
- Aperture: f2
- Exposure: 6x70 seconds (captured on a different night)
This image is a testament to the beauty that can be found when technology and nature align. The clarity and detail of the Milky Way are truly awe-inspiring, and it's moments like these that fuel a passion for exploring the cosmos, even from our own planet.
