First Steps into the Cosmos: A Sony a6700 Astrophotography Journey
Hello fellow stargazers and photography enthusiasts! I'm embarking on a journey to improve my astrophotography skills, and frankly, to even have any skills to speak of. Tonight, I captured this image with my Sony a6700 and a Sigma 18-50mm lens, set to 18mm, f/2.8 for 15 seconds. After a bit of fiddling in Lightroom, here's what I've got. I'd love for you all to "roast" my photo – that means honest, constructive criticism is highly welcome!
The Challenge of Light Pollution
I took this shot near a beach, which unfortunately meant a fair bit of light pollution. It's a challenge, but I'm hoping there are techniques or settings that can help me make the most of even less-than-ideal locations. Any tips for combating light pollution in post-processing or during capture would be incredibly valuable.
Seeking Gear and Technique Wisdom
Beyond the critique of this specific image, I'm also curious about equipment. Is something like a SkyGuider Pro a worthwhile investment for someone like me, trying to get started and improve?
I also encountered some difficulty with focusing. I tried using the back focus button, pressing it for extended periods, but the results were inconsistent – sometimes it seemed to clarify the stars, other times not. I'm open to any and all advice on achieving sharp focus for night sky shots.
A Note on Acquisition Details:
- Camera: Sony a6700
- Lens: Sigma 18-50mm (shot at 18mm)
- Exposure: 15 seconds
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Post-processing: Adobe Lightroom
Thank you in advance for your insights! This community has already been incredibly helpful, and I'm eager to learn more.
