Starlapse Setup December 2016
Double Cluster with Starlapse. I use it for panning time lapse movies.
This shows the my Losmandy Starlapse setup as used for the double cluster image here. The Nikon D810A camera is sporting a Nikon 85mm f1.8 lens here, and it is attached via a Acratech GV2 Ballhead which is a nice lightweight option for this type of deal. The Starlapse tracking configuration shown here consists of a what is essentially a GM8 head with a RA drive, with an attached hollow bar, then attached to an arm, then a solid bar. The purpose of all that is to allow the equipment to be configured for the best balance. The Losmandy stuff tries to provide aiming capabilities but I find the ballhead essential for framing. The whole mess is riding on a Gitzo GT3530S carbon fiber tripod & Gitzo G318 Carbon Fiber Center Column. The head is a Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head, supports 16.5 lbs and weighs 3.53 lbs. This setup stresses the head a bit, but the next step up in geared heads is $$$. Polar alignment is possible though I drilled out the central hole in the saddle to get more aperture. In the double cluster image here I aligned and shot one-minute frames at 85mm on the full-frame camera and it was OK. I wouldn't go with anything heavier or longer on this setup if I had a choice.
The bits of tape identify the role of the confusing components to help me remember how to configure everything!
The Losmandy link for the Starlapse is here. I use it for panning time lapse movies.
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