Great video Alex! Your video's are awsome! I have Star Watcher 2I pro and works pretty. Cheers from the Springs!!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

That's a great device for sure

Great and useful comparison. Thank you so much. Best wishes from Brazil!

@chasingluminance

4 ай бұрын

glad you enjoyed it!

Great overview of these trackers! I had the SAM, but later upgraded.

@chasingluminance

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you for this video. I have the original MSM, but your video helped sway me to get the NOMAD - I am all about using the best tool so to not create headaches when out and about. I used your code -- it gave me like 12% off - hope you get a little kickback!

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

That's awesome. Yes, I do get a little kick back so thank you!

Well presented comparison, for I've been discussing MSM with a couple of photography contacts after seeing their night images. Living in western North Dakota and finally investing in new gear upgrades (an E-M1X, as well as both the 7-14mm and 12-40mm glass... My 100-400mm might not be sufficiently fast to be up to such tasks, though), I've been eager to play with such subjects in addition to my landscapes. Thanks for sharing a straightforward comparison and demonstration without being "over the top". Well done!

@chasingluminance

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! I bet you have some nice dark skies there

Thank you for the vid Alex very helpfull, I loike your vids.👍

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

😁😁😁

Hey Alex. Great video. You are so cool.

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Oh, hey Matt, thanks for the awesome comment! Where are you watching from?

@mattanous

6 ай бұрын

I live in Nunya@@chasingluminance

Great review Alex I bought the Nomad from Move Shoot Move straight after watching (used your name too for discount thanks dude) Here's to some better Milkyway shots now......if it ever stops raining in the UK 😏😂

@chasingluminance

3 ай бұрын

I've been running into some rough weather too

Excellent review. I currently have both the Skywatcher Adventurer 2i and the MSM, but consider the Nomade as an addition to my "collection" of astro-gear. 😂 Beautiful and inspiring images Alex! (I also love Olympus camera/lenses. My best astro-pics with camera+lens is with Olympus so far.)

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! Olympus is a secret deep space power house. And with their live comp and high res modes..... they can do some great work

@johnniewelbornjr.8940

4 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance I've been truly impressed since upgrading to new Olympus gear last year (I was still shooting old 4/3 gear and glass, so it was loooong overdue lol). Between the processing power and modes you mention, and the post-processing software/noiseware available these days, time exposures are not the dream and associated headaches they once were in the old days.

This is awesome Alex. Thanks for comparing all of the trackers. I have the original MSM Rotator and looking to upgrade because of the screw coming loose during setup and shooting. I'm torn between the NOMAD and the Skywatcher. I love what MSM has done and how they listen to feedback and make changes but I would have to invest in all new gear because the original laser pointer and polar scope are outdated. I've been a fan of your work. Thanks for all the videos and sharing your knowledge. If you are ever in CA hit me up.

@chasingluminance

4 ай бұрын

appreciate the comment. For me, it's all about the portability. If you want to hike or travel, get the nomad... if not the SA is great

Thank you

Excellent video Alex, I already subscribed to learn more. Any suggestions for a good tripod for the Nomad?

Good work Alex. Thanks for your info. I appreciate you taking the time to share.

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

A great video, Alex! I have been wanting to dive into astrophotography (hey, it's your fault that I want to take photos like yours!) but have been hesitant to do so because the choices overwhelmed me. Since I have no real desire to shoot moving time lapse videos, I believe my goal (and budget) falls into the Nomad territory. Even though I live in FL where there is no real good 'dark sky', I still want to be able to get some decent shots of the Milky Way and anything else my lenses will capture. I have subscribed in hopes of learning more from you. Keep up the amazing work!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Best part about those smaller trackers is how easy they can travel. Have you gotten shots you're happy with without a tracker?

@randyfox5317

6 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance Not really. It may be due to geography or it may be lack to technical skill on my part. (light pollution is horrible down here, tbh) I might be lax in my post editing too. Warmer weather is coming soon and it will be easier to try more AP shots before committing to a tracker but I can't help but think it will improve my overall image quality. I will go back and check your older videos out for more tutorials perhaps without a tracker (?) and then progress from there. :)

Tripod makers should adopt that Nomad mounting method!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Isn't it cool!

Thanks for the nicely made informative video. I was wondering what the model differences were.

@chasingluminance

4 ай бұрын

Glad this was helpful!

Alex, really enjoyed this review. I got the original MSM rotator last year and it helped to improve my Milky Way photography tremendously. However it was a bit frustrating to use at times, and your explanation of the improvements with the Nomad have convinced me that it's time to upgrade for this coming MW season (I'm heading to Moab, UT in May and can't wait to check out the dark skies there!). I used your code and got a nice discount too. Question for you, which of your cameras did you astro-modify? I'm currently shooting with a Canon R5 and am thinking about getting a second camera and having it modified. I'd love to see a video on how you went about this and some other information on auto-modifiying a camera. Thanks again and keep up the great reviews!

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

I don't have a video... but I got an rp from Spencer's camera. I'd suggest something like an rp, r6 mk1 or a og 6d ... get the astro mod, not full spectrum I went with the rp because it's a simple camera with a solid sensor. You don't need tracking af or high fps with an astro dedicated body

Nice comparison! Did the „full marathon“ last year: MSM->SA2i->SAgti->AM3 (plus a SAM for MilkyWay) Crazy!!!

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

That gti looks really fun

@Chorge1972

5 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance yes, but compared to my AM3 it’s a toy…

Thanks a lot Alex much appreciated 😊I think the penny just dropped in my subconcious, how to make a timelapse of the night sky, and what confused me. The timelapse function of the MSM Rotator is useful for general timelapse photography, that adds panning of the camera (as rotated by the MSM). The timelapses you're showing of the night sky moving overhead, is simply a number of images taken with star tracker function, that you put together into a videoclip. So the additional timelapse function of the MSM or Star Watcher isn't made for that purpose. That means the Nomad would give me the individual tracked images I need, as well as images that can be put together in video editing software to create a timelapse video. (I had a quick look on YT to see if Photoshop can export a timelapse video from a sequence of images, it looks like its supposed to, but has a bug causing it to crash on export. So I would just use Davinci Resolve once I get to that point ) So a Nomad order is imminent 😊 By the way, I think one needs a different method to align in the Southern Hemisphere, as Polaris isn't visible here in Australia. MSM company sells some sort of attachment? Do you know if that works with the Nomad? Thanks again!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Cell phone mount helps in Australia. And yes, the nomad does a great start tracked timelapse. Look into LRTimelapse software for editing the video

@photonspark

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Alex, I will investigate😊

In my opinion the Nomad offers no advantage over the MSM. MSM works fine with added arca plate and a modified set screw to keep it from counter-rotating. Like your self made counter weights, sometimes you have to make things yourself to make it better or cheaper.

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

It has worked great for me too.

Thank you for another excellent video. A bit off topic but wonder if you still use Olympus gear. The OM-1 mk II has a new 14 bit HHHR mode that might should increase dynamic range and be awesome for Astro. Perhaps limit the need to track sometimes or at least be great on a tracker. Too bad the proposed Astro tracking feature was not included.

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

I have been using the om1 quite a bit actually. I will be sharing a proper test video... eventually. I'm actually uploading a nomad video right now

@michaelgordon6071

5 ай бұрын

Look forward to your video!! I was wondering if the OM-1 with Panny 9/1.7 with the nomad might be a superb travel Astro kit so can leave my heavy Sony gear at home. You made an intriguing comment that the tracked HHHR shots were as good as any. Sounds very slow though.

I have the MSM but have not used it yet - weather is an issue. Tried to use it once but the laser broke, they did send me the latest and greatest one. Seems better then the older version. I hope to try it soon.

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

I love the msm... it's the tracker I've used most in my career. I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Hey Alex - great video describing the differences in trackers. Which bracket are you using that will hold a 600mm lens? Will it work when the SA GTI?

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

amzn.to/48Iwfea And I think so, but you should double check

I have the original MSM and also a Star Adventurer 2i and you definitely can run the 2i off of an external battery pack, this is actually how I've been powering mine for the last year or so. I have a question, though - is the original polar scope from the MSM compatible with the Nomad's scope bracket? If I pick one up I don't want to have buy another scope if possible. Thanks for another helpful video, I hope your mountain project turns out well!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Yes, I was just making the point that the trackers with lesser batteries can be helped out with a battery pack as well

Hi Alex! Your video comes at an ideal time for me! I am thinking about buying a tracker, but I am still uncertain if I should do it or not. I have been doing some astrophotography (14-35mm lenses until now) and stacking the images to reduce noise. As I live far north, the Milky Way core is not visible, so I was wondering if it's worth it to buy a tracker, do you recommend buying one? The Nomad would be my best option (after seeing your video and not planning to use 300mm+ lenses), but lasers are forbidden where I live, so I would need a phone adapter. Is it as accurate as the laser? Thanks for creating such great videos, looking forward to the next one!!

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

I would recommend getting the phone adaptor and the polar scope. The phone system is good but not as accurate as the scope. From your location can you see things like the Andromeda galaxy? Orion nebula? If so, it might be worth it for you. And the nomad is small enough to travel incase you ever search dark skies away from home

@josepmbernaus

6 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance Thanks for your reply Alex! Yes, I can see both from here, so I will give it a try.

Another great video. By chance do you have or know of a video/tutorial on how to polar align the Move-Shoot-Move in the daytime using the Polar Align Pro iPhone app? Found several on KZread for the Star Adventurer and used one by Nico Carver for the recent Solar Eclipse and it worked great. Would like to know if/how that can be done with the MSM......thanks.

@chasingluminance

2 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/omuCxcN7gdvMdM4.html This is the closest I have

@billmeador215

2 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance Great, thanks..............will check it out.

Thanks for this video. How do you align the Nomad Star Tracker with Polaris when it is not visible during a hazy day or night sky?

@chasingluminance

Ай бұрын

The phone bracket would help

Good summary, thanks! Is the original MSM Rotator even an option anymore? It is listed as “Sold Out” at MSM. I suspect they no longer make it. The new Nomad improves upon the old Rotator in every important aspect. In particular, it tracks reliably.

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

I just asked the company what their intentions are

Thanks. I've had the MSM two years. Can i use the laser I have on the Nomad?

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

It depends on the laser, is it the adjustable one with the threads on the tip? Or the older/ longer one?

Great video, I have a question though. I’m looking at buying my first tracker, and the Nomad ticks most of the boxes. But there is the total solar eclipse coming in April, and I’d like to be able to use it with my m43 50-200/f2.8-4 (maybe with the 1.4tc). Given that it won’t be long exposures, and that the camera/lens is well under 1/2 the max load, is the Nomad able enough for me? Normally will be shooting medium to wide angle lenses, but this is a rare chance to see totality. Oh, and for normal astro on a tracker, do you leave the ibis turned on?

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

I think the nomad will still fit your needs because you are not going to be using very long exposures with the eclipse. The nomad will keep things in frame. I do leave ibid on, I've never had an issue.... turn off any lens stabilization

@FieldingSmith

6 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance thanks for answering! Do you think it’s worth getting the phone mount just to make alignment easier during the day for the eclipse?

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

@@FieldingSmith I haven't thought about that... but yes.

How did you get a Star Adventurer in black? I can only ever find white and green shopping.

@chasingluminance

5 ай бұрын

It's an older model

With the Nomad, you can only track stars. It will not track the sun for solar eclipse or the moon, right?? So it is limited in functionality??

@chasingluminance

4 ай бұрын

It has 1 speed that follows the stars. That should work for the sun but not the moon. The stars move at 99.72685% the speed of the sun relative to our perspective

Is a GoTo system necessary to find deep sky objects at 600mm?

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Not necessary at all. But it sure helps

@boycefitzgerald

6 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance - thank you for your kind reply and for making these videos. I have been very happy with my MSM for wide angle landscape astrophotography.

@RaisinEnjoyer

6 ай бұрын

You can use online plate solving when it comes to 300mm plus. I take a picture of my camera screen and upload it lol

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

You can also find your dso with a wider lens then put the longer lens on pointed in the same direction

Great video explaining the pros and cons of each. I've been curious about the new MSM tracker and have thought about investing in it. I use the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i. I had the SA Mini which was really cool for time-lapse, but I let it go since I bought the SA 2i...wishing I hadn't. The extra kit to go with these trackers that I can't speak highly enough about are the Leofoto QS quick change plates. They have different sizes, depending on the load requirements, but to optimize your own convenience, settle on one size because the different sizes aren't interchangeable. I put the female receivers on all my tripods and on the declination bracket of my tracker, and I put the male plates on all my tripod heads. And I also have a male plate attached to an Arca clamp, in case I attach my camera directly to the declination bracket instead of an additional ball head. It makes attachment and changeover a lot easier. Their low profile are great for the trackers. No more fumbling around (usually in the dark) with screwing on the different pieces. They make your whole system modular. Bit of an extra investment, but well worth it.

I have ordered and still waiting, i have sent email with no response. I hope I haven't lost my money

@chasingluminance

3 ай бұрын

That would be lame. Reach out to me if you don't hear anything in the neve few days

@gregepkt

3 ай бұрын

@@chasingluminance ok

Hi. Thanks for the video. But you need use a second camera focused on gear or reframe the shoot scene. Almost sixteen min of you face and some gear in out of focus area is very low quality shoot.

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

You're 100% right.... I was lazy.

Thanks to you, I bought MSM, but I have a question: am I able to capture the Orion nebula without a modded camera and without H alpha filters? I have a Sony a7iv and 85mm 1.8 and 20mm 1.8 G Regards

@chasingluminance

6 ай бұрын

Yes, you can capture it for sure. You will have slightly less gassy detail but still a solid image