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The Camping Astronomer
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2016
Camping and Astrophotography adventures
My channel is a record of my camping, wild camping, astronomy and astrophotography adventures.
I live in the highly populated south east of England so I hope to show that you don't need to live near wilderness areas to enjoy wild camping.
My intention is to combine wild camping with astrophotography whenever the skies allow, typically just using a dslr camera.
When I am at home I will be doing astrophotography with a small telescope and relatively inexpensive mount, to show that it isn't essential to have thousands of pounds worth of equipment, or live in an area with dark skies to enjoy this hobby.
I hope you enjoy the videos I post. If so, it would help me if you would like and subscribe.
Many Thanks
My channel is a record of my camping, wild camping, astronomy and astrophotography adventures.
I live in the highly populated south east of England so I hope to show that you don't need to live near wilderness areas to enjoy wild camping.
My intention is to combine wild camping with astrophotography whenever the skies allow, typically just using a dslr camera.
When I am at home I will be doing astrophotography with a small telescope and relatively inexpensive mount, to show that it isn't essential to have thousands of pounds worth of equipment, or live in an area with dark skies to enjoy this hobby.
I hope you enjoy the videos I post. If so, it would help me if you would like and subscribe.
Many Thanks
The Western Veil Nebula imaged with a Redcat 51 scope, dslr, & Skywatcher EQM 35 Mount
It has been a few years since I last attempted to image the Western Veil Nebula, having focused more on the Eastern Veil in recent times.
The return of darkness to my skies in August tempted me to have a go at the Western Veil.
Milky Way flythrough and supernova animations courtesy of esahubble.org.
The return of darkness to my skies in August tempted me to have a go at the Western Veil.
Milky Way flythrough and supernova animations courtesy of esahubble.org.
มุมมอง: 60
วีดีโอ
Kona Rove AL - Peak District Gravel Ride
มุมมอง 30721 วันที่ผ่านมา
I had a couple of hours to spare in the Peak District, south of Manchester. With my Kona Rove AL bike in the back of the car, the opportunity to do a short ride presented itself. This loop skirts round the Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs, and is about 50% tarmac and 50% gravel tracks. The Kona Rove AL is an entry level gravel bike, but I use mine as a winter bike so had road tyres fitted and m...
Short Hike on Craig Cerrig Gleisiad and Fan Frynych - Brecon Beacons
มุมมอง 250หลายเดือนก่อน
Just a couple of kilometres away from the busy slopes of Corn Du and Pen y Fan lies the almost deserted area of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad. Join me for a short hike in solitude.
Trials and Tribulations of an amateur astrophotographer
มุมมอง 7482 หลายเดือนก่อน
Astrophotography is a hobby fraught with problems. Join me as I attempt to take a photo of a section of the Milky Way from my garden.
Solo Wild Camp on the South Downs in the MSR Elixir 1 tent
มุมมอง 5123 หลายเดือนก่อน
I found a new wild camp spot on the South Downs and took advantage of some good weather to spend a peaceful night out in my MSR Elixir 1 tent.
M81 & M82 Galaxy pair with a Redcat 51 scope and dslr camera
มุมมอง 8663 หลายเดือนก่อน
In the constellation of the Plough, sit a famous pair of galaxies called Messier 81 and Messier 82. They are about 12 million light years from us and form a great target for astro photographers of all levels of experience, as well as being a good visual target. I haven't attempted to image these for a while, so was keen to see what I could get.
Messier 106 - Imaging with a small telescope. Redcat 51 scope, dslr & EQM 35 mount
มุมมอง 2724 หลายเดือนก่อน
Messier 106 is a galaxy located 24 million light years from Earth. It is a very small target for my setup, so one that I had never imaged or seen visually. However, after weeks of cloud it was in a good location in the sky from my house, so I decided to give it a go and hope for the best.
Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD Boots - thoughts after 2 years
มุมมอง 2.5K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
A couple of years ago, I bought a pair of Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD boots. These are marketed as being suitable for year round use and can take semi automatic crampons. Scarpa say typical applications are tough trekking, winter mountain walking, summer alpinism, scrambling and Via Ferrata. Having now given them use in a variety of conditions, this video outlines my thoughts on them after 2 years. ...
The Flame & Horsehead Nebula with a DSLR and Redcat 51 scope
มุมมอง 3916 หลายเดือนก่อน
At last I had a clear night after weeks of cloud. After considerable debate over what target to image, I picked the iconic Horsehead Nebula, and nearby Flame Nebula. My scope was the Redcat 51 on a Skywatcher EQM 35 mount, and the camera was an astro modified dslr.
Lake District Winter Walk in the Snow from Grasmere. Easedale Tarn, Blea Rigg & Silver How.
มุมมอง 3947 หลายเดือนก่อน
I was very fortunate that a pre booked trip to the Lake District, coincided with a big dumping of snow followed by a day of crystal clear skies. I did a walk from Grasmere, up to Easdale Tarn and onwards to Blea Rigg. A walk along the ridge to Silver How enabled a circular route, dropping back down into Grasmere.
The Tadpole Nebula - Imaging with the Redcat 51 scope, DSLR Camera and EQM 35 Mount
มุมมอง 3667 หลายเดือนก่อน
Things didn't quite go to plan in my recent attempt at imaging the Tadpole Nebula. This winter has so far been very wet and stormy for me, so you have to take your chances when you can.
The California Nebula - Astrophotography with the Redcat 51 scope and EQM 35 mount.
มุมมอง 4848 หลายเดือนก่อน
The California Nebula is a large cloud of red hydrogen gas which appears above the roof of my house in the late autumn and early winter. It has been a few years since I last attempted this target, so was keen to give it another go. It is the ideal size target for my Redcat 51 scope and I was hoping for a nice night out.
Wild Camping on the South Downs - An autumnal camp in the Hilleberg Soulo tent
มุมมอง 5539 หลายเดือนก่อน
Autumn is nearly coming to a close, and it was high time that I got out to enjoy the autumn colours before winter set in. The weather was typically moody, and I got a nice sunrise in the morning. The forecast correctly predicted gusty strong winds, so knowing my location was quite exposed I opted to use my Hilleberg Soulo tent.
The Outer Limits Galaxy NGC 891 - Astrophotography with a Redcat 51 scope and dslr camera
มุมมอง 5129 หลายเดือนก่อน
Galaxy NGC 891 is known as the Outer Limits Galaxy, as it appeared in the credits of the 1960's TV series of the same name. In this video I attempt to improve on an earlier image using my Redcat 51 telescope mounted to a Skywatcher EQM 35 mount. Credits Into clip of the Outer Limits TV series Outer Limits Theme song - Mannheim Steamroller Clip from Tiktok - Nerd Head thekanobecollection
The Mason Bokeh Adventure Bike - A look at mine after 2000 km
มุมมอง 1.7K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Mason Bokeh is a do it all adventure bike, competent both on and off road. I use mine as an every day road bike, a gravel bike, and a bikepacking bike. Mason is a small UK company based on a farm in Sussex, where their bikes are designed and assembled. The frame is hand made it Italy to Masons specifications in small batches, by a small frame builder. In keeping with the Italian theme, I sp...
Astrophotography - The Heart Nebula with a Redcat 51 scope and dslr camera
มุมมอง 1.1K10 หลายเดือนก่อน
Astrophotography - The Heart Nebula with a Redcat 51 scope and dslr camera
Why do difficult stuff - the joy of hard things
มุมมอง 57111 หลายเดือนก่อน
Why do difficult stuff - the joy of hard things
The Eastern Veil Nebula imaged with a William Optics Redcat 51 scope, dslr and EQM 35 mount
มุมมอง 58311 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Eastern Veil Nebula imaged with a William Optics Redcat 51 scope, dslr and EQM 35 mount
Imaging the Sadr Region with the Askar FMA135 mini telescope
มุมมอง 493ปีที่แล้ว
Imaging the Sadr Region with the Askar FMA135 mini telescope
Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 - Pitching demo & early thoughts.
มุมมอง 6Kปีที่แล้ว
Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 - Pitching demo & early thoughts.
The North America & Pelican Nebula in Cygnus - Askar FMA 135 astrograph and Star Adventurer mount
มุมมอง 443ปีที่แล้ว
The North America & Pelican Nebula in Cygnus - Askar FMA 135 astrograph and Star Adventurer mount
Bikepacking in the South Downs with a Mason Bokeh bike and Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 tent
มุมมอง 901ปีที่แล้ว
Bikepacking in the South Downs with a Mason Bokeh bike and Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 tent
Imaging the Iris Nebula with a dslr and Redcat 51 scope
มุมมอง 528ปีที่แล้ว
Imaging the Iris Nebula with a dslr and Redcat 51 scope
The OEX Heiro Stove - budget heat exchanger stove
มุมมอง 4.5Kปีที่แล้ว
The OEX Heiro Stove - budget heat exchanger stove
Imaging the Leo Triplet & Virgo Galaxies M98, M99, & M100 with the Redcat 51, EQM 35 mount & DSLR
มุมมอง 408ปีที่แล้ว
Imaging the Leo Triplet & Virgo Galaxies M98, M99, & M100 with the Redcat 51, EQM 35 mount & DSLR
Solo Wild Camp - Another wet and windy one in the Hilleberg Soulo on the South Downs
มุมมอง 629ปีที่แล้ว
Solo Wild Camp - Another wet and windy one in the Hilleberg Soulo on the South Downs
How to take your first photo of the moon using a dslr and kit lens
มุมมอง 326ปีที่แล้ว
How to take your first photo of the moon using a dslr and kit lens
The Pleiades Star Cluster taken through the Askar FMA135 mini telescope.
มุมมอง 634ปีที่แล้ว
The Pleiades Star Cluster taken through the Askar FMA135 mini telescope.
I recently started photographing the veil nebula. Posted it on my channel. Really neat nebula.
Ooh, I didn't realise you had a channel. Have just popped over and subscribed 😊
Nice sharing. Wishing you a great week and a fantastic afternoon. Take care 😊
Thank you, hope you have a good week ahead 😊
Hello John a big improvement on your last image, your skills have definitely improved enjoyed the video and liked.
Hi Richard, thank you I am very pleased with it. I think the biggest jump forward for me was using Starnet to remove stars so that I can process a Nebula and then put the stars back. This is really useful in the area around Cygnus as the sky is a sea of stars.
Thanks for that. The Coolmax socks from Trespass are excellent for summer wear and very cheap. Makes the Ranger easily wearable in the heat. I've belatedly realised that modern cushioned linings don't require a liner sock. The fit without is much better. I've never had a blister with the Ranger, but the boots always felt tight towards the end of a hike with liner socks. Probably accounts for the very few negative accounts I've read of the Ranger. It's possibly the best all round boot on the market. You could probably do your Skye walk in them. Lot of people complain about the look of the Ranger. Not meant to be a fashion statement anyway, but once it's fully worked in, it takes on an impressive classic hiking boot appearance.
There's nothing wrong with a boot looking classic I reckon 👍. I'll track down a pair of those Coolmax socks. Hope you have a good week ahead 😊
Back again. Recently I've tried the Rangers in summer with Coolmax socks from Trespass, no liner sock and athletic insoles from Sof Sole, designed for running shoes. Whole new dimension of comfort. Amazing. I use Grisport Merino in spring and autumn and Horizon socks in winter. Only occasional use of liner socks now. They work quite well with Grisport in cooler weather. I've discovered the modern boot linings don't require them and they make the boot too tight. Far more comfortable without. Might explain the odd negative review I've seen of the Ranger.
@MalWhite-mh5td now that is interesting. There is a Trespass in my local shopping centre, so I'll pop in there. I am glad you are getting good results with your Ranger boots. Hope you have a good weekend 😊
You are an absolute legend 🙏
Thank you Ray 😊
The lush green countryside looks so inviting. Such a contrast to where I live in the blistering hot desert of the Southwest United States. Great video, John! ❤
Hi Lance, it certainly is a contrast to the heat of your area, mostly courtesy of the very poor summer we have had this year. On its day, it is very nice though. I was lucky to get such a nice day when I was there.
A decent walk there with all the solitude we seek when out in the hills. We like people of course but a few hours like that is a tonic for the soul. A fantastic space and some nice flowers too. I couldn't think of a better table top for lunch - lovely views. I walked this many years ago - I must return. Good going. All the best. Mark
Hi Mark, it is certainly worth looking at this area, it has a charm of its own I think.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Oh, yes for sure - worth a good amount of time. Take care.
Excellent video - very clear and practical - thankyou very much, that is very helpful and far clearer than other’s attempts 👍👍
Thank you, I am glad you found this useful 😊
Nice ride John . Quick question what fixed cameara mount do u use ? Cheers Mark
@markmartin6738 Thank you Mark. Typically I use 3 mounts for my GoPro when on the bike. My handlebar mount is an official GoPro one (the GoPro Handlebar, seatpost and pole mount). It was about £25 I think. I used to have a cheaper one but found that it didn't grip well and was a bit cumbersome. I also use a mouth mount, which is the Pro Standard Grill Mount. You grip this with your teeth, but before use you mould the bite part to your teeth so it is quite comfortable to use. I also use it to help hold the gopro in my hand. This is my favourite mount. This was from Amazon for about £35. Finally I use a cheap miniature tripod which is used occasionally for ride past shots (didn't use this in this video). This was less than £10, again from Amazon. Hope this helps.
Nice spot John near my neck of the woods in England.
It certainly is a lovely area Ollie. I was up in Manchester, so couldn't resist a quick trip in the Peak District.
Coming from Sheffield that's one of my regular rides, glad you got some good weather John. Cheers. Dean
Thanks Dean, it certainly is a lovely area, and great weather too.
A beautiful ride in great scenery. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks, the scenery certainly is beautiful in that area.
Good on you for the cyclist’s wave John! Beautiful ride! Cheers! Doug
Thanks Doug. I am an old school cyclist and always try to acknowledge other riders.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I’ve always done that too! It’s nice, especially when you’re solo most of the time, to get/give the wave.
@@AstroAF I am surprised at how many people don't acknowledge the wave.
Glad you enjoyed the bike ride Jon 👍 Lovely part of the country 👏
It certainly is a lovely part of the country. I was up in Manchester and took the opportunity to clip in a little trip to the Peak District.
Nice.
Thanks, it is a lovely part of the country.
Nice ride. Excellent views 👍🏼.
Thank you, it is a lovely area.
Just brought one from gooutdoors on the strength of your review .so thank you so much
That looked a pretty cool area to take a walk in John
It was a lovely area, and quite distinct from the immediate surroundings.
Happy Friday John and I hope you have some nice trips lined up this weekend. It is quite incredible that this kind of beautiful landscape can be so deserted (except for sheep), so that you saw only 3 people makes it less crowded than some places in my area. There is a Scandinavian feel to this area and I think you would have appreciated a long trip in many places in Norway! Incidentally sheep in Norway also tend to pop up in steep places and occasionally get stuck (just like humans) as it is easier to climb up, than down. Have a great weekend, Ant
Thank you Ant 😊. Sadly I am working this weekend, but have a trip to the Peak District near Manchester lined up in a week or so. I haven't decided whether to do a hike there or to take my bike. Hope you are enjoying the weekend 😊
Stunning park/wilderness area John! You have some beautiful areas available to you for hiking and camping! Cheers! Doug
Thanks Doug, this is a very nice area. Although I complain about it being a 4 hour drive away, I am conscious that for those of you in the US, this is just round the corner 🤣
@@thecampingastronomer8554 well, 4 hours drive makes for an 8 hour driving day and that without the hike is quite a bit of days work on the road! I spent some time living in Oregon and had wilderness, mountains, ocean, and high desert available to me all within around an hour drive, depending on the direction! I do love watching you enjoy the geography around you. Always jotting down places to travel to when retired! Cheers, Doug
Watching this video from the harsh, hot desert of the Southwest US makes me long to be there with you! Absolutely beautiful views and countryside. Thank You John!
Funnily enough, I often look at your videos and wish I could have the dark clear skies that you have. However, I am rubbish in the heat 🤣
Lovely. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Nice looking place.
It certainly is. I've driven past many times, but not stopped to see what is behind the road. Everyone heads for Pen y Fan instead.
Glad you enjoyed the day Jon 👍 Some staggering views there 👌
It was a nice day out, although 9 hours driving for 3 hours on a walk isn't a great ratio. However, I think that the views make it worthwhile. Hope you and yours are OK 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I'm well thanks Jon 👍 Yes, a 9 hour round trip is a bit of a bind 😔 and I think driving is less enjoyable these days. Mind you, given my lack of fitness, I'd have to plump for driving over hiking in the Beacons 😆 I did some camping in Wiltshire recently, in a Phoxx 2 😳... I'm only 5'2", so I thought I'd be fine... let's just say I've bought a dome tent for next time 😆 Say hello to Mrs and Miss Camping Astronomer for me, and of course Pebbles and Poppet 💚🌻
I think the Phoxx 2 is a very good tent, but I agree with you on the dome tent philosophy. I like to be able to sit up in my tent, which is not easy in a Phoxx. I am with you on the fitness thing. I have a few niggles at the moment which are pegging me back a little. Finally got round to booking some physio in a couple of weeks.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Good luck with the physio Jon. Fingers crossed that it helps 🤞
HI John, good to see you out in the Beacons again. Nice Video. I have camped on Fan Frynych and can confirm it is very quiet. I've also walked in Craig Cerrig Gleisiad several times. We usually park at Storey Arms and take the Taff Trail north, then up through a steep field to the road almost opposite where you parked, then up through the Cwm and back along the Beacons Way. ATB, Roger
Thanks Roger, I'll try your variation on this walk next time. It is a nice area, and great for some peace and quiet.
I believe a better way to mount this rig with the DSLR to the Star Adventurer would be to remove the bar and counterweight and install a ballhead directly on to the Star Adventurer. It works fine that way on mine.
Funny you should mention this. I was thinking about trying out just a ballhead as you suggest. I thought the weight might be a bit much, but it sounds like you have had success with this approach 🙂
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I've mounted my Nikon D700 with a 200mm lens that way on my Star Adventurer and it has worked fine. Clear skies!
I would guess that's a edible fungus check before eating
As it happens, I hate mushrooms 🤣
Agree with the others - still a good image
Thank you Mike 😊
That's still a pleasing result John.
Thanks Mark, I was grateful to get anything to be honest. Hope you and yours are all OK.
Geo engineering John.
Ah yes, this does appear to be a new thing at the moment. Thank you very much for watching, it's much appreciated 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554Well, unfortunately most- and the majority of our astro fraternity- simply refuse to entertain the idea even though they complain about their skies. However, that’s just how it is. :-)
Good effort John and a realistic picture of the typical life for astrophotography. And great image nevertheless! 👍
Thank you for your encouraging words, much appreciated 😊
Very interesting video John! I had three clear nights since last 2 weeks. Nice image of the NA Nebula! Its soo good to see Wide field view, I cant even get close to that wide, lol!
Thanks for watching, and leaving a nice comment, its much appreciated. I am thinking about a closer up view of the Pelican Nebula this summer.
Nothing can be more frustrating than having clear skies and then having clouds roll in. As former US President Bill Clinton once said, "I feel your pain". My most recent "frustration" occurred during this last solar eclipse at my location on the east coast in the US. Mother nature can be cruel.
Hi Glenn, it is very frustrating at times isn't it. It also seems that we get less clear nights this year also. Hope the week has started off OK for you.
Not that bad John Onwards and upwards as they say
This is true Simon. Hope the week has started off OK for you 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554 yeah John, just started a 4 pane mosaic of the veil complex, got 175x5 min of the first pane, gonna be a long summer/autumn
@@FPVsimon that's going to keep you busy then 😊
We're having similar cloud issues John. Still a good effort pal, and like you say good to show the whole picture of the hobby.
Hi Ollie, it looks like we are all suffering with poor skies this year, no matter where we are. Hope life is treating you well apart from that.
Have you ever thought of doing science with your images? Photometry for example?
Hi Doug, yes, it has crossed my mind. Do you do anything like that ?
Nice video. Interesting topic 👍
Thank you 😊
Hi John! That’s actually a really nice result mate!! Keep the good data, throw out the rest and get some more on the next good night! But +1 to all those challenges and I know I appreciate seeing the failures as much as the successes! You are not alone in this hobby. Cheers! Doug
Thanks Doug 😊. About an hours drive from my home is a darker sky site (Bortle 4), so when the moon has gone I might have a trip out if its clear.
Nice one John! I feel your pain mate as misery loves company lol, QQ Im looking for a new ball head for my Star Adventurer - what was your one or recommendations ? Im off on hols so will be taking mine for some MW shots fingers crossed :-) thanks !! Simon
Hi Simon, my ballhead is a fairly heavy duty one made by Newer. I got it off Amazon if I remember correctly. Hope you have a great holiday 😊
Still a nice video. 😁 Even a bad night of astronomy (or camping) is better than a good night of television.
This is true Tom 😊. Thanks for watching and your encouraging words. Hope the upcoming week is good to you 👍
outstanding footage 👍💪💥
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it. Hope you have a good weekend 😊
Menurut Anda antara SV105 ,Sv205, SV305, yang paling baik mana?
I think that if you only want to image the moon, the SV105 is good, especially for its price. If you want to image the planets, then I think the SV205 would give better results. If you want to do some deep sky imaging, then the SV305 is capable of capturing some of the brighter objects.
Thank you very much
Thank you much appreciated
You are welcome 😊
THANK YOU, GOOD TO SEE YA AGAIN, BLESSINGS FROM OREGON, ... MIKE
Glad you enjoyed it Mike. Best wishes to you over in Oregon 😊
Hi in strong winds which way would you pitch it thanks
Hi Carl, I reckon that the head or the tail should be pointed into the wind. The poles above the door don't come down to the ground, so this leaves that area not quite as well supported. I used mine in lots of varying conditions, including pitching it in a big storm a couple of winters back. It held up very well.
Beautiful views, thank you for sharing.
It certainly was a lovely camp, helped by the sunny weather. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, its much appreciated 🙂
I've gone up a very tall, very rocky mountain in a pair of these. Some sensitivity of the sole, otherwise amazingly comfy. 8 days, 4000m ascent and descent, rocky terrain during 6 of the 8 days.
Glad that you had a great adventure on these boots. Mine are still going strong, and as comfortable as ever.
Lovely video John. I’m looking for a place to take my son for a wild camp after his exams, would you recommend this area?
Thanks Chris. I reckon that this would be a good spot to go, it's likely to become a favourite of mine. You need to be up fairly early as it is a bit exposed. This also means it might get a bit windy in bad weather. Near where I was is the remains of a tumulus, probably an excavated iron age burial mound. It is possible to camp inside the outer walls of this, which gives protection from the wind and also is more hidden. The downside is that the walls of the mound hide some of the views. An alternative idea, where you don't have to worry about being disturbed, is the nearly wild camp spot at Merrion Farm near Partridge Green. This is a woodland glade that you get to yourself and gives about 80% of the wild camp experience without the worry of being caught. A bonus is that there is a fire pit so you can make a camp fire. I did a video of my visit here below th-cam.com/video/ixCdL_clbMQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VM4YvYOpP86Ch60n Good luck to your son for his exams 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Thanks for advice I’ll have a look at your video.
Its always great to be out in a tent John, I get it. I'm off for a two nighter soon, hopefully the legs will hold out 👍 I hear you with the shops, last yime I was back in the UK the street in my home town were looking a mess half of them closed. Cheers 👍
Hope you enjoy your trip out Ollie. I guess your winter will be coming along soon.