Two people challenging each other's skills and knowledge, being so sweet and supportive and curious throughout the process, in service of producing something that takes my breath away. This is why I'll watch TH-camrs over any tv show, any day. Well done!
Oh I liked the yellow stars punching through the witch head nebula ! And , I love the composition of the second one and the reds . They both are stunning .
This was genuinely so fun to watch as someone who feels like they’ve finally got a firm grasp on most of the aspects of astrophotography. Being able to follow along and understand everything being said was so enjoyable. Especially coming from two of the greats in the hobby!
This is one of the best videos I've seen for a long time on how to use basic gear to take high quality images. You've motivated me to have a crack myself - thanks!
What I found encouraging is that both use a setup that nearly everyone can afford . Sure, only few would have their post processing skills but to see the minimal entry kit they’re working with is encouraging. Great vids (both) , great collaboration.
I've watched this twice and thoroughly enjoy the conversation and shared learning. Astro can be a very solitary pursuit. It is a great pleasure to see collaboration.
This has gotta be one of my all-time favorite collaboration videos. Which Witch did I like best? Yes! Loved them both. Just different! It’s all about the journey and shared experiences.
Ok...I'm officially hooked. I was a professional scientist for decades, and a lifelong photographer, so I had lots of "kit" on hand. But your step-by-step teaching approach is exemplary. And your recent "challenge" demonstrated the possibilities. Which, as you both know, are endless. I wish you well. You and @nebula photos have much to offer. Together. Bravo for a very firm grasp of Zoom technology. And I thought it amusing that you independently chose the same "object". Please keep up this collaboration!
stock camera should not show red hydrogen like nico,camera was not modify to remove the red filter he added those collars with software PHOTOSHOP HE SAID IT WAS NOISY
@@vicamaral Ive never shot this target but I have a stock 800D to and ive got reds in different targets but its just faint or show. Dont come here and declare one a cheater and say he added the color in processing. Ive managed to pull colors from my dlsr in photoshop that I didnt think was possible.
I just wanted to thank both of you guys. You really make this hobby accessible to people who might not have a lot of money but still want to explore the vast universe we live in. I've taken land based pictures for many years as a hobby and after watching both of you it's really peaked my interest again in getting into Astrophotography and I've learnt so much from you both from ordering my first Bahtinov mask today which i'd never even heard of before to hopefully one day buying the Sky Watcher Adventurer Pro 2i like you're using in this video. Thank you again for bringing the amazing universe to us all.
I've literally just put together these exact same kits, a couple of months ago, without seeing this video. I also picked up a Rokinon 135mm and a Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 after reading reviews and articles on your site. I've only shot the moon so far, but I find it so motivating that with practice I can accomplish stunning photographs like the two you both put together. I can't wait for my new sturdy mount to get here and to be able to start shooting the stars. Thank you both for doing what you do and encouraging me to explore this hobby. I've been a STEM & astronomy nerd my whole life but photography is all new to me and I'm very excited to learn.
This is like a pod cast. I've watched this a couple of times and i get so much info out of your guys talk. Your both an inspiration to the astrophotography community. Thanks guys.
Outstanding!! No clear winner here as I think the different approaches that the two of you took accomplished exactly what you set out to do and that was to inform and teach . Well done !!!
Wow you guys never cease to amaze me! I think the real winner is someone like me starting out with basically similar equipment and realizing that I can try to achieve an image like these. Expectation raised to a whole new level just hope reality doesn't kick me in the butt too hard. One thing I really love is the whole astrophotography community is so helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experience. I have learned so much in such a short time that my head hurts sometimes watching your channels, and I mean everyone's channel. I can't get enough of this amazing hobby. Now if only the skies would clear up so I can go out there and give it a go. Thanks again you guys rock!!!
I just watched this in it's entirety for the 2nd time since my focus on astronomy has recently taken a step toward photography. I really enjoyed that you both chose the same target because it shows that two different compositions and processes can come up with two equally attractive images. Added to all that I like that you both used simple camera and lenses instead of uber-expensive astrophotography focused equipment and lenses. You and Nico rock!
Congratulations to both you and Nico -great images. I feel like I have learnt more from listening to you guys talk abut the problems you encounter than just seeing the finished images. It's all about the process of both taking the images and the processing afterwards. You should definitely do more of these. Thanks to you both. I'm off to build a Bahintov mask for my DSLR and buy some tape :-)
Seeing the before and after I’d really love to see a walkthrough of editing this data. Amazing result and especially motivating for someone who’s started just recently!
I really enjoyed the fact that you each did the same object because it helped to illustrate how the different approaches and settings an post processing affects the outcome. I'd actually like to see more where you both shoot the same subject.
Thank you so much guys! I'm just getting into astrophotography under a fairly low budget and I was searching all over the place to see if the f/6.3 kit lens I'm planning to buy would allow enough light in! So glad to see a direct example of this! Much appreciated! 🚀🌌 Both images look amazing and tell a different story, congratulations on the idea and the execution, it really enlightened me!
Rediscovered your channel very recently and now I’m looking to get into deep sky Astro along with studying for my masters degree in astrophysics (starting in September). So happy to see these results with entry level gear as I am looking to get a dslr and one lens for this and supplement with my A7 III when needed.
Even though your is well done I have to go with Nico's as his I like the colors popping out. Now if you would have selected different objects then it would have been a better contest. One for another show. Great job Trevor.
Just learning the basics and getting ready to go in the field soon. Excellent video and the images were outstanding in their own right. Both are winners.
This definitely was the best video I have seen in a long time..and that means not just for astrophotography videos...but like any videos....great job both of you not just with your photos but keeping us entertained !!
Thank you Trevor for this. It's really inspiring what we can do with such camera and gives me hope that I can also take such photos one day with my future budget camera which I cannot afford now.
Great video! I'm just starting astrophotography and I appreciate the efforts of both of you to bring this video to us. I really enjoyed this video! Great job guys!
Amazing is a mere understatement. Can't thank you both enough for bringing out the fun of shooting a great nebula. Love the idea, and would like more of similar stuff. Thank you!
Very cool to see! you both did great. I think I liked Nico's image better for composition and color vatiety, but the impact of your image and simplicity was nicely done and many would prefer I think. thanks for such great conversation about how and why.
What a great idea for a vid guys! Fascinating seeing the big guns do head to heads, sportingly, and then critique one another's work!?? All very friendly, all very sporting, all very good! Well Done! Ace images! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Wow! Both are very different with different highlights. - Great job, both! And I like the discussion very much to get some tips and (technical) insights.
Trevor and Nico, After 40 years behind the lens of a camera you guys as well as a few other TH-cam Astrophotographers have inspired me to give it a try. Thank you for all of the advice and honesty both of you give to your channels. And Trevor; for flying birds practice panning and a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 @ f8-f11 for starters and stop down as you get better.
As a photographer I like your pic and the framing more. The nebulosity pops and it's bright and centered. But as a science enthusiast I'd go with Nico's pic as it shows a more natural scene with lot more surrounding details!! But both great pics. ☺️👍🏻
Fabulous idea! Nice to see work from both of you. It would be great to hear a little more about how each of you approached post processing. Thank you again!!
The true winner is the viewers that are able to learn from both of you and I am one of them. Both photos are absolutely gorgeous. The take away from this challenge is knowing that I feel apart of this, and to take that step into the field of astrophotography. One the best videos I've seen on this topic. I truly want to thank you both for bringing your passion and love of astrophotography to us all.
Nicos was so bold and colorful very beautiful and yours gives the impression of the witch wide eyed focused on a precious gem of a star like an unattainable treasure to have!
The two of you in a friendly challenge like this was really cool and given the equipment you both used, it was incredibly inspiring to watch! I hope you consider to do more of these
I have watched both of you in your individual channels but to have some friendly competition and compare notes was good for me as I am learning. Thanks.
Trevor has my vote. Nico's framing is awesome and much better but there is too much noise compared to Trevor. Trevor: Your image would have been fantastic without that yellow tint to the stars. Amazing challenge and you should do more of this.
Great video with both of you in it. I subscribe to both of your channels! I only have the two kit lenses with my Canon 70D. And received the Rokinon 14 mm as a gift so this video is cool! Thanks!
Trevor, man…..this was such a fun video to watch. 5 years later and I’m still loving your content. I was hooked and walked through the beginning steps of this hobby thanks to your channel, and I’ve come such a long way. From a 200mm telephoto Canon lens and a 5D to my fully automated setup now. My bank account certainly doesn’t thank you.
One of your best videos ever. So neat to see the camaraderie, as well as the excellent exchanges about each one’s approach to the challenge. Too cool! Both images are incredible, considering the parameters of the challenge.
I saw a bit of Nico's video and I think he has advantage in this kind of challenge because he has done astrophotography with low gear capacity. Both photos are impressives, excellent work Trevor.
Great job guys. Amazing images considering the kit limitations, although it gives me hope formy own :) Only one winner and thats the astro community. Thanks so much for this :)
Good point on the lens compatibility for astro. I almost bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM for astro but did my due diligence and found out it suffers terribly from sagittal astigmatism. Ill save up a bit more and might go with the Sigma 24mm instead
Amazing video of two of the best astrophotographers. Thank-you for taking us on this adventure and sharing your insight and experience. Mahalo and Aloha.
It's like trying to pick my favorite friend. I like the definition of Trevor's image, and the collection of colors in Nico's image. Both are so well done that I'd have to give the win to us, your viewers!
This was great I hope you guys do this again... I have the same gear and really can't believe you can get this kind of result from that lens, unbelievable .. really fun to watch .. its a tie for me..
Posted similar to Nico's channel already but worth the repeat here .... the big take away is that expensive equipment is not an absolute requirement. So much can be done with the equipment we may already have or equipment that won't break the bank to acquire. An important the worthwhile demonstration and reminder for those of us looking to get into this hobby. Amazing results both! S!
The real winner, were the friends we made along the way.
Have you been drinking again? sentimental old soul :-)
If I had a "roll my eyes" emoji, I would insert here lol. I can't wait to see what you get with that EQ8-Rh.
Yea but we're all gonna die so nothing really matters ;)
Yeeep, definitely post-lack of mount-trauma is doing his job; or just an aussi hyper giant spider bit him...
I think Dylan just threw his gauntlet in the ring
Two people challenging each other's skills and knowledge, being so sweet and supportive and curious throughout the process, in service of producing something that takes my breath away. This is why I'll watch TH-camrs over any tv show, any day. Well done!
Oh I liked the yellow stars punching through the witch head nebula ! And , I love the composition of the second one and the reds .
They both are stunning .
The clash of the titans! AstroBackyard vs. Nebula Photos!
This was genuinely so fun to watch as someone who feels like they’ve finally got a firm grasp on most of the aspects of astrophotography. Being able to follow along and understand everything being said was so enjoyable. Especially coming from two of the greats in the hobby!
They couldn’t fake the genuineness!
This is one of the best videos I've seen for a long time on how to use basic gear to take high quality images. You've motivated me to have a crack myself - thanks!
I would have never imagined that the 75-300 would be able to capture pictures like those. Great job both of you!
What I found encouraging is that both use a setup that nearly everyone can afford .
Sure, only few would have their post processing skills but to see the minimal entry kit they’re working with is encouraging.
Great vids (both) , great collaboration.
I've watched this twice and thoroughly enjoy the conversation and shared learning. Astro can be a very solitary pursuit. It is a great pleasure to see collaboration.
This is SO COOL. Thanks for taking the time to do this...so awesome for so many reasons!
This has gotta be one of my all-time favorite collaboration videos.
Which Witch did I like best? Yes! Loved them both. Just different! It’s all about the journey and shared experiences.
Guysss this was incredible!!
Helena what about you v astrobackyard?
Absolutely!
Ok...I'm officially hooked. I was a professional scientist for decades, and a lifelong photographer, so I had lots of "kit" on hand. But your step-by-step teaching approach is exemplary. And your recent "challenge" demonstrated the possibilities. Which, as you both know, are endless. I wish you well. You and @nebula photos have much to offer. Together. Bravo for a very firm grasp of Zoom technology. And I thought it amusing that you independently chose the same "object". Please keep up this collaboration!
It's a tie. a draw. Great minds think alike and both created super images.
No it wasn't!
Nico's was better!
Although both efferts are appreciated
Agreed, my friend!
what user venosite said: a collab with astro biscuit would be cool
YES
Yes, this needs to happen
To be controversial: NOOOO. They're both great, but in two/too different ways.
Astro biscuit is in my top 3 favorite astro channels. Along with these two guys.
Astrobiscuit is in a world of his own, and any collaboration will result in annihilation of both worlds.
Both images are very good and well edited, but in my opinion Nico wins this time :)
stock camera should not show red hydrogen like nico,camera was not modify to remove the red filter he added those collars with software PHOTOSHOP HE SAID IT WAS NOISY
@@vicamaral So he cheat? I shot Horse head with stock 800D and I got reds, not the best ones but I’ve got some.
@@bramus4567 me 2 but not that much red and i 2 live near him from little Rhode island
@@vicamaral Maybe you right
@@vicamaral Ive never shot this target but I have a stock 800D to and ive got reds in different targets but its just faint or show. Dont come here and declare one a cheater and say he added the color in processing. Ive managed to pull colors from my dlsr in photoshop that I didnt think was possible.
Great video, no winner or loser - Instead, we all win through better knowledge!
Both images a fantastic, both is different ways! Enjoyed that live broadcast!
Both images give this beginner a lot of hope! But I have to give a slight nod to Nico's choice of framing. Great job by both you guys!
I just wanted to thank both of you guys. You really make this hobby accessible to people who might not have a lot of money but still want to explore the vast universe we live in. I've taken land based pictures for many years as a hobby and after watching both of you it's really peaked my interest again in getting into Astrophotography and I've learnt so much from you both from ordering my first Bahtinov mask today which i'd never even heard of before to hopefully one day buying the Sky Watcher Adventurer Pro 2i like you're using in this video. Thank you again for bringing the amazing universe to us all.
That was excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed this video, so awesome to see you guys working together. Love both channels and hope to see more collabs like this in the future! 👍
Both photos are absolutely breathtaking....such unreal talent....
Excellent video! I really hope you do more of these. Loved it.
I've literally just put together these exact same kits, a couple of months ago, without seeing this video. I also picked up a Rokinon 135mm and a
Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 after reading reviews and articles on your site. I've only shot the moon so far, but I find it so motivating that with practice I can accomplish stunning photographs like the two you both put together. I can't wait for my new sturdy mount to get here and to be able to start shooting the stars. Thank you both for doing what you do and encouraging me to explore this hobby. I've been a STEM & astronomy nerd my whole life but photography is all new to me and I'm very excited to learn.
What a fascinating conversation. Thanks for letting us tune in!
Also both were great but I liked his more
This is like a pod cast. I've watched this a couple of times and i get so much info out of your guys talk. Your both an inspiration to the astrophotography community. Thanks guys.
Outstanding!! No clear winner here as I think the different approaches that the two of you took accomplished exactly what you set out to do and that was to inform and teach . Well done !!!
Both are so good. Just goes to show it doesn’t matter how expensive your gear is, it’s the skills that you have. This definitely inspires me
Really enjoyed the video. Loved both images. Inspiring to see what you were both able to accomplish with that gear.
Thank you!
what user venosite and skepnoblade said: a collab with astro biscuit would be really interesting.
Astro biscuit would be like we can only spend 150 quid and Trevor would be like...”I give up” lol 😂
Yeah, he'll just cut open the camera and put a fan there to get rid of some of the noise.
Oh that would indeed be epic.
Yes, it needs to happen
Astro buiscuit is funny and great to watch... but Nebula and Backyard explain the processing in great detail 👍
Wow you guys never cease to amaze me! I think the real winner is someone like me starting out with basically similar equipment and realizing that I can try to achieve an image like these. Expectation raised to a whole new level just hope reality doesn't kick me in the butt too hard. One thing I really love is the whole astrophotography community is so helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experience. I have learned so much in such a short time that my head hurts sometimes watching your channels, and I mean everyone's channel. I can't get enough of this amazing hobby. Now if only the skies would clear up so I can go out there and give it a go. Thanks again you guys rock!!!
I Totally Agree,and This Is Basically The Camera I Have,The T6i.
More of these videos! So awesome
I just watched this in it's entirety for the 2nd time since my focus on astronomy has recently taken a step toward photography. I really enjoyed that you both chose the same target because it shows that two different compositions and processes can come up with two equally attractive images. Added to all that I like that you both used simple camera and lenses instead of uber-expensive astrophotography focused equipment and lenses. You and Nico rock!
Congratulations to both you and Nico -great images. I feel like I have learnt more from listening to you guys talk abut the problems you encounter than just seeing the finished images. It's all about the process of both taking the images and the processing afterwards. You should definitely do more of these. Thanks to you both. I'm off to build a Bahintov mask for my DSLR and buy some tape :-)
Both winners. They look absolutely awesome. Great job you two!
Seeing the before and after I’d really love to see a walkthrough of editing this data. Amazing result and especially motivating for someone who’s started just recently!
I really enjoyed the fact that you each did the same object because it helped to illustrate how the different approaches and settings an post processing affects the outcome. I'd actually like to see more where you both shoot the same subject.
Little late to the party but I'm glad you guys are collaborating...I watch you guys the most . Please do more!
This was amazing to watch! Thanks for sharing guys! Love both of your work! Would love to see more challenges!
Thank you so much guys! I'm just getting into astrophotography under a fairly low budget and I was searching all over the place to see if the f/6.3 kit lens I'm planning to buy would allow enough light in! So glad to see a direct example of this! Much appreciated! 🚀🌌 Both images look amazing and tell a different story, congratulations on the idea and the execution, it really enlightened me!
Great vid! Both images are outstanding. I lean towards Nico solely based on the composition as my eyes picked the witch's head more readily.
Rediscovered your channel very recently and now I’m looking to get into deep sky Astro along with studying for my masters degree in astrophysics (starting in September). So happy to see these results with entry level gear as I am looking to get a dslr and one lens for this and supplement with my A7 III when needed.
Even though your is well done I have to go with Nico's as his I like the colors popping out. Now if you would have selected different objects then it would have been a better contest. One for another show. Great job Trevor.
My preference is for trevors, nicos is too noisy and lacks contrast, but its all personal taste
Probably the greatest video you guys have done. Limitations breed creativity.
Please do more collaborations like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could not resist and jumped to the reveals. Loved both of them, they are both such a different take on the same subject. Wow ! Wow ! Wow !
Just learning the basics and getting ready to go in the field soon. Excellent video and the images were outstanding in their own right. Both are winners.
This definitely was the best video I have seen in a long time..and that means not just for astrophotography videos...but like any videos....great job both of you not just with your photos but keeping us entertained !!
Loved this little shoot out! Awesome work guys!
Love them both ! great job !!!!!
Thank you Trevor for this. It's really inspiring what we can do with such camera and gives me hope that I can also take such photos one day with my future budget camera which I cannot afford now.
Great work to both you guys. Nice to see work and data with entry level gear for those of us getting started!
Great video! I'm just starting astrophotography and I appreciate the efforts of both of you to bring this video to us. I really enjoyed this video! Great job guys!
Amazing is a mere understatement. Can't thank you both enough for bringing out the fun of shooting a great nebula. Love the idea, and would like more of similar stuff. Thank you!
Absolutely love this video and the format would love to see more like this.
Very well done
Very cool to see! you both did great. I think I liked Nico's image better for composition and color vatiety, but the impact of your image and simplicity was nicely done and many would prefer I think. thanks for such great conversation about how and why.
Superb. Love the thought process behind the choice of target and in relation to the gear. Love to see more of these
Thanks to you both! This was a great session. I learned a lot about the role of Composition, color and contrast in the final result. Inspiring.
What a great idea for a vid guys! Fascinating seeing the big guns do head to heads, sportingly, and then critique one another's work!?? All very friendly, all very sporting, all very good! Well Done! Ace images! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Wow! Both are very different with different highlights. - Great job, both!
And I like the discussion very much to get some tips and (technical) insights.
Trevor and Nico, After 40 years behind the lens of a camera you guys as well as a few other TH-cam Astrophotographers have inspired me to give it a try. Thank you for all of the advice and honesty both of you give to your channels. And Trevor; for flying birds practice panning and a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 @ f8-f11 for starters and stop down as you get better.
Both are FANTASTIC! They both seem very 3D. Amazing, gentlemen.
Follow both channels and it is pretty cool to see there takes on everything. Great work on both photos
As a photographer I like your pic and the framing more. The nebulosity pops and it's bright and centered. But as a science enthusiast I'd go with Nico's pic as it shows a more natural scene with lot more surrounding details!! But both great pics. ☺️👍🏻
Fabulous idea! Nice to see work from both of you. It would be great to hear a little more about how each of you approached post processing. Thank you again!!
Yo this is sick! I watched both of these channels for so long I'm so excited for this
What a fantastic episode, great to listen in to the genuinely friendly and warm conversation . More like this please :)
It's a clear draw....just amazing!!!!
Trevor vs. Nico, loved every minute. Great stuff and congrats!
The true winner is the viewers that are able to learn from both of you and I am one of them. Both photos are absolutely gorgeous. The take away from this challenge is knowing that I feel apart of this, and to take that step into the field of astrophotography. One the best videos I've seen on this topic. I truly want to thank you both for bringing your passion and love of astrophotography to us all.
Both Stunning!
Nicos was so bold and colorful very beautiful and yours gives the impression of the witch wide eyed focused on a precious gem of a star like an unattainable treasure to have!
The two of you in a friendly challenge like this was really cool and given the equipment you both used, it was incredibly inspiring to watch! I hope you consider to do more of these
Just wanted to say u have motivated me to get into astrophotography especially with this inexpensive kit. your final pic was amazing!
Wow! Both stunning images! Thanks for sharing plus the tips.
Great Content Thanks! Clear Skies
I have watched both of you in your individual channels but to have some friendly competition and compare notes was good for me as I am learning. Thanks.
Tie! Both photos have their merits and both look great. Congratulations to both of you!
Two winners in my book. Nice!
A really awesome back and forth video, well done!
Trevor has my vote. Nico's framing is awesome and much better but there is too much noise compared to Trevor. Trevor: Your image would have been fantastic without that yellow tint to the stars.
Amazing challenge and you should do more of this.
Super happy approach styles had were as diverse as they were. Loved both images. Definitely inspirational for my own efforts. Thx Trevor and Nico! :)
Great video with both of you in it. I subscribe to both of your channels! I only have the two kit lenses with my Canon 70D. And received the Rokinon 14 mm as a gift so this video is cool! Thanks!
Trevor, man…..this was such a fun video to watch. 5 years later and I’m still loving your content. I was hooked and walked through the beginning steps of this hobby thanks to your channel, and I’ve come such a long way. From a 200mm telephoto Canon lens and a 5D to my fully automated setup now. My bank account certainly doesn’t thank you.
One of your best videos ever. So neat to see the camaraderie, as well as the excellent exchanges about each one’s approach to the challenge. Too cool! Both images are incredible, considering the parameters of the challenge.
I saw a bit of Nico's video and I think he has advantage in this kind of challenge because he has done astrophotography with low gear capacity. Both photos are impressives, excellent work Trevor.
It’s funny to hear you both be so hard on yourselves when you both got incredible shots! Awesome vid gents.
Great job guys. Amazing images considering the kit limitations, although it gives me hope formy own :) Only one winner and thats the astro community. Thanks so much for this :)
Good point on the lens compatibility for astro. I almost bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM for astro but did my due diligence and found out it suffers terribly from sagittal astigmatism. Ill save up a bit more and might go with the Sigma 24mm instead
These needs to be a regular thing, learned alot from this video. I like both, but for different reasons. Take care
This video is so in depth thank you for making this video
Exact kit I bought last year for my beginner set up. Just need to get the Star Tracker. Incredible photos! Gives me hope!
Both pictures are beautiful, congratulations.
Amazing video of two of the best astrophotographers. Thank-you for taking us on this adventure and sharing your insight and experience. Mahalo and Aloha.
It's like trying to pick my favorite friend. I like the definition of Trevor's image, and the collection of colors in Nico's image. Both are so well done that I'd have to give the win to us, your viewers!
Very cool! Masters in the art! This also tells so clear how much skills make up! Thanks!
This was great I hope you guys do this again... I have the same gear and really can't believe you can get this kind of result from that lens, unbelievable .. really fun to watch .. its a tie for me..
Great video and picture from both, the outstanding guy's and teachers in astrophotography I known. Greetings from Germany.
Posted similar to Nico's channel already but worth the repeat here .... the big take away is that expensive equipment is not an absolute requirement. So much can be done with the equipment we may already have or equipment that won't break the bank to acquire. An important the worthwhile demonstration and reminder for those of us looking to get into this hobby. Amazing results both! S!