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The Camping Astronomer
Registrace 8. 02. 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
Kona Rove AL - Peak District Gravel Ride
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 mudguards. However, despite this being not ideal, the bike took the gravel sections in its stride.
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 mudguards. However, despite this being not ideal, the bike took the gravel sections in its stride.
zhlédnutí: 292
Video
Short Hike on Craig Cerrig Gleisiad and Fan Frynych - Brecon Beacons
zhlédnutí 249Před měsícem
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
zhlédnutí 748Před 2 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 512Před 2 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 861Před 3 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 272Před 4 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed 5 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 391Před 6 měsíci
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.
zhlédnutí 392Před 7 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 366Před 7 měsíci
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.
zhlédnutí 484Před 8 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 553Před 9 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 511Před 9 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed 9 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 10 měsíci
The Heart Nebula in a large emission Nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. I have tried photographing this target before with limited success, and was hoping for better luck this time.
Why do difficult stuff - the joy of hard things
zhlédnutí 571Před 11 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 580Před 11 měsíci
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
zhlédnutí 492Před rokem
Imaging the Sadr Region with the Askar FMA135 mini telescope
Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 - Pitching demo & early thoughts.
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 - Pitching demo & early thoughts.
The North America & Pelican Nebula in Cygnus - Askar FMA 135 astrograph and Star Adventurer mount
zhlédnutí 443Před rokem
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
zhlédnutí 898Před rokem
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
zhlédnutí 528Před rokem
Imaging the Iris Nebula with a dslr and Redcat 51 scope
The OEX Heiro Stove - budget heat exchanger stove
zhlédnutí 4,5KPřed rokem
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
zhlédnutí 408Před rokem
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
zhlédnutí 629Před rokem
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
zhlédnutí 325Před rokem
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.
zhlédnutí 633Před rokem
The Pleiades Star Cluster taken through the Askar FMA135 mini telescope.
Pen y Fan & Corn Du in the snow - Brecon Beacons winter walk
zhlédnutí 801Před rokem
Pen y Fan & Corn Du in the snow - Brecon Beacons winter walk
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.
You are an absolute legend 🙏
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 czcams.com/video/ixCdL_clbMQ/video.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.
Beautiful views John! Sorry to hear about the shop closing but happy you made it through the transition! I did a few metric century rides a few years ago and one very long day of a 100 miler. I am certainly not in that condition today but I am planning on getting back on the cycle for some 10-20km rides.
The views certainly were lovely on this one Doug, helped by the nice weather. 100 miles will be a long day for me also, hence me wondering whether I want to do it or not. 100km is generally more enjoyable, especially as most of my rides are around the 40 - 50 km mark.
For a lot of scrambling, I might recommend the Delta. Higher rand on toe area. On the other hand, this would need to be weighed up against flexibility elsewhere, though the Delta is more flexible than SLs. Have you used the Terras for scrambling?
I don't do scrambling anymore, lost my head for heights as I get older. Apparently something happens to your sense of balance as you age, which is why you start to feel less comfortable with heights. However, I did suggest to the lady that if they got into Via Ferrata more seriously then they might consider having a second, stiffer, pair of boots. She said that they may also do some winter walking with crampons, so I mentioned the SL's and also the Ribelle Lite boots, which I use in winter.
Thanks for that. I mainly use the Ranger as a winter boot in the North Downs. Excellent in mud and wet. I went on a group walk around the Oare marshes near Faversham in early April. People wearing fabric boots seemed to be slipping and sliding and trying to avoid deep puddles. I wear the Rangers once a week on a short off road walk to the supermarket during the rest of the year to keep them worked in. 11 years and still going strong. The Baltras have also lasted surprisingly well. I wear them from late spring through to early autumn and on town walks throughout the year that involve some off road.
Nice one John. One of my favourite areas. Does stay busy but a great place for winter camps stunning sunsets. Atb Graham
You are right about this being a great spot for winter. It might be quite windy, but the sunsets and starry skies would be great.