Wicklow photographer wins at national astrophotography awards

[ad_1]

Enda Kelly’s photo was runner-up in Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition

‘When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars’ by Enda Kelly.

‘The Belt and the Scabbard’ captured by Laurynas Zubrickas from Arklow.

thumbnail: ‘When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars’ by Enda Kelly.
thumbnail: ‘The Belt and the Scabbard’ captured by Laurynas Zubrickas from Arklow.

A Wicklow man’s photo, ‘When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars.’, has been selected as a runner-up in the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

The photo captured by Enda Kelly, from Wicklow town, was awarded the runner-up prize in the ‘Out of This World’ category. The image depicts the full moon as it conceals Mars from view by passing in front of it. It captures Mars just before it disappears behind the Moon from our perspective on Earth.

Enda’s image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin. The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside Enda’s. The exhibition is free to attend.

A photo entitled ‘The Belt and the Scabbard’ captured by Laurynas Zubrickas from Arklow, will also be displayed as part of the outdoor exhibition. The image depicts the Orion constellation, which is one of the brightest and best-known constellations in the night sky.

Mr. Zubrickas decided to incorporate the Flame, Horse Head, Running Man Nebula and the Great Orion Nebula into this composition. The resulting image is a mosaic consisting of around three to four hours of total integration time per image.

[ad_2]

11 Nature-Themed Cafes Near JB Checkpoint, Under An Hour From SG

[ad_1]

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint


In today’s lesson of every day we learn something new, we find out that an anthophile is a person who loves flowers and plants. If that sounds like you, you’re going to want to add these nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint to your list of cafes in JB to check out.

Most of these cafes are hard to miss given that their exteriors are covered in greenery from head-to-toe. And the best part is that you won’t have to go too far after getting past customs – they’re all under an hour from the Malaysian borders, with many of them only a 10-20 minute drive away. IG-worthy cafes, here we come.


1. Naug Just Plants – Hidden cafe in the backyard of a plant shop


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - naug just plants exterior
Image credit: @shot.n.sugar via Instagram

If you really are a plant lover, then a visit to Naug Just Plants means getting your coffee fix and being able to shop for plants to bring back home. It’s just 7 minutes from the JB checkpoint so you can make it the first stop on your trip for brunch or grab some snacks and brand new pots on your way back home.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - naug just plants backyard cafe
Image credit: @praveenajourney via Instagram

Once you’ve browsed through their plant section, go past the racks to the back of the shop, and around the cashier to get to the hidden cafe in the backyard.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - naug just plants cafe desserts
Matcha Pistachio Cheesecake (right) and Gula Melaka Butter Waffle with coconut flakes (left).
Image adapted from: Naug café via Facebook

The menu features a selection of coffees, including the best-selling Pandan Gula Melaka Latte (RM11, ~S$3.20), refreshing mocktails, and desserts. Check out their waffles (RM13, ~S$3.79) which come in both sweet and savoury variations such as matcha butter or mayo butter with chicken floss.

Address: 50, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: Naug café Facebook 


2. Soil – Cottage-style cafe covered with foliage


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - soil cafe
Image credit: @soil_jb via Instagram

Already pretty popular amongst Singaporeans, Soil is just 30 minutes from the JB checkpoint. Resembling a cottage in the countryside, the cafe has plenty of aesthetic spots for you to take #OOTD pics from various angles.

It’s located within Eco Spring Labs too, which means you can conveniently hop to other eateries within the vicinity. Fair warning – they only accept walk-ins and it gets pretty crowded on the weekends, so be prepared to wait for a table.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - Soil cafe desserts & drinks
Image adapted from: @soil_jb via Instagram

Soil serves baked pastries, cakes, and coffee and tea. Recommended dishes and drinks include the Lemon Meringue Tart (RM18, ~S$5.24) and Matcha Espresso (RM16, ~S$4.66).

Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A (GF), Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +60-17-392-1148Soil by The Atlas Bakery website 


3. Rainforest Tree House – Suspended net beds with a view


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - rainforest treehouse
Image credit: @duuhsrsly via Instagram

You may have seen this one making the rounds on socials; Rainforest Tree House is a 3-storey cafe in Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. The cafe is ulu enough to make you forget about the city and reconnect with nature, but don’t worry, it’s only 40 minutes away from Malaysian customs – trust us, the drive will be worth it.

The highlight of this cafe is the suspended net beds on each floor with views of the surrounding greenery. Nibble on freshly baked oven bread (RM18, ~S$5.24) or choose a hearty main like the Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (RM23, ~S$6.70) and dine with the sounds of the rainforest.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - rainforest treehouse sunset view
Image credit: @rainforesttreehouse via Instagram

If you’re there on a Friday or Saturday for the dinner timeslot, go early and grab the best seats in the house to catch the sunset from the second floor. There’s also the option to stay overnight in the treehouse hotel if you can’t get enough.

Address: 25, Jalan Air Terjun, Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai, Kulai 81000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 9am-3.30pm | Fri 9am-3.30pm, 6pm-9pm | Sat 8am-4.30pm, 6pm-9pm | Sun 8am-4.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +60-12-930-9914 | Rainforest Tree House website


4. Flowers in the Window – 10 minutes drive from the JB checkpoint


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - flowers in the window
Image credit: @astralis_ via Instagram

Those planning to visit the hipster area in JB known as Jalan Dhoby, can make their way to Flowers in the Window for some sourdough bread and croissants (from RM7, ~S$2.04). It’s so close to the checkpoint that you can take a leisurely walk and reach it within 15 minutes.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - flowers in the window interior
Image credit: @flowersinthewindowstore via Instagram

The 2-storey cafe has a number of cosy corners for a quiet brunch before you go ahead with the rest of your day. The menu features healthy superfood bowls (from RM18, ~S$5.24) with Asian flavours such as lemongrass and Thai basil.

Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am-4pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +60-7-222 7489 | Flowers in the Window Facebook


5. Fat Bamboo Cafe – Ice cream served in bamboo culms


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - putuo village fat bamboo cafe
Image credit: @onnsangtham via Instagram

There’s no need to fly all the way to Kyoto to see a bamboo forest, just cross the border and head to Putuo Village in JB. This Buddhist sanctuary houses a temple, a giant wishing tree, and the Fat Bamboo Cafe.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fat bamboo cafe soft serve
Ice cream served with crunchy snacks like Polky Sticks and Kit Kat.
Image adapted from: @putuovillage & @kelly8046 via Instagram

Located 45 minutes from the checkpoint, the cafe is most known for its signature ice cream (RM10, ~S$2.91) served in a bamboo culm. You know you want these IG-worthy soft serves so here are the best-selling flavours: Bamboo Charcoal Chocolate and Japanese Classic Matcha. 

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fat bamboo cafe drinks
Even the drinks are served in bamboo glasses.
Image credit: Putuo Village via Facebook

If you want a proper meal, other dishes you can order include charcoal-fired glutinous rice with curry.

Make sure to walk around the village while you’re there for more photo ops such as a rainbow walkway and Bali-like giant nests.

Address: 1488 Jalan Kampung Felda Taib Andak Off, 94, Kulai 81000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9.30am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: +60-11-2200-1818


6. Rowan & Parsley – Rustic cafe with a huge outdoor garden


Talk about photogenic cafes and Rowan & Parsley is up there on the list. Super popular as an intimate wedding venue, this gorgeous garden-themed food atelier is only 15 minutes from the causeway. Almost every corner is covered in greenery, so you can easily take photos outdoors and indoors.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - rowan & parsely
Image credit: @m2206ws via Instagram

It’s also open all day until late, so you can head there for brunch, afternoon tea, or an evening tipple and dinner. Cocktails start at just RM35 (~S$10.24) and the fairy lights around the garden area turn on after dark for that added fairy tale effect.

If you’re looking for things to do in JB near the causeway, add a meal at Rowan & Parsley to your list.

Address: 17, Jalan Cenderai 20, Taman Perindustrian Kota Puteri, Masai 81750, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60-11-1005-4747 | Rowan & Parsley Facebook


7. Bloom by Mok Mok – Whimsical cafe with hanging flowers


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - bloom by mok mok
Image credit: Eatbook

Foodies, you may have heard of Mount Austin in JB, an area 20 minutes from customs that’s bustling with eateries, including cafes, restaurants, and hawkers. Nestled within that area is Bloom By Mok Mok – a cafe with colourful dried flowers hanging from the ceiling, giving off year-round fall vibes.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - bloom by mok mok swing
Head outside to the porch swing to snap more pics in the natural sunlight.
Image credit: @bloombymokmok via Instagram

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - bloom by mok mok egglets
Image credit: Eatbook

The cafe serves egglet waffles (RM20, ~S$5.85) with different flavoured ice cream and fruits; as well as cream cheese souffle pancakes (from RM20, ~S$5.85) in various flavours such as fresh mango or raw honey.

Address: 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: WhatsApp +60-16-329-0068 | Bloom by Mok Mok Instagram


8. Plantherapy by S P A Z E H A U S – Terrarium-shaped glasshouse


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - plantherapy terrarium
Image credit: Eatbook

Fancy dining in a terrarium? Drive 30 minutes from the JB checkpoint straight to Plantherapy. The glasshouse-looking cafe is housed within an interior design company’s showroom, which explains its creative design.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - plantherapy glasshouse dome
Image credit: Eatbook

Once inside the glass dome, you’ll find one of the most photogenic interiors ever, with plants hanging from the ceiling and natural sunlight pouring in. It can get pretty hot in the afternoon so we suggest going in the evening when you might even catch a glimpse of the sunset.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - plantherapy desserts
Image credit: @mesrish.qin via Instagram

Even the desserts and drinks here are adorned with edible flowers or have flower-themed designs. The much-raved signature Plantherapy Special Brie Cheese Cake (RM25.90, ~S$7.57), paired with their Shades of Brown iced latte (RM16.90, ~S$4.94) are must-tries. Needless to say, it’s a great spot for celebrating special occasions too.

Address: 8, Jalan Ekoperniagaan 2/7, Taman Ekoperniagaan, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-7pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +60-12-679-6554 | Plantherapy by S P A Z E H A U S Facebook


9. Fika Farmhouse – Kampung-style cafe that is pet-friendly


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fika farmhouse
Image credit: The Yard

Fika Farmhouse in Horizon Hills oozes rustic charm. You’re surrounded by wild vegetation and rows of organic veggies in this open-air dining area, but of course, it’s all sheltered.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fika farmhouse indoor seating
Image credit: Fika Farmhouse via Google Maps

The large area makes it suitable for families travelling together. So, if you’re on a road trip with uncles, aunts, and cousins in tow, this should be your pit stop for dinner. 

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fika farmhouse pet friendly cafe
Image credit: @chubby_maltese via Instagram

Good news for those with cats and doggos – the cafe is pet friendly too. There’s a huge garden out front where they can run around without disturbing any diners.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - fika farmhouse food and cocktails
The cafe celebrates ladies’ night with 1-for-1 cocktails every Wednesday from 6pm-10pm.
Image adapted from: Fika Farmhouse via Facebook

The menu mainly features Western fusion dishes, with their most popular dish being the Signature Tom Yum Seafood Spaghetti (RM38, ~S$11.11).

Address: Y2, 1, Jalan Hijauan 1, Horizon Hills, Iskandar Puteri 79100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon & Wed-Fri 5.30pm-11pm | Sat-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +60-11-1054-9166 | Fika Farmhouse website 


10. Cafe de Flore Thai Cuisine – Inspired by a cafe in Paris


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - cafe de flore
Image credit: Cafe de Flore via Google Maps

We were pleasantly surprised to find a “Little Singapore” in JB with a replica of the Dakota neighbourhood. So, imagine our delight when we found out that there’s also a “Little Paris” in JB at Mount Austin that’s just 25 minutes away from customs.

Cafe de Flore brings its diners to Europe with its Parisian-inspired decor. The cafe is modelled after an actual French cafe of the same name, but hold on – they serve authentic Thai food here. The surprises just don’t stop.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - cafe de flore paris-themed interior
Image adapted from: @thaicuisinebycafedeflore via Instagram

Both outdoor and indoor seating are available. If you prefer going al fresco, request a seat in the garden where European-looking statues will keep you company.  If the weather is too hot, head indoors where you’ll see black and white tiled flooring and a lot of plants.

On the menu are classic Thai dishes, including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Green Curry.

Address: Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Taman JP Perdana, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60-18-790-7502 | Thai Cuisine by Cafe de Flore Facebook


11. Lune24 – Open-air cafe with pretty garden lights


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - lune24 garden seating
Image credit: Lune24 via Facebook

Singaporeans roaming around Paradigm Mall JB, we see you catching a movie at the cinema for just ~S$4. Once you’ve had enough of being indoors and need a breath of fresh air, drive 10 minutes down to Lune24 where you’ll get to dine in an outdoor garden. 

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - lune24
Image credit: Lune24 via Facebook

Picture wooden tables, including some low ones paired with comfy sofas, and being surrounded by fairy lights. It’s quite a romantic atmosphere here after sundown. And if you’re worried about sweating through your date, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of giant fans near the seating area to keep the temperature cool.

Couples looking for a little more privacy can request seats in the few nooks and corners of the cafe. 

Occasionally, the cafe hosts live performances and art markets too. Just check their socials to find out when such events take place.

Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint - lune24 food
Image credit: Lune24 via Facebook

As for what you can eat, the menu is constantly rotating so the only way to know for sure is to make a trip down and try it for yourself.

Address: 2 Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Jalan Roda, Taman Bukit Mewah, Johor Bahru 81200, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thu-Mon 5.30pm-12.30am (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Contact: Lune24 Facebook 


Bonus: Hill & Heal – Glasshouse cafe in the middle of a forest


Nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint -hill & heal
Image credit: Hill & Heal via Facebook

If you’re willing to venture a little further out of JB into Kluang, Hill & Heal is another nature-themed cafe worth a visit. It’ll take roughly an hour and a half to reach the cafe which lies at the foothills of Gunung Lambak and is only open on the weekends from Friday to Sunday.

There are camping-style seats in the glasshouse for those who want to dine indoors. But the outdoor area is definitely more popular as one can admire the surrounding natural beauty while sipping on a latte. If you really want to make the most out of your visit, try the hike to the summit of the mountain – a trail that takes around 4-5 hours in total.

Address: 28GW+49, Kluang 86000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thu-Sun 8am-5pm (Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)
Contact: Hill & Heal Facebook


Visit these nature-themed cafes near JB checkpoint

When life in the concrete jungle gets too much, just know that there are these gems across the border you can escape to. Just get through customs by figuring out which is the best time to go to JB, and you’ll reach one of these super chio nature-themed cafes in no time.

More places to visit in JB:


Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, @putuovillage & @rainforesttreehouse via Instagram



[ad_2]

$1,000 vs $10,000 Telescope for Astrophotography

[ad_1]

Have you ever wondered what the same deep-space object would look like using two very different telescopes?

I thought this was a great concept for a video (see below) and a real eye-opener for those looking into upgrading their telescope for astrophotography.

For this experiment, we used two high-quality refractor telescopes that were very different in size, and price. 

One telescope costs about $1,000 and is so small that it can fit in your hand, and the other one costs nearly $10,000 and weighs over 30 pounds. 

Before we get into the results, let’s take a closer look at the deep-sky target and the equipment breakdown. 

You can also watch the video of this astrophotography experiment here:

The Deep-Sky Target

The deep-sky target chosen was the Eagle Nebula, which is visible in the night sky right now (July, August) in the constellation Serpens. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s 7000 light years away from Earth. 

Also known as Messier 16, this target is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky and contains the Pillars of Creation, made famous by the Hubble Space Telescope. The Pillars of Creation appear relatively small within the nebula, but in actuality, they are larger than our entire solar system.

If you have not yet had a chance to image this target, be sure to check this one out with your telescope, no matter how big it is. 

Eagle Nebula Location

The Eagle Nebula location within the Milky Way

The Equipment 

For the comparison, we ran two full-featured astrophotography rigs at the same time and tried to keep the setups as similar as possible (i.e. EQ mounts, camera controllers, refractor telescopes). 

Both setups used dedicated astronomy cameras designed for deep-space photography. However, I don’t have two of the same cameras to make this a true apples-to-apples test, so the cameras are slightly different models.

The telescopes are high-quality refractor designs that are only 100 mm apart in size. This may not seem like a lot in terms of focal length, but that extra aperture makes a big difference in astrophotography. 

In place of a laptop computer, we used two ZWO ASIAIR mini PCs to control the telescopes and automate the imaging session. They control everything from the camera and guide camera, to the tracking mount

Before taking a closer look at each setup, let’s clarify a few things:

  1. These are just rough prices for the telescopes (in Canadian Dollars). They don’t include the cost of the camera, mount, and all of the other telescope accessories.
  2. You could take an image just as good as the one I took using your own equipment, that cost way less. By no means am I saying it costs $10K to get a picture similar to my final result.

Setup #1 – The $1,000 Telescope 

As mentioned, the cameras are slightly different. The camera featured in this setup shoots in full color (one-shot color), meaning after a night of imaging, there will be a complete color image ready for processing. 

A light pollution filter (Optolong L-eNhance) was used to isolate the h-alpha wavelengths and create a punchier image. 

This type of filter is known as a multi-bandpass filter. The transmission graph below should give you a better idea of the selective light transmission this filter allows through. 

Optolong L-eNhance

Optolong L-eNhance Filter light transmission graph. 

Things to Consider

This setup is ultra-portable and can be set up and packed away quickly. The telescope is so light (just over 3 pounds), that the mount needed to run it is more affordable. You could even run this one on a star tracker which makes it a great choice for travelling.

The drawback is that the field of view (250mm) is going to be very wide when compared to other telescopes. This may impact some of the targets you want to photograph, as you won’t be able to ‘zoom in’ for a closer look or greater detail on smaller deep-sky objects.

Setup #1 is a lot more practical for most backyard astrophotographers because of its ease of use, cost, and impressive performance. 

Setup #2 – The $10,000 Telescope

This setup uses a monochrome camera with narrowband filters. This means in order to produce a color image, you need to shoot through LRGB filters and build a color image using the pictures from each filter. 

This type of astrophotography is known as narrowband imaging, and it is a more involved process than traditional RGB (broadband, true color) imaging. 

An electronic filter wheel was used to automate the filter-changing process, and the appropriate filter rotates into place as each new picture is taken. 

astrophotography telescope

Setting up the 32-pound Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 telescope. 

Things to consider

This setup is a big financial and physical commitment. And even though it is one of my favorite refractors, it is extremely heavy and may require an additional set of hands to help you set it up. Due to its size, a more portable setup may get used more frequently, especially if it’s only going to be clear for a few hours. 

This heavy telescope (over 30 pounds) will also require a serious equatorial mount to operate. In this configuration, I am using a Sky-Watcher CQ350 computerized equatorial mount.

So for anyone thinking about upgrading their telescope for astrophotography, remember that your mount might have to upgrade along with it which is an additional cost. 

The Session

Both cameras took 4-minute-long pictures through their respective telescopes to collect light on the camera sensor. We collected over 6 hours of total exposure time through each telescope, thanks to an additional clear night for shooting.

Even though we collected the same amount of time on the Eagle Nebula through both telescopes, the larger setup will have collected more light thanks to a larger objective lens. This is one of the biggest differences between the two telescopes and what you are paying the big bucks for. 

telescope aperture

The big telescope (setup #2) will look deep into the Eagle Nebula to reveal intricate details thanks to light-gathering power, aperture, higher magnification, and focal length. This is the benefit of all of the extra work and cost of this particular setup.

If you’ve already guessed, the pictures look way different through each telescope, since the smaller telescope (setup #1) is shooting at a quarter of the magnification of the big one. This means the field of view is much wider and you actually see other deep-space objects in the sky around the nebula.

The differences in the camera types and filters used create even more of a separation between the two images. 

The Twist

As mentioned, the plan is to capture the same target using two different rigs. But what I haven’t mentioned yet, is that the smaller rig (set #1) is going to be used by Ashley.

She is familiar with using the RedCat 51 and got it set up and polar aligned for her imaging sequence. This is a telescope configuration she is comfortable with using, whereas the bigger system, she is not.

Once all of the images were captured, she processed the final calibrated master file using Adobe Photoshop (with the help of our image processing guide). 

William Optics RedCat 51

Ashley setting up the RedCat 51 telescope on the ZWO AM5 mount.

The Results

Though we are comparing two different telescopes that vary greatly in cost, you could argue that this is a better comparison of focal length than price.

The image scale between the two systems was substantially different, and that had a major impact on the resolution of the final images. 

And even though there are substantial differences in the cameras used, the key differences between using a 6-inch refractor telescope and a 51mm telescope, are clear.

Eagle Nebula using a $1000 telescope

The Eagle Nebula using the William Optics RedCat 51 (250mm, RGB).

Image Details

  • Total Exposure: 6 Hours
  • Integration: 90 x 240-seconds
  • Pre-Processing: Registered and Calibrated in DeepSkyStacker
  • Processing: Adobe Photoshop

 

Eagle Nebula using a $10,000 telescope

The Eagle Nebula using the Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 (1050mm, SHO).

Image Details

  • Total Exposure: 6 Hours
  • Integration: 30 x 240s Ha, 30 x 240s OIII, 30 x 240s SII
  • Pre-Processing: Registered and Calibrated in DeepSkyStacker
  • Processing: PixIndight, Adobe Photoshop

Conclusion

While many people have focused on the many differences between the two setups (other than cost), I still believe that this comparison is of value to anyone looking to ‘level up’ their astrophotography kit.

Smaller telescopes typically have shorter focal lengths, and the comparison between the two versions of the Eagle Nebula shows just how different the image will appear with more reach.

Additionally, a beginner setup is more likely to utilize a one-shot-color camera and light pollution filter, while a larger one may introduce a monochrome camera and narrowband imaging workflow. 

As always, I hope that this post has inspired you to continue your astrophotography journey. Until next time, clear skies!

Related Content



[ad_2]

Stunning Entries from 16th Annual Competition

[ad_1]

Thanks to smartphones, we’ve never been so well-equipped to take fantastic photos. The exceptional quality of smartphone cameras can be truly incredible, and there is no better example of this than the entries of this year’s iPhone Photography Awards, which has just announced the winners of the sixteenth annual competition. 

The winning photographers hail from all over the world, with the grand prize being awarded to Ivan Silva, from Mexico. His entry, entitled ‘Heroe’ (below), is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a professional camera to capture stunning photographs. Below are some of the other mesmerising images captured on iPhones by the talented winning photographers, including the entry of Thea Mihu, who won Photographer of the Year. 

Grand Prize Winner: ‘Heroe’ by Ivan Silva 

Heroe, winner of IPP Awards 2023
Photograph: Ivan Silva / IPPAWARDS

1st Place in Photographer of the Year: ‘Soy Sauce Village’ by Thea Mihu

Soy Sauce Village
Photograph: Thea Mihu / IPPAWARDS

‘Taming Waves’ by Sasa Borozan

Taming Waves
Photograph: Sasa Borozan / IPPAWARDS

‘Once en Rosa’ by Skye Snyder

Once de Rosa
Photograph: Skye Snyder / IPPAWARDS

‘Oculus’ by Akira P. 

Oculus
Photograph: Akira P. / IPPAWARDS

‘Castles in Nature’ by Di Lu

Castles in Nature
Photograph: Di Lu / IPPAWARDS

 ‘Majestic Bald Cypress Stand’ by Pamela-Jones Morton

Majestic Bald Cypress Stand
Photograph: Pamela Jones-Norton / IPPAWARDS

 ‘Islas Afortunadas’ by Alina Rudya 

Islas Afortunadas
Photograph: Alina Rudya / IPPAWARDS

 ‘Ba Jia Jiang’ by Surong Zhu

Ba Jia Jiang
Photograph: Surong Zhu / IPPAWARDS

Did you see that Venice might soon be added to Unesco’s list of endangered sites?

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening across the world.

[ad_2]

Apple unveils the best photos from the Shot on iPhone Macro …

[ad_1]

Text of this article
April 13, 2022
PHOTOS
Apple unveils the best photos from the Shot on iPhone Macro Challenge
Winners highlight the global community of iPhone photographers
Over the course of several weeks earlier this year, iPhone photographers from around the world shared their best macro photos for the Shot on iPhone Macro Challenge, making even the smallest details seem epic in images taken with their iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Today, Apple is announcing the 10 winners who highlight the global and diverse community of iPhone photographers, with finalists from China, Hungary, India, Italy, Spain, Thailand, and the US. Their stunning images will be featured on apple.com, on Apple’s Instagram (@apple), and on billboards in select cities.
The iPhone 13 Pro lineup features the most advanced camera system ever in an iPhone, and for the first time, users can capture sharp, stunning macro images on the device they carry with them wherever they go — opening up a photographic technique previously reserved for those with specialized camera equipment, to even more people. The winning images demonstrate that the beauty of macro photography is its ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and capture the little things in a big way. Photos include incredible nature shots that might be overlooked by the naked eye, like dewdrops on a spiderweb, snowflakes on a dog’s hair, a cavernous hibiscus flower, and a strawberry engulfed in tiny soda water bubbles.
An international panel of expert judges — Anand Varma, Apeksha Maker, Peter McKinnon, Paddy Chao, Yik Keat Lee, Arem Duplessis, Billy Sorrentino, Della Huff, Kaiann Drance, and Pamela Chen — selected the winning images and shared some insight on why they love these shots.
Shot on iPhone Macro Challenge — the Winners
“Sea Glass” by Guido Cassanelli
Buenos Aires, Argentina

From the photographer: “Sea glass is eroded by thousands of miles traveling around the oceans to the shores of the world. I was walking on the beach enjoying a beautiful sunset, and decided to collect some of these small pieces of sea glass to give macro photography on iPhone 13 Pro Max a try. It looks like something strange is happening inside the one placed in the center — it looks like amber. I really love that texture.”
“Photography at its best transports you. Guido Cassanelli’s beautiful image is ethereal, otherworldly, and mysterious. Clearly shot with the iPhone macro lens, but the resulting image has limitless expanse and scale. The psychedelic color range is simply gorgeous.” — Billy Sorrentino
“When we make use of the macro function, the tiny world becomes magnified, and this is a perfect example of that. To be honest, I do not even know what this substance is exactly, but the fact that there is symmetry in the chaos, paired with multiple vibrant colors, makes it super intriguing.” — Yik Keat Lee
“The Cave” by Marco Colletta
Taranto, Italy

From the photographer: “The enveloping shape of the petals, accentuated by intense shadows, made me think of a deep cave, ready to be explored; by keeping the point of view inside the flower, I wanted the hibiscus’s natural framing to make us feel fully part of its beauty. When I first learned about macro mode, I thought it was one more cool new feature I was excited to get with my new iPhone 13 Pro. But when I started exploring its possibilities, I really started loving it. I discovered it gives me the possibility to turn nearly everything I see into an abstract subject, different from what it is in reality. This feature really did unlock my imagination.”
“The rich textures and colors of this image make it stand out, and the soft focus of the foreground is a wonderful compositional element that draws the viewer in.” — Della Huff
“Shooting from the side in macro is not an easy task because you have to consider whether the background will clutter the picture. I like the composition of this image with the buds surrounded by the petals, like it’s being held and cherished. The light and shadow bring a sense of serenity.” — Paddy Chao
“Art in Nature” by Prajwal Chougule
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

From the photographer: “I am a nature lover and love going on early morning walks with my iPhone 13 Pro. The ‘golden hour’ brings the best out of nature and is a photographer’s delight. Dewdrops on a spiderweb caught my attention, and I was fascinated by the way the dry spider silk formed a necklace on which the dew glistened like pearls. It felt like a piece of art on nature’s canvas.”
“A true example of a simple, graphic, yet beautiful image. The water droplets create these gorgeous little pearls that take on the intricate shape of the spiderweb. Simply stunning.” — Arem Duplessis
“This image is so perfect that it looks like an illustration. The well-arranged dewdrops on the spiderweb are captured with great detail. It’s something that most people would miss around them. There is some sort of harmony in the drops; at first glance, the viewer could be deceived on what the subject is. The iPhone does a fantastic job at focusing on such a fine detail, with close to almost no definitive background.” — Apeksha Maker
“A Drop of Freedom” by Daniel Olah
Budapest, Hungary

From the photographer: “My intention was to highlight the tiny drop of water in comparison with the lily. I’ve used a spot studio light on the lily with a dark background. I adore the shape of the flower; the lower petal helps keep the focus on the middle part, highlighting not just the drop, but the stamen, too. Nonetheless, the picture has a rhythm that is building toward the euphoria of the composition.” 
“This image is reminiscent of a flower painting done by a Dutch master. The background frames the flower beautifully, and allows those gorgeous reds, greens, and blues to come forward against the rich black. The reflecting water droplet at the center could very well be a tear, as this image seduces the viewer’s emotions.” — Arem Duplessis
“I really like how clean this is. The water droplet in the center is an obvious focal point; however, I really like how clean the edges of the plant seem to come out. Very little fringe and artifacting for getting so close. The black background again gives this a very high-end fine art feel, which, let’s be honest, people pay a lot of money for.” — Peter McKinnon
“Leaf Illumination” by Trevor Collins
Boston, USA

From the photographer: “This one instance was during the sliver of golden hour when the sun is shining directly into my window, illuminating all of the tiny cells in each leaf. The leaf depicted is from a fiddle-leaf fig that sits on my desk, where I get to see it all throughout the day.”
“Who knew an ordinary leaf could be so intricate? It’s remarkable how a simple backlight can reveal this hidden world of structure and connection that would otherwise go unnoticed.” — Anand Varma
“The reason I like this so much is the obvious layering. The depth of field created with the iPhone here very clearly shows you what the focal point is, and represents a fantastic example of how good the software is at completely isolating the foreground, leaving the background blurry. A perfect example of computational depth of field.” — Peter McKinnon
“Strawberry in Soda” by Ashley Lee
San Francisco, USA

From the photographer: “Using photography to transform everyday items into something more extraordinary is always a fun puzzle that brings out my creativity. For this photo, I used two items that I found in my kitchen fridge: a strawberry and a can of soda. I placed a clear vase on my kitchen counter, poured the soda into the vase, and used a piece of black paper as the background. I then dropped the strawberry in the vase of soda and waited. Slowly, bubbles began to form on the surface of the strawberry, and its texture was completely transformed. I was amazed by the level of detail I was able to capture by taking a macro photo, as I could see the individual bubbles from the soda that were forming on the strawberry’s surface. I chose a strawberry as the subject because I liked how the bright red popped against the black background. The stark contrast focuses your attention on the strawberry and its bubbles, and makes it seem as if the strawberry is floating in space.”
“This photo takes my breath away at first glance. The clarity with motion and the brightness of the strawberry really come through so delightfully.” — Kaiann Drance
“The photographer found a creative use of macro to celebrate the intricate texture of the humble strawberry. I love the energy of the air bubbles, captured at peak fizziness.” — Pamela Chen
“Volcanic Lava” by Abhik Mondal
New Milford, New Jersey, USA

From the photographer: “After buying the new iPhone 13 Pro in December, I was amazed with its macro feature and started capturing different objects, including flowers, insects, plants, and more. One day, during a regular evening walk, I went to a grocery store, where I noticed a bouquet of flowers. This beautiful sunflower caught my attention with its intricate details, including the presence of contrasting colors from the center toward the edge of the petals. I immediately decided to take the bouquet home and capture the beauty of it.”
“Flora and flower photography are the bread and butter of macro photography, and Abhik Mondal’s sunflower is a wonderful showcase of the power of iPhone. The petals lead the viewer toward the kaleidoscopic disk flowers and seeds. Contrast, texture, and smart framing make this a winner.” — Billy Sorrentino
“I feel like the world is my oyster when looking at this photo; the amount of texture in this macro shot is truly stunning, as is using rule of thirds to frame the flower and get the audience to ponder what is beyond the frame. This flower visual draws me in.” — Yik Keat Lee
“Honeycomb” by Tom Reeves
New York City, USA

From the photographer: “This image was taken along the edge of Riverside Park in Manhattan while on a morning walk with our puppy this winter. As she marveled at her first snow, I was able to capture the ephemeral latticework of this tiny snowflake as it landed among the threads of her many honey-colored curls.”
“This image is such a mood. You can practically feel the brisk winter wind that swept these snowflakes here, well seen in their most candid and unmelted beauty. The photographer was able to capture such a delicate detail that tells a larger story, full of movement and life.” — Pamela Chen
“Is this real, or are those small jewels? The snowflakes are elegantly captured with the detail from macro, and the strands of hair look like spun gold.” — Kaiann Drance
“Hidden Gem” by Jirasak Panpiansin
Chaiyaphum City, Thailand

From the photographer: “This tiny, shimmering liquid jewel is delicately nestled at the base of a leaf after a tropical storm, almost imperceptible to the human eye. However, its true brilliance shines through the lens of iPhone — up close, it sparkles with intense clarity, capturing light from the emerging sun and magnifying the intricate, organic geometry of the leaf’s veins underneath. This is nature encapsulated: a world of beauty and wonder made minuscule.”
“This is such an inviting image. I love the soft textures and rich greens, and the reflection and magnification in the water droplet really draw the viewer in.” — Della Huff
“I love the varied light in this image that illuminates the surface texture of the leaf, while simultaneously revealing its inner structure. For me, a successful photograph is one that encourages your eye to linger and explore. This image accomplishes that beautifully.” — Anand Varma
“The Final Bloom” by Hojisan
Chongqing, China

From the photographer: “The photo was taken when my 3-year-old son discovered the blossom of the tulip at home. I then appreciated the flower with my son and took out my iPhone, trying to capture the moment when the sun kissed the flower, which created a perfect shadow at the petals. As I moved my iPhone closer to the flower, it automatically turned on macro mode, and the details of the petals were brought into the fullest. A few moments later, wind came and blew the petals away. Even though the blossom was short, I still captured the highest moment of a tulip’s life, which is a gift from nature.”
“This photo is nothing short of a painting. What catches my eye instantly is the high dynamic range of the iPhone that smoothly evens the harsh and soft light. There is a beautiful harmony in the petals, making it so abstract. Seen from a distance, one wouldn’t be able to recognize the subject. Hojisan has used exposure settings of the iPhone on a harsh day to balance the background well. What completes the image is the ombré colors and fine lines on the petal so crisply captured.” — Apeksha Maker
“The asymmetrical composition and gestalt of Hojisan’s photograph is beautiful. Purposefully abstract, the negative space is as striking as the colorful textures and form.” — Billy Sorrentino
The advanced camera system on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max features new Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras, all powered by the unmatched performance of the Apple-designed A15 Bionic. The new Ultra Wide camera features a much wider ƒ/1.8 aperture, bringing a 92 percent improvement for low-light environments, producing images that are brighter and sharper. The new lens design, autofocus capability for the first time in the Ultra Wide camera on iPhone, and advanced software allow users to capture impressive macro images and videos where subjects appear larger than life.
For those inspired to go out and capture their own macro shots, here are tips for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users:
To learn about the camera features on iPhone and for more iPhone photography tips, visit this page.
Apple Store locations around the world offer free, educational Today at Apple sessions created to inspire people to take creativity further with the products they love.
In celebration of the challenge, Billy Sorrentino, Della Huff, and Pamela Chen will join customers at Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City for a conversation on the art of macro photography, where they will share techniques for creating striking visuals with iPhone. Along with the conversation, attendees will learn tips and get a hands-on experience taking macro photos on iPhone 13 Pro. Customers can visit apple.com/today to join a local session.
Press Contacts
Apple Media Helpline
[email protected]
Images in this article
Apple Media Helpline

[email protected]

The latest news and updates, direct from Apple.
Read more

source

[ad_2]

Kildare Nationalist — Kildare man’s photo features in Reach of the Stars astrophotography exhibition

[ad_1]

A Kildare man’s photo has been selected to feature as part of the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography outdoor exhibition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

 

 

The photo entitled Timeless Wonder was captured by Kacper Groblicki from Maynooth. The image features the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which, for thousands of years has stood as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, beckoning visitors to ponder its mysteries and marvel at its beauty. Above it, the Milky Way has shone for millions of years, a collection of stars, gas and dust that has captivated humans since the dawn of time.

Kacper Groblicki’s image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, from Tuesday, 1st August. The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside Kacper’s. The exhibition is free to attend.

[ad_2]

Benro Cyanbird travel tripod announced

[ad_1]

The Benro Cyanbird is a travel-friendly tripod kit that combines carbon fibre and aluminium for low weight, strength and affordability. Its legs also have an arch profile, so they wrap around the centre column, reducing the diameter of the tripod to just 6cm when it’s folded. That’s great news for travel.

Benro uses carbon fibre for the top tubes and aluminium for the lower leg sections. Consequently, the Benro Cyanbird weighs just 1.05 kg, yet can support up to 4 kg. It also packs down to 46 cm in length while reaching 155 cm at full-stretch.

Benro Cyanbird closed

The legs have blue anodised castings with satin aluminium lever locks. Meanwhile, the centre column has a hook at the bottom to take a weight, such as a camera bag, to increase stability if necessary. The column can also be split to reduce the minimum height of the tripod to just 17cm, and there are three ¼-inch accessory mounts at the top of the centre column.

Benro’s Cyanbird kit includes the Arca-compatible N00P ball head with a single-action lock knob. This enables speedy operations while the quick-release platform can be panned independently of the main ball lock, making it easy to position the camera precisely.

Benro N00P ball head

Key Features

  • Compact and easy to carry – weighs 1.05kg and folds down to 46cm
  • Maximum operating height 155cm
  • Minimum height 17cm
  • 6cm diameter when folded
  • Aluminium flip-leg locks
  • Two-section centre column
  • Hybrid carbon fibre and aluminium leg construction
  • Supports up to 4kg
  • Single action, Arca-compatible ball head with panning quick-release platform.
  • New ocean blue finish

Benro Cyanbird price and availability

The Benro Cyanbird is already available in some territories and will be available in UK and Ireland from 1st September 2023, price – £235 / $189.95.

Benro’s Cyanbird travel tripod looks like a great competitor for the Peak Design Travel Tripod at a more attractive price.

[ad_2]

LA star Daniela Ruah shares rare photo of son and daughter

[ad_1]

daniela ruah smiling at the camera in a white dress and camel coat

NCIS: LA star shares rare photo of childrenGetty Images

NCIS: Los Angeles star Daniela Ruah has shared a rare photo of her son and daughter.

The actress, who played Special Agent Kensi Blye on the show until its conclusion this year, has two children with her husband David Olsen.

Taking to her Instagram page to share a picture of her kids looking at a rainbow, Daniela wrote: “Joy x 2 Alegria x 2. #rainbow #nature #kids #son #daughter #arcoiris #natureza #filhotes #alegria #joy”.

Related: NCIS star Michael Weatherly teases show return with cryptic caption

Last month the actress addressed the possibility that she could jump over to NCIS: Hawai’i following the conclusion of Los Angeles, especially after co-star LL Cool J did the same.

“If I get asked, I will certainly figure it out at the time,” she told TVLine. “If it makes sense, why not, right?”

Meanwhile Daniela’s brother-in-law, fellow NCIS: LA star Eric Christian Olsen, recently opened up about his experience of COVID-19.

daniela ruah, ncis los angeles

Getty Images

Related: NCIS stars Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen reunite amid strike

“Day one of COVID,” he said. “It declined raaapidly [sic] from here. Spent the next two days on the floor. Like tried to watch puss and boots [sic] and couldn’t comprehend the plot.

“Winter was seeing floating people in the ceiling. Wyatt was puking like an Ensign during fleet week. Somehow [Sarah, his wife] still looks like a supermodel while her bones melt. We all dodged it for three years but when it came for us, it came with with zero respect for our delusions of grandeur. #celebratelife.”

In other NCIS news, star Brian Dietzen has shared an update on season 21 of the show amid the Hollywood strikes, revealing while on holiday that he will be joining his co-stars in protesting when he returns.

“Now back to work… eventually? Til then, I’ll be on the picket lines. Hope your summer is going great!” he said.

NCIS: Los Angeles aired on CBS in the US and on Sky Max in the UK.

You Might Also Like

[ad_2]

El estallido del cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks

[ad_1]

El cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks es un cometa periódico de unos 30km de diámetro que completa una orbita el Sol cada 71 años. Es uno de los cometas periódicos más brillantes y fue descubierto en julio de 1812 por Jean-Louis Pons, quien en su fructífera vida de astrónomo descubrió un total de 37 cometas.

El pasado 20 de julio este cometa sufrió un outburst o estallido de actividad y pasó de magnitud 16,6 a magnitud 11,6 en cuestión de horas, esto es cien veces más brillante. El cometa está acercándose al Sol aunque no alcanzará el perihelio hasta el mes de abril de 2024.

Con el anuncio del outburst muchos astrónomos han apuntado sus telescopios hasta este cometa (ahora en la constelación de Draco, por lo que es accesible para los observadores boreales) y se han obtenido imágenes de gran calidad que muestran una coma brillante.

En torno al 22 de julio las imágenes del cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks mostraban una peculiar forma como de «pezuña de caballo». Durante los últimos días la coma del cometa ha continuado aumentando de tamaño.

El cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks fotografiado por el Virtual Telescope Project

¿Qué causa los estallidos en el cometa?

Los astrónomos han estudiado este tipo de estallidos a lo largo de los años y si la naturaleza es similar a otros casos estudiados podrían ser causados por el calor solar que debilita la corteza del cometa, provocando que el monóxido de carbono (CO) y el dióxido de carbono (CO2) escapen desde el interior hasta la superficie en una erupción explosiva liberando polvo y escombros. Esto se produce más frecuentemente en los cometas que giran muy despacio sobre si mismos, teniendo una de sus caras expuestas al Sol de manera prolongada.

cometa12pponsbrookssketch
Dibujo del cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks por G.E.D Alcock en 1954. Nótese la cola visible del cometa con binoculares.

¿Cómo ver el cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks?

Al ser un cometa con un periodo de 71 años esta será probablemente la única oportunidad que tendremos la mayoría de nosotros de ver este cometa (la última vez que alcanzó el perihelio fue en mayo de 1954, un mes antes alcanzó una magnitud de 6). Se espera que el 12P/Pons-Brooks siga ganando brillo paulatinamente durante los próximos meses a medida que se acerque a nosotros.

Actualmente lo encontramos muy alto en el cielo durante la noche en la constelación de Draco y para noviembre se estará encaminando hacia la constelación de Lira mientras va ganando velocidad. Entre diciembre y enero atravesará el Cisne y ya en marzo lo encontraremos en Pegaso, muy bajo en el horizonte antes del atardecer.

mapa12p2024
Mapa de posición del cometa durante la primera mitad de 2024.

Para abril de 2024 lo encontraremos bajo en el horizonte cerca de Júpiter durante el crepúsculo vespertino, será seguramente el mejor momento para observarlo. En junio de 2024 estará a 1,6UA de la Tierra y probablemente lo tendremos en magnitud 6, al límite de observación a simple vista pero ya estará muy cerca del Sol y no tendremos oportunidad de observarlo en horas de oscuridad. No obstante se da la circunstancia de que en abril de 2024 habrá un eclipse solar en México y Estados Unidos y ese será un momento perfecto para ver el cometa 12P/Pons-Brooks durante su máximo brillo. ¡Si es que tienes ojos suficientes para observar todo a la vez!

[ad_2]

vivo’s new V3 chip brings cinema-like photography to mobile

[ad_1]

Following the recently-held Special Event of the 2023 vivo Imaging Conference that took place in Xining, China, smartphone manufacturer vivo revealed the V3 chip, which promises to bring mobile photography to the next level.

The customized V3 chip employs a cutting-edge 6nm process and adds the newly developed multi-concurrent AI-ISP architecture and next-generation Frame Into Tunneling (FIT), which altogether brings a superior user experience.

That is, with capabilities such as 4K cinema-esque bokeh, cinema-esque skin optimization, automatic subject focus detection and switching, and cinematic color processing. The feat marks vivo in history as the first-ever phone maker to bring 4K cinema-quality portrait video with post-processing capabilities.

Aside from the remarkable hardware, vivo also unveiled a “composite algorithm matrix solution” or the vivo Origin Imaging Engine (VOIE), which improves overall image quality and computing capability through advancement in underlying algorithmic capabilities for three sub-modules—Ultra HD Engine, Color Restoration Engine, and Accelerated Computing Engine.

Vivo-V3-Zeiss

Learning from users’ experiences concerning photography habits, vivo also developed the Vast-Sky Night System and Hyper-Sense Portrait System that captures the best quality images based on night scenes and usual portrait user scenarios.

Joining vivo in the event is also its reliable partner in the business ZEISS which helped announced a periscope lens, based on the “Vario-Apo-Sonnar” guidelines. Said to be at the caliber of bringing top industry-standard control of chromatic aberration, the APO debuts on mobile for high-performance zoom quality.

Aside from ZEISS, vivo also brought in the other big guys of the industry when it brought to attention its partnership with MediaTek for its X80 series. Likewise, the Chinese company also announced its planned collaboration with Sony on the development of two significant technologies in the future—HDR and 2-layer pixel (stack pixel).

vivo’s planned team-ups does not just end there, however, as it also mentioned plans for expanded joint innovation research with various industry partners, including educational institutions known to be at the forefront of technological breakthroughs such as ETH Zurich and other universities.

[ad_2]