More images from frosty drew

[Ronald Z]

Enjoy friends!

[WCGucfa]

Hey Ron,

Really nice images! I wish we could see them larger; especially the observatory image.

I noticed you have a lightning trigger for your camera.
How about showing us some shots you've taken using it! I'm on the edge about to purchasing one.

Also, has anyone else used this type of gadget? If so, please post your results. Thanks!

Bill G.

[Ronald Z]

Thanks Bill,

this BB only allows image sizes up to 256 KB so I can't download anything larger.
As for my lightning trigger, I really love it! My first one and one of the "pioneer" companies
to design one is from Stepping Stone Products. I think their version is the "original". It is
more pricey but is very robust and fully featured. Here is their link:

http://store.lightningtrigger.com/

I then swtiched to my current trigger, the AEO Photo Lightning Strike Micro LS 3.0
I believed I paid a little over $100 for it and it looks like they now have updated 4.0 versions.
Here is the link from B&H Photo:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Nt ... av-Search=

What you must keep in mind is that they "lightning triggers" are optimized and best used in large flat fields such as
Turf farms so that you can catch the entire cloud-to-ground lightning stroke. These are most popular in the mid-west where the
conditions are more ideal for severe lightning and the land areas are flatter. You can still capture some amazing lightning strikes
with these units. They are fantastic.

Be sure that the lightning trigger you purchase, if you do, is compatible with your camera brand / model. The other caveat is
that you need to be sure that it comes with a proper shutter cable that connects from the "trigger unit" to your camera's shutter port.
This is the jack that you would connect your remote shutter release. I use a great product called the Vello Shutter Release Cable
#RCC-C1-2.5 and it works with remote triggers featuring a 2.5mm sub-mini jack. This model is made for Canon cameras.

The most important thing, of course, is to practice "lightning" safety at all times! You can set up your camera on tripod with the
lightning trigger, compose your shot, get infinity focus and your camera set for "shutter priority" mode. The shutter speed settings
tend to be between 1/4 and 1/8sec, ISO 100.....and there you go. The trigger senses the lightning bolts from as far as 20 miles or
more away. You will find, though, that the more intense (severe thunderstorms), like we had this morning, which produce the
dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning will be captured more easily with these units. Also, for composition purposes, this kind of
lightning is what you want for spectacular WOW FACTOR!

Let me know if you need any further information. It will be easier to see my lightning images if you just go to my website gallery
at this link:
http://www.ronaldzinconephotography.com/p773873527


Ron Z

[AndyG]

this BB only allows image sizes up to 256 KB so I can't download anything larger.

I would love to see larger versions of your photos too. Most of us use a free photo hosting site like flickr, ImageShack, AstroBin or photobucket to host the image and then post the image on the board using the [img] tag like this: [img]http://free-photo-hosting-site.com/blah/blah.jpg[/img]

[Bruce D]

Really, we prefer images not be downloaded directly onto the bulletin board anyway. With all the hi-res images that get posted over they years it can put a dent in the limited storage we have on the server that hosts our website and BB- much better to have your images hosted on Photobucket or some other hosting site (use their server space!) and imbed a link in your bulletin board post.

[Ronald Z]

Ok...will do!

[Ronald Z]

Check out some of my astropics on my Flickr photostream:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/129073489@N04/

Ronald Z

[WCGucfa]

Ron, thanks much for the lightning trigger info!
I ended up getting the AEO 4.0 Micro (non-pro) direct from AEO.
Could have saved 4-5 bucks getting it through B&H. I buy all my photo equipment there but was so excited getting a trigger,
I jumped on the one on the AEO site without price shopping! I also get my purchaces the next day from B&H.
Never mind, I'm happy as heck the trigger is on the way!!!!

Your lightning images are fantastic! Thanks again!

Bill G.

[Ronald Z]

Bill,

that's great....you are really going to have fun with that trigger. Just remember that capturing lightning is like
trying to capture meteors but just a little easier but more dangerous. Sometimes it is just a matter of being in
the right spot at the right time. Use a radar app to see and follow where the storms are and either setup at your
current location or you may need to "chase" the storm and get into position. Be careful of the lightning, possible
flooding and any tornadic activity.

A good example is what we have had this past week or so. The more intense "heavy" or "severe" thunderstorms
will be the ones that will most likely allow you to capture the cloud-to-ground lightning. Try to find a flat field
like a turf farm and be sure to stay away from trees. I sometimes shoot from inside my car where I am safe and
keeps the camera and lens dry. Most of the time, I either capture from my home or I find a safe distance where
I can still capture the lightning but without being in the core of the storm.

Please send me and/or the ASSNE BB any lightning captures you get!

Good luck and be safe!
Ronald Z

[WCGucfa]

Thanks again, Ron.
I've always been fascinated with lightning. I learned the hard way to respect it.
When I was a teenager, I was sitting next to an open window during a storm. A bolt came in and
blew the rotory dial phone on the table next to me to pieces!!
A close call for sure, but the melted cuts in the phone sure amazed everyone (I should have kept it!)
I still get really nervous during electric storms. Everything in the house that is unpluggable (word?) is unplugged!
About 4 years ago I lost a USB port on my computer to a strike.

BG