Kugelkopf zur Kamerabefestigung

Ball head to connect camera onto Star Tracker

I was skeptical, I tried a SkyWatcher EQ mount tracker, the Benro Polaris and this MSM Nomad. While the EQ mount is a different animal, serves the same purpose so I'm including it. This MSM Nomad is hands down the best one for me.
It is very portable, a small form factor - important for astrophotographers that tend to have to travel to dark skies.
After watching one video on set up, I was able to go out that night and set this up in total darkness and get polar alignment immediately with the laser included (brilliant design by the way). I had my camera on it and was tracking within five minutes.
The quality of the tracked images was pinpoint perfect. I was doubtful because it was so small and easy, I feared there would be some blurring, but none.
The battery lasts a very long time. I've had it out on five different occasions now and it still has some juice left. It is also easy to hook up to an external battery pack if needed.
The cost is a steal for this little gadget.
Let me warn you though, if you get the newer Nomad, you DO NOT need the laser mount. The Nomad comes with an adapter for the end of the laser that allows you to mount it directly to the tracker without a bulkier mount.
And, while the alignment was easy, and tracking was perfect, I would also recommend the polar scope kit just to dial in the alignment even more precisely. Its a great add on accessory.
Overall, I am thrilled with this tracker, it should have been my very first purchase.

I received in a short time, excellent service. the product works well.

I did a test run of putting my new Nomad & Ball Head together, to get to know my new gear. Following the image of what everything is meant to look like, I put it together no worries. The gear seems sturdy enough. Now I just have to wait for clear skies so I can get out and use it. I’ve been waiting 6 weeks so far. It’s either clouds or a full moon. lol.

Move Shoot Move has a high quality little ball head. It lets you quickly point your camera in any direction, including straight up. It locks your camera down, holding it steady on anything in the sky or on the ground for that matter.

I haven't received it yet.

It did a wonderful job of tracking the April 8th eclipse (once I figured out how to mount the camera to it). The ball head was a tricky thing to get right, (instructions would be nice). Overall, well worth the price.

Always a pain to get set up but works well. Love the small size and the polar
Alignment is easy

The long, 10 day delivery via China Post and SPS was expected so the MSM arrived in a timely manner. Tested both rotations (star tracker and MSM) and worked properly. My real interest is in the MSM function, so I began shooting some MSM timelapse. Took a bit to get everything properly set up. Watch the online tutorials. Quite helpful.

I have several ball heads. Set up with the wedge on a heavy duty tripod and a Siri ballhead worked well.

As I power both my camera (Nikon D500) and my Timelapse+ ramping driver by externam power, I decided to also power the MSM externally. That worked well, as expected. My Timelapse + can drive the MSM, so I connected the two with a TRS cable. Took an experiment to determine which of the two 2.5 mm ports to use, but the camera port worked. And, of course, I didn't set the rotation in the correct direction - learning curve!

I have more experimentation run to learn which MSM step size works best and how to select the rotation angle to get the TL composition I want.

I also have the alignment tools to play with star tracking. Plan to do some in the near future. I have the angle viewer for the scope in transit right now. This should be included in a kit.

Also, the number of 1/4-20 to 3/8th and 3/8th to 3/8th adapters should be increased. Easily lost and you never have enough. 6 of each in the kit would be a real plus.

Overall, exceedingly well engineered and supported. See photos for my MSM set up.

If only had Tim to use my Nomad a couple of times and it has produced awesome Milky Way photos. It’s is very small and compact and easy to use. I love it.