So this was my first test shot of a crowded night sky somewhere around 6500 elevation at Tioga Pass, Yosemite back in August. It was just before dawn and I didn't have much time but I thought this was a pretty cool shot. There wasn't time for a time lapse. This was at 1600 ISO (Nikon D7000) and 10 second exposure if I remember correctly. This is facing the eastern sky. Somehow I think the stars could be sharper, but maybe that has something to do with the exposure time. Not sure. Some stars sort of look too round and white and less sparkle?

Even I'm looking this post from phone I can see that the stars could be sharper. I also have Tokina 11-16 and it has been useless what it comes to astrophotography. I did use this one DIY fix to help focus reach infinity, it helped a little bit but the results weren't still good enough.

I've to add when I look this now at PC it doesn't look that bad, could be worse.
In case you want to check out the fix what might help your problem:
http://www.christianschmeer.com/blog/To ... Adjustment

Thanks. I'm glad you can notice it. I wondered if it was a limitation of the lens or or if possibly a different ISO/Shutter Speed would improve the stars focus. Maybe even a filter? - Just a guess. I'm looking over the lens modification page I'd consider it or else be interested in what kind of lens would not have this affect - (id imagine a much more expensive one?).

Can you send cropped image of the photo?

(from the center cluster - Little Dipper)

(top portion)

I really can't say is the focus terrible wrong due to quality of image, but to my eyes it looks like that the stars are slightly rounded. The infinity focus fix will probably help. (at least in my case) If you do it be careful and follow the instructions given.

Sure. I'll google more and see if there are any other similar cases (with rounded stars) or solutions out there using this lens.
I love the picture though - just the fact that it shows what I can see if I am actually there. Plus this may have been a 15 sec exposure or more and maybe there was some movement recorded.

Well, I have never managed how to focus with my Tokina properly for night sky images. But what is the purpose of this DIY manual? Better what exactly?