Chasing the Stars from the City: Marty Tang’s Journey

In one of the world’s most light-polluted cities, 54-year-old Marty Tang is proving that passion—and planning—can overcome almost anything.

“I don’t know why, but some people are just drawn to the stars above. I’m one of them,” says Marty, a Hong Kong-based amateur astrophotographer and Newtonian telescope maker.

From a young age, Marty’s heart was already among the stars. At 13, he discovered two books by local astronomy pioneers— taking astrophotos and making Newtonian telescope. “That was the time I stepped into the field, trying to take astrophotos with my very cheap DIY telescope,” he recalls. Like many, life got in the way, and his hobby was put on hold…

It wasn’t until 2013 that he returned— this time, to a digital world. After two years with a DSLR, the ZWO ASI071MC Pro opened new doors. “That model opened the great door for me.”

Turning Limitations into Launchpads

Though Hong Kong’s skies rarely offer ideal shooting conditions, Marty didn’t let that stop him. “I wouldn’t expect decent results locally, but I still try my best.” He regularly drives 45 minutes from home to escape the city’s glow, and every two years, he joins a small team of fellow enthusiasts on imaging trips to Australia’s pristine dark sites. “We enjoy driving to rural areas, setting up our gear, letting them run—and then just watching the Milky Way with our naked eyes. Those scenes are ordinary to locals, but magnificent for city guys like us.”

Monochrome, Mastered

Marty’s biggest leap came with the ASI2600MM Pro, a camera that pulled him into the world of monochrome imaging. “It took me some time to get through the new mono workflow, but after that I was so impressed—sensitivity, resolution, low noise, dynamic range… especially the rich H-alpha signal. My images are so well improved.” That journey eventually led him to the ASI6200MM Pro. He smiles: “I have to confess. I have many red-can-like items in my inventory.”

Advice from Experience Like every

astrophotographer, Marty has faced his share of challenges—from technical hiccups to long nights of unrewarded processing. But he’s learned the value of preparation: “Good planning and good preparation are the most important parts.” And when stuck, he found help online. “I’m grateful that so many astrophotographers share their valuable experience on YouTube.”

Looking Ahead

What’s next? “I wish to have my own astro photo album—my best-selected pictures printed and sent to my family and friends.”

Marty knows the future may bring limitations. “Maybe one day we won’t be able to carry heavy gear anymore. But I think we’ll still put something small into our backpack. Dark sites are disappearing—enjoy them while we can.”