Try these Neal: https://www.google.com/search?q=How+to+shoot+the+night+sky&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

I use my delete key a lot.
And by shooting time lapse's, I can capture things missed by the eye.
Use a tripod and work with timed exposures, delayed triggering, remote release (I like wireless).
Making startrails is fun, and a good way to get started. And a program for Startrails is free.

Do not discount the Sigma too much. I have both and the 100-400 Canon is a good lens for what it is. But the Sigma's are VERY close, in most cases too close to differentiate. Plus, they are 50% more reach for less than half the price of the Canon, not to mention 4 times the warranty. I took this pic 2 weeks ago and just sold full rights for it to a NYC Publishing company for more than my lens cost. Oh yeah, my lens was a Sigma Sport used at full 600mm zoom, hand held, at dusk.
And remember, 400mm at F5.6 with a TC is only 560mm at F8. Hardly a desirable shooting choice.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-423507-1.html

I think you misunderstood what I said. I was pretty clear that I would avoid Nest products for several reasons - I couldn't find any detail whatsoever on the Nest website, and when I asked the sole importer for information he failed to provide it, providing a google search page. What I did find was a single review that complained about substandard parts failing. I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest an alternative. I do have a background in probability and statistics, and this does not apply. The sample size is far too limited and skewed, not random. I never trashed the product. I merely pointed out that I personally was unable to find detail on the product, either through a search or by direct inquiry, and on that basis I wouldn't consider one.

I don't know what you mean by an unverified review - in light of the fact that you suggest that I accept your unverified comments, and those of other users (also unverified), and then you make some reference to statisticial aberration as if you even know what that is.

These are examples of sites that provide useful information about their products without revealing "trade secrets" as you describe:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/
http://www.gitzo.us/
http://www.indurogear.com/portals/0/files/induro_tripods_instructions.pdf
and http://www.indurogear.com/
http://www.benrousa.com/products/browse-by-products - not much info on their site, but a quick call to their White Plains office will provide you with detailed information
https://www.manfrotto.us/
http://www.feisol.com/0823product.html
http://www.sirui.eu/en/products/tripods/
http://www.desphotodist.com/Tripods.html (and this is made by the same factory that makes Nest and Dolica, btw)

To mention a few. . .

Each of the above sites provide detailed information about the important features that differentiate their products from their competitors.

I am glad you and others like your purchase. However, without knowing how you use your tripod and head, what your experience level is with these products, what your quality standards are, etc etc etc - I cannot base a purchase on an impression, or suggest anyone else do the same. There's where the comparative specs come in, and to a lesser degree, anecdotal stuff.

Nest may be a great tripod, or it could be junk that will fail when you least expect it. It's hard to tell from the available literature, reviews, product description. Instead of being cute, the importer should answer all inquiries promptly and with the information requested, not with a suggestion that the inquirer go on an Easter egg hunt.

When navigating to the nest website in the google search page link, this is what I saw - hardly a complete description for a fairly expensive product, certainly not enough to make a purchasing decision. For what it's worth, the other tripod made by the same company - Desmond - does seem to have products that are at least as good, and certainly worth a look.

I will admit that eventually I did find what I was looking for on the Camera Cottage website, and they do seem to be competitive with their specs and pricing. The 404 in particular is about as much tripod as I would ever what for a long lens, as long as the legs don't come apart as they did for the poor guy in the review that I quoted.