Delderby Loc: Derby UK

You say you will use your tripod, so If you have the option of electronic shutter use it. Setting your shutter delay to 2 seconds might be better than remote.

anotherview Loc: California

Use the mirror lockup, too. This action removes the mirror-slap vibration.

Another technique: Suspend a weight from the tripod. This action will steady the tripod while tamping any vibration from the ground.

Some tripods have a hook for attaching a weight in the center where the legs meet. I used to hang a 5-pound bag of sand from the tripod for this purpose.

These two actions will bring out the native sharpness of the lens.

Note: If wish to verify the minute movement of the camera when the DSLR shutter actuates, mount a bubble level in the camera's hot-shoe. Watch carefully, and you will see a very slight movement lasting about a second or so.

AFPhoto Loc: Jamestown, RI, USA

Some of the most dramatic Milky Way pics I have seen were those that used a wide lens and kept some object in the foreground (a tree or a rock formation) and used a low intensity light to illuminate that object. The end result can be quite spectacular. I tried one night at Arches with a professional guide but the moon was too bright that night. Got some decent pictures of the Milky Way but only after significant multi exposure processing for which there are several excellent UTUBE shows. Good luck and don't forget to stay warm. It gets pretty cold in the desert at night.

Cubanphoto

Yes, I am bringing gloves and a beanie and a jacket!

Cubanphoto

Good tips! Thank you