Hi Carlstronomy,
Thanks for your detailed response and advice.
Sorry - already rushed in!
I guess to answer some of your points, I offer the following responses:
Budget (really tight) - Wanted/Needed to keep under $1000!
Photographing/Imaging - Widefield (i.e. nebula, larger galaxies, clusters)
Level - Just a beginner (I am a realist - so happy to capture something, I understand things get better with practice).
I have now (as of today) already bought/acquired some items locally as follows:
SVBony 30mm Guidescope - Used - $35
EQ3-2 (with Skywatcher Deluxe Dual Drive Tracking, HC + ST4 Port) - Used - $295
OnStep Goto System (Prebuilt + Motors & Brackets) - New (eBay) - $280
Celestron Nexguide Autoguider - Used - $0 (Gift/Extended Loan)
Raspberry Pi 3 (For use with Stellarmate, EKOS, Astroberry etc) - Used- $0 (Already Had)
Canon 50d & Sony a6000 Cameras (+ Timer Controllers) - Used - $0 (Already Had)
Canon & Sony Camera T-Adaptors - Used - $25
Samyang 135mm f2 Manual Focus (EF Model + Sony Adaptor) - Used - $0 (Already Had)
Old Laptop & Tablet - Used - $0 (Already Had)
TOTAL SO FAR - $635!
This leaves approx $375 for a telescope/OTA, so mission impossible here and I might need to extend by around $200 (closer to $600) to buy something. I am looking at the 80ED (on IIS) without focuser at the moment, a GSO focuser will cost around $290. So maybe buy the OTA and save for the focuser or wait for a Moonlite version to come up used. I could just use the 135mm lens in the interim.
I have downloaded details on how to hypertune an EQ3-2 and that process has begun today. Once the OnStep package arrives, I will then install the goto system to the mount.
I understand that this is a tight budget, but that is what it is I am afraid. I don't expect the same quality of images as some of those seen on IIS. It is just as much about the experience and learning. As stated in my first post, if I keep things relatively wide and fast I think I might be able to get away with a less forgiving and lighter mount. Well that is what my research leads me to believe.
I have been looking into this for a little while and I have already accumulated a range of free imaging software etc, which I have been practicing with for some months with other peoples images and data.
Thanks again, I am getting closer and will hopefully be able to post some images here soon. I can't wait!
Regards
JA
Quote:
Originally Posted by carlstronomy
JimmyAstro,
Welcome to the hobby, can I first ask you a question. You mentioned astrophotography, what do you want to take images of and how good do you want your images to be. This very simple question not answered can send you on a quest which will cost you a lot of money when not required.
Direct responses
1. Budget - the word astrophotography means you will have to spend some money, do you have a budget in mind.
2. There are many light weight rigs out there you do not have to go big. It sounds like with health issues big will never be something you are looking at.
3. This is covered by 2.
So having said that you will require the following.
1. A nice mount, you really need to look at a go-to mount. A manual mount when you travel to sites will not be fun, a manual mount for astrophotography is a pain. If you go for a manual mount from the start when planning out imaging then you will soon pack things in the corner and say its all too hard.
2. A nice small refractor will get you lovely images for a beginner.
3. A camera, a lot of people start out with a cheap DSLR, these can be picked up on marketplace for a $120. The best thing about these is you can use these without a laptop when starting out.
4. A focusing mask
5. A computer, but this does not have to be a travel one. You do your work on the computer when you get home and transfer your images from your camera.
6. Software to stack and process your hard night of imaging. There is enough free stuff to start out with you do not have to spend a penny here 
This is now where your budget can take a hit. You go a big mount, fancy camera, a laptop, then you need power etc, lots to carry etc etc. This impacts all 3 of your criteria. Below are just examples, I am not saying go out and buy them in anyway there are other options out there
Mount - Star Adventurer GTi with WiFi Control - This unit can be controlled by your phone is fully go-to and runs with AA batteries
Scope- Evostar ED 62 or ED72 Refractor - small and very nice to use and give great results for learners
Camera - Canon 450d-700d. (Do not purchase a 750d)
My site rig is the above mount, ED62 and and a 450d. This whole unit is light and easy to setup.
Having said this, use Dr google and look into a few things, work out how much you want to spend first. You can get a lot of good second hand gear on this site for great prices and you will not go wrong with the people here as they will always help.
IMPORTANT: Do not rush into anything. |