Hi Everyone,
First big post....so go easy on me
After doing numerous Star Trails and single shot astrophotography, I'm ready to step into the realm of AP using either a tracker or existing equipment.
My camera gear consists of a Canon 7D, 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6, Mark 1 Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO DG Macro. I am also in possession of a cheap telescope(Aldi Nat Geo type) that has a EQ1 Mount. Mounting my DSLR to this telescope is nigh on impossible!
My question to the more experienced photogs out there is: Can I use the existing equipment (retro-fit the EQ1 mount with a motor drive and attachment for my DSLR) to achieve decent results? I'm interested in doing both Wide field and Deep Space Objects. Or are trackers the way to go? I am working to a budget so that will need to be kept in mind. I've looked at the three most portable star trackers ie Vixen Polarie, iOptron Skytracker Pro (and Skyguider) and the Star Adventurer Skywatcher and I'm none the wiser for which one would be best suited to my needs if the retro-fit option isn't ideally suited. I hear that counter weighting those trackers are helpful, so if the retro-fit option isn't viable I was thinking of cannibalizing the counter weight off the telescope to help out (if it fits of course
)
Not aiming to get award winning photos, but just the reward of capturing something different in the night sky.
Looking forward to your responses!