New Astrophotography Book

[NeilW]

Hi all,

I recently purchased The Astrophotography Manual: A Practical and Scientific Approach to Deep Space Imaging by Chris Woodhouse. At around $70 it represents a significant investment, but for those seriously interested in the field I think it's one worth making. I don't think there's been such an in depth look at the topic since Rod Wodaski's The New CCD Astronomy. Thierry Legault's Astrophotography published last year was very good, but I think Chris Woodhouse's surpasses it by quite some margin.

At 288 pages, it's an up to date and in depth exploration of DSI covering equipment, setup, capture and calibration & processing using a range of hardware and software. Although the author clearly favors Maxim-DL for capture and control, other examples are also given. But in my opinion, the 43 pages devoted to PixInsight processing are almost worth the purchase price alone. It's effectively a PI primer.

Around 40 pages toward the end of the book consist of "assignments" in which the author takes us through the specific requirements, from hardware to capture to processing, for a range of familiar "beginner" targets. There are also some useful sections in the appendix, including an excellent "Diagnostics and Troubleshooting" guide.

The book is profusely illustrated with quality colour screen shots and diagrams. I think it sets a new benchmark as a textbook for deep sky astrophotography written by someone who has worked through the process thoroughly, and I highly recommend it.

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

This looks really good. I can see the Kindle edition on Amazon. Did you get a hard copy and where did you purchase it from please?
Thanks
Graham.

[NeilW]

Hi Graham,

I purchased a hard copy through Amazon USA, but The Book depository has it too. Not much difference in price though...all around the $70 AUD mark.

Cheers,

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Cheers Neil just ordered it through Amazon.
Thanks for the recommendation

[RickS (Rick)]

I have ordered a copy too, though I don't think I need a PI primer Looks like a good read, thanks Neil.

[gregbradley]

Thanks for the tip. I just ordered it as well. Mainly for the PI Primer!
Greg.

[pmrid (Peter)]

Me too. First impressions are very good.
For those wanting some video tutorials on using SGP, the author's website has some very good ones he has made as a sort of adjunct to the book. Also recommended.
Peter

[Robert9 (Robert)]

"Wordery" has it for $66.68 free postage.
https://wordery.com/the-astrophotogr...76845#oid=1003
Robert

[alan meehan (Alan)]

Thanks Robert ,just ordered one from wordery
ALAN

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Hi Alan,
I hope you got your order in early as they've bumped the price to $74.72.!!!
Strange though, if you search through "Booko" it still comes up with $66.68.
Robert

[alan meehan (Alan)]

Just got it in for $66.68 with free shipping only a few left
AL

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Great.

[sil (Steve)]

I completely agree with Neil's original post. Very good book. Comprehensive and clear explanations to help you understand the "whys" of choices. It's not limited to a single hardware methodology or understanding. A choice book for anyone using any equipment and well worth getting. Pretty much the ONLY book astrophotographers need.

[skysailor (Peter)]

Thanks guys - just ordered this book from Wordery...
cheers