Another which one question

[zumka]

Hi guys please excuse me if I'm asking question that was asked many times.

I have a budget of $800.

I would like to get in to Astrophotography. I already have Nikon D50 DSLR just was wondering if it can be attached.

My main question: Please recommend what to get. Portability is important.

I looked at the different options Skywatcher SW-600from Andrews looks interesting. Not sure if it's good for Astrophotography and not sure if reflector is a good choose.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.


:)

[rmcpb]

You are not going to like this but with that budget you will not get into astrophotography.

Now the bad news is over there is no reaso why you can't get into afocal (through the eyepiece) or piggyback (mount your camera on the back of the scope for wide angle images) on a relatively modest mount/telescope.

I will leave the rest to the gurus on the site for the actual details.

Good to have you on board :)

[zumka]

what is the minimu budget to get in to astrophotography

[robgreaves]

For your budget, I would buy a mount - probably a second hand one to get the best mount you can for your money.

Possibly not the answer you were expecting...? Hear me out! You could put your DSLR on there and take some superb wide field shots. Even perhaps with a 200mm or so lens, it should be possible to easily take 1 minute unguided shots with careful polar alignmnet, which when 'stacked' could easily be capable of competition-winning results.

In time, you could then maybe add a wide field refractor and try longer focal length imaging, and learn techniques such as autoguiding to overcome all the technical issues that imaging at longer focal lengths generates.

To try and equip with a guidable mount, and a scope for imaging, and an autoguider on such a budget would probably only lead to compromises in equipment capability and frustration :(

Regards,
Rob

[xelasnave]

Minimum astro photo gear I would suggest is an eq5 and 200mm camera lens...but with a good mount even a bad scope will produce decent results ... but in truth there are few short cuts really.

Enjoy visual as long as you can...

alex

[dannat]

I think you could get started with an eq5, you might get one with ra/dec drives for $400 secondhand - put your camera on it - and try first. The most common scope is an ed80 - about $800 new now - have gone up about 200 with the aud falling a lot.

[xelasnave]

My next trip ...when the weather permits..is to get the $200 70mm taking photos to see just what a cheap scope can do when well tracked and the frames well stacked.

What I get with the 70/300 lens ($200) is very satisfying. I did a LMC with the lens recently and I liked it.

alex

[zumka]

What about Skywatcher SW-600 EQ5 for $799.00 AUD from Andrews.
I'm asuming EQ5 that's the tripod

[xelasnave]

mmmm maybe

We call a tripod the mount but really the units break down to a "head" and a tripod.

If the eq5 is $800 that sounds excellent v alue... you could be happy doing wide fields believe me,

When I started I disregaurded wide fields as I wanted to get some of those hubble shots but in a dark region wide fields are simply fantastc...so even with a standard 50mm lens you are on your way...with a 70/300 you will have months to save for a scope to add...and I bet you will be happy.

alex

[xelasnave]

AND excuse my manners I forgot to welcome you to the worlds best astro site which I now do.

Welcome to iceinspace Daniel from me.

alex

[zumka]

Thank you.

What about EQ3 would that be enough ?

[xelasnave]

I have no experience with that mount so I can not offer any useful advice.
alex

[zumka]

Andrews sels the following EQ5 mounts:

EQ5 equatorial mount with adjustable height aluminum tripod legs $299.00
EQ5 equatorial mount with adjustable height steel tube tripod legs $399.00

I'm also going to need motor drive (can I get away with the first one ?)

EQ4/EQ5 dual axis motor drive kit - includes hand controller $199.00

Am I on the right track in here ?

[xelasnave]

Er I dont think we are taking about the same eq5???
Must be the old ones... anyways I have one of them as well.
It works fairly well but we did a lot of work on it...,
if the one I have they come with crapy greese that needs to be removed and evrything polished... there are kits to bring these up to a better level.

Still it worked fair compared to the new eq6 which is miles ahead.. you could get one but I would say you wont get past photo tracking of 100 odd seconds,,It has been a while and I really worked hard to get that mount to track well,,, still for wide fields it will work ,,, if you do dont worry about the steel legs...you could not guide it manually because it was to jumpy if you tried to control it during a shot... so when I say 100 seconds that was just letting it run unguided... mounts have periodic error and the cheaper the greater the error... read up on that as well.

On the basis that no matter what we have we always want better and in an effor tto start maybe go with the 299 one... it will be good for visual and you will get short runs which you can stack.

The problem with mounts is any little problem is magnified as you go up in magnification..the mount above worked (just) with a 80 x 400 mm scope...not a high mag really.

Look at it this way maybe start with that one on the basis that if you like the game that you will want better.

Also remember that with stacking software you can take a series os short exposures ( I love doing 30 secs) ... have a look at Deep Sky Stacker on the net...in fact download it put you camera on a tripod (static) and take short exposures and stack them...

The problem with this game is no matter what you get you will want the next level up... I want a paramount mount I dont know what they cost these days but maybe $20,000 or more...goggle them and have a look and see what is out there...just in case you win lotto

When you start the main thing that will drive you crazy is getting the mount correctly polar aligned so start reading up on that also.

Have a go at some static tripod shots and deep sky stacker,

I hate to recomend not to buy or to buy the mount you posted.. it will get you started and you will learn... maybe as I said see how you go and get something better latter... if I knew what I was doing at the start I would have gone straight to an eq6 frankly...but I did not have that sortta cash then...

Sorry if that sounds confusing but hang in there,

alex

[acropolite]

Yes and no, the Eq5 quoted is nowhere near accurate enough for astrophotography.

To acheive any decent result you need to be able to autoguide the mount. This requires an interface back to a pc with some form of secondary telescope and guide camera. Alex's recommendation of an HEQ5 as a minimum is about as low as you would want to aim.

The HEQ5 and EQ6 can be bought with or without a Synscan controller, the Synscan provides a Go to interface with an inbuilt catalog of targets and controller functionality.

It is possible to control the HEQ5 (and it's larger sibling the EQ6) without the controller but you need to build (or buy) some electronic hardware (do a search for EQmod) to interface with the PC.

There are specific Yahoo groups dedicated to Eqmod and the EQ5 and 6. There is also a wealth of information throughout the this forum on the subject, you can use the search tools to find much of the information you require.

[zumka]

Thank you for very good explanation.

I believe HEQ5 from Skywatcher would give reasonable results in comparison to eq5 (please correct me if I'm wrong)

After processing all the information provided by this great forum I kind of came to a conclusion.

I'll get Bintel 8" Dob for viewing then maybe try to buy a seconhand HEQ5 or EQ6 and use it with my Nikon D50 (70-300 lens). Then eventually get refractor to use for Astrophotography

[xelasnave]

Yes it is the HEQ5 that is the good one and I think you are on the right track.
and you could use the 8 inch for photos I expect.
Funny I am wondering what to get next and I am going thru very similar to you...
alex

[zumka]

Actually if I get EQ6 I can put 8" on it and use it for Astrophotography.

Is it going to work, or should I get god refractor later ?

[xelasnave]

Yes you sure can.... at the moment I only use a 6inch reflector and it has served me well for years...


My current photo set up is the 6 inch with a 80mm guide scope... I want better but in truth I still have stuff to learn in processing and being realistic a good refractor at the moment would somewhat be wasted in my hands.

alex

[xelasnave]

Have a look at this.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=38370

It lets you see what 30 second stacks can do, with a 6 inch, and a 70/300.
I still have to do better at processing as green is a problem for me...color blind you know
alex

[xelasnave]

And here is a recent widefield using 50mm (55?)

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=37703

The main ingredient is a dark sky but my point is these are done by an old mug (me) with relatively cheap gear.

I hope you find these shots encouraging...if you are not color blind you will do better.

alex

[zumka]

This is very inspiring what you can do with the good mount and just a camera Alex, great photos

[Glenhuon]

My setup is similar to Alex, 6" reflector on an EQ5 with home made 80mm guide scope. I used it for the first 12 months with the dual axis drives fitted and got quite acceptable tracking over a couple of minutes+ with careful polar alignment. Recently fitted the Goto Upgrade and starting to get longer exposures with autoguiding. I'm pretty sure the newer EQ5's have bearings on the worm drive shafts and not the older bushes which makes them a bit smoother for manual guiding. The grease in mine was a bit tacky, although didn't seem overly heavy, but I changed it anyway.

Cheers
Bill

[Tamtarn]

Hi Daniel

We started out astro imaging with the SW600 EQ5 Skywatcher last year and had great success. The only thing is you will need the motor drives as you will need to guide for longer exposures, The motor drives will be around $250 extra. Check some of the links on IIS to compare prices.

If you look us up in the Member List and check "Threads Started" and go back to page 4 you will see in Deep Space when we started posting our images over a period of months using the Skywatcher and EQ5 mount and as beginners at the time you can see how well the setup worked for us.

In our opinion it's the perfect setup to get you started. You can buy the scope and mount and get used to using it then buy yourself the motor drives when you're ready to start imaging.

If you get a chance have a look at our web pages and you can see how we have progressed to better equipment over a period of time improving our images. Although we have purchased the Celestron SCT we will still also use the Skywatcher on our EQ6 .

http://barb.david.1.googlepages.com/home

Barb and David

[zumka]

Thank You Barb and David,

What's really ironic is that I was thinking about buying the same scope on HEQ5 mount from Andrews ($1099) which is reasonable.

Can you please clarify something for me if I get HEQ5 do I still need to buy additional motor or does it come with the mount.
I'm also planing on utilizing my eePC with EQmod to save some money on GOTO.

Beside astrophotography I also what to do some star gazing with my kids will SW600 will be a good scope for that in comparison to 8" Dob ?

Thank you once again for everyones great help :thumbsup:

[PCH]

Hi Daniel,

the HEQ5 comes with both motors - so no more to buy except the full 'goto' version if it takes your fancy. And with the right rings, you could even mount the 8" ota on the HEQ5 quite easily.

Cheers,

[Tamtarn]

The SW600 Newtonian has good quality pyrex mirrors giving you better contrast than some of the Dobs so it is OK for both visual and imaging.

As Paul has mentioned the HEQ5 includes the motor drives. By the way Andrews price on the SW600 with HEQ5 for $1099 is a really good price. We paid $1020 for the SW600 with just an EQ5 mount last year.

[zumka]

I just got of the phone with Bintel.

I was told that I can't utilise HEQ5 (non Go-To model) with EQmod to drive the mount instead I need full HEQ5PRO model. :scared:

Can someone please clarify this.

[zumka]

Ok,

After doing some research here is what I’m going to do:

1. Buy SW600 with HEQ5 (non PRO version without GOTO)
2. Get EQDIR Interface Module from the shoestring
3. Get autoguiding scope (haven’t figured out which)
4. Use Webcam for autoguiding
3. Use my Laptop with EQMOD to drive the mount
4. Use my Nikon D50 to take photos

I know I could be on the wrong track in here please feel free to correct me.

What other accessories would you recommend?


:thumbsup:

P.S. Honestly speaking just an idea of making all of the above mentioned equipmend work together scares me

[bmitchell82]

The system you seem to be looking at looks fine. Now remember this, if you look to the right of the screen York optical are giving upto 20% off everything in their online store with a $25 flat rate shipping.?... it took a 10" skywatcher dob from 800 to 625. The HEQ5 is 875 with shipping to anywhere in aus.

Mabe thats a good looking mount, though it doesn't have the fully goto (if your in a urban area, this is nearly a must!, its still not bad, though keep in mind the EQ6 Skyscan at 1530 will be as much as a HEQ5 with Skscan if you buy it later on. just a future proofing idea.!

found the OTA as well all up delivered should be something like 1375 for mount and tube

[zumka]

Thank you,

It does make a difference for some items however bintel offering HEQ5 without GOTO with SW600 for $1095


The GOTO alone is around $600 extra I was thinking to find a workarround to minimise the cost of the setup by buying HEQ5 and using EQMOD as goto following suggetion from acropolite in bellow post.

[zumka]

Thank you everyone.

I have finally made my decision. I got the SW600 OTA from the Andrews and EQ6PRO mount (on special) from the telescopeshop.com.au.

Let the frustration of setting the whole thing up begin !!!

[bmitchell82]

ahhh at least your smart. its refreshing! :) you will get loads of great use out of your set up for many many years. now we will await till you can get yourself a little cannon 350 D for 3-400 hundred and watch for your photos.! :D hehhe

Congratulations and :welcome:

Brendan

[zumka]

I already have Nikon D50 will have to utilise that

[bmitchell82]

The feeling when you see that first image pop up on a screen is awsome :) but remember this advice that i was given.... FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS.! :D

[zumka]

Yes, let me first go through the agony of assembling and aligning everything before I can focus :doh:

[bmitchell82]

youll do it in a snap, remember to get a 12 mm or less illuminated rectical to do your drift allignment. theres a great thread in here for a basic way

[Tamtarn]

Just caught up with your thread again Daniel.

You have chosen very well. You won't regret spending the extra money. :thumbsup: Your setup is exactly the same as ours and we have had great success imaging with this rig.

It is quite a learning curve setting to whole thing up for imaging but just pose your questions on the forum and you will quickly get help.

The kids are going to love it :)

[zumka]

Did some reading on a polar alignemt I might have a problem with it because I leave in a middle of Melbourne in a house with a rather small back yard. I can't see from horizon to horizon.

[bmitchell82]

If your imaging you will most likely need it if your setup is unguided, if your taking small subs then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. do what most people have done, get very presice for the start and align your scope up with protractors, and compasses. that will put you in a reasonably close set up. theres a recent post where one of the ISS members could land octanis within the FOV with this same method. look it up

[zumka]

Can you please recommend what filter and eye pieces should I get for my SW600. I want to be able to see planets clearly as well as good deep space view. Friend sugested to buy a set.

[Tamtarn]

I would suggest you start a new thread in Eyepieces Barlows and Filters. You will get a quick response there.

Eyepieces range from $40 and upwards to over $1000 so you need to give a price range you want to pay. Up to $100 should get you a good eyepiece to start with. Or if you want to get the best value for money you can't go past the Orion Stratus series though they may be out of your price bracket at the moment.

Research things such as FOV "Field Of View" - "Eye Relief" and "Edge Of Field" this will help in your selection.

You need a wide FOV good eye relief and sharpness to the edge of field.

I would suggest a 25- 26mm to find the object a mid range 15-17mm for nebulae and galaxies and 5-6mm for planetary also get a good barlow this gives you 2 x magnification which means when used with a 25mm you have a 12.5mm and the 15mm such as the Meade QX (which we have used) you have 7.5mm so this gives you a wide range.

Get the best quality you can afford and it's not necessary to buy the same brand in each size. Every company has its best one in each range.

Anyway I'm sure you will get good advice on your thread once you pose the question there.

Also do a search as the are many threads in that section with great advice

Barb

[zumka]

Thanks Barb,

Started news thread:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=389860#post389860

[zumka]

If I did my research correctly Meade QX are wide angle is it a good idea to have wide angle for planetary view ?

[Tamtarn]

You don't need wide field for planetary only for the lower power eyepieces.

As you have a 25mm and 10mm Super Plossls supplied with the scope our suggestion would be to buy a good barlow and a good planetary ep and by using the barlow with the 25mm this will have quite a good range to begin with.

Once you get used to the different fields of view you can decide to get a better quality lower power wide field ep further down the track. In getting the Barlow and the planetary now you will be set for quite a while. Maybe a 15-20mm wide field later on.

The best planetary ep for a reasonable price is the Burgess TMB Planetary we would suggest a 6mm. If you do a search on the forum you will find quite a few reviews on them they are really great quality and have excellent eye relief.

B & D

[zumka]

I bought OTA from Andrews to my disappointment it came without eye pieces. :shrug:

[Tamtarn]

Wow that's pretty poor you think they would have supplied at least one.

By the way I will PM you with a suggestion

[zumka]

I just called Andrews apperantly it was a mistake they going to send eye pieces today.

:)

[Tamtarn]

Great news :thumbsup: