Novice, looking to enter star gazing...

[Cralis]

Hi guys,

I've been in Australia for the past year, and the sky here seems more amazing than what I saw in the UK. Infact, most of the time in Scotland, I wasn't sure if there were even stars, due to the constant cloud cover...

Anyway, I'm looking at the cost of getting into being able to photograph the sky.

I have no idea what to look at yet. Went to a shop, and a lady tried to sell me $1,800 worth of telescope (computerized..). But after sreaching online tonight, it seems you can get a nice scope for a lot less.

Is it possible to take photos like this with a sub $1000 scope?

http://www.celestronimages.com/details.php?image_id=3838

[WadeH]

Welcome to Australia and IIS. I dont know much about imaging but I am sure that others here will fill the gaps for you. The IIS community seem to know just about everything and are the most friendly lot of people you could wish to know. And yes, the skies are wonderful here are'nt they!

[jjjnettie]

I think that the best thing for you to do is to get along to a star party and see what others are using.
Keep an eye on the Star Parties and Observing Sessions threads for a get together near you.
There is one this weekend at Cambroon Observatory near Kenilworth.

[Bolts_Tweed]

Gday Mate and welcome

Be very very careful - you are embarking on something that is more contagious than Swine flu.

Firstly what you want is a good mount. A 200 to 300 dollar telescope on a good mount will allow moon shots like you highlighted however a 1000 dollar telescope on a rubbish mount will dissapoint you. Check out the IceTrade xlassifieds on this site for second hand gear. These guys are reputable (arent you guys ?:P).

What happens often (happened to me) is we buy smaller mounts (especially when the nwer 'Go To' type mounts came out at chinese reproduction prices) for example HEQ5Pros (Check out the Synta site www.skywatcher.com (http://www.skywatcher.com)) we got bigger and better telescopes and had to upgrade to EQ6s. These HEQ5 Pros can be bought second hand for around $800 or less (about $1600 new). These mounts are stable (under thier reccommended loads) and are perfectly suitable for astrophotography. These mounts have the added benefit (especially for a new astronomer) of having 'Go To' ability - ie type in an object catalogue number, press enter and the scope automatically slews to the object. It requires the mount be set up properly but there is heaps of info on this site re polar alignment.

At the very least you want a mount with motors on both axes that can be controlled but hand controllers. OK i've rabbited on enough about mounts but thye mount will definately be your best investment.

My advice however would be not to be tempted to buy a ultra cheap K Mart scope. Many budding amateur astronomers have been put off astronomy by buying cheap department store scopes and being dissapointed with the results.

I havent even touched on scopes (A Newtonian would do fine) or cameras but as i said beware - they dont have a vaccine for the virus you may have been exposed to.

2 other quick things

Talk to a dealer if you want to, that wont ask if you want fries with order (I hate upselling). I deal with Michael or Don from Bintel in Sydney or Ron at Sirius Optics at Underwood in Qld. Explain you financial limits and they will advise on whats available. (Dont forget the used section of this web site)

Also try and get to a club meeting close to where you live. I am sure some people will help. Where in Bris are you? I am on the Gold Coast. I have a dark sky site at Leyburn (about 2 hrs drive from Bris) where there are about 10 observatories operating and a mile of other people with scopes in a field every dark moon weekend. Email me if you are interested in trying before you buy. The best way to learn is to watch someone that knows what they r doing (or even think they know;)).

There are several astronomy clubs in Brisbane - Southern Astronomical Society, Brisbane Astronomical Society, South East Queensland Astronomical Society, Redlands and several on the northside who's names escape me.

Try and get along to one (check out the web pages - google them) and talk to the people. You will find most amateurs are not elitist and are keenly interested in promoting thier hobby.

I've hogged the forum long enough but welcome and good luck

Time for me to settle down and watch Queensland beat NSW in the state of origin. Now that will start world war 3 I think:)

Mark Bolton

[Blue Skies]

I'll second that.

If you don't have much to spend, dont rush the purchase! If you're serious about doing imaging you might find its going to cost more than think. Learn the sky, learn about what others are using (start by looking at the photography section of these forums) and then start making a shopping list. Serious imaging requires a good mount, a statement I can back up from personal experience, and they aren't cheap - this is even before getting around to thinking about cameras! Giving yourself time to do some research and education, which gives you time to perhaps find some good secondhand equipment to start you off (check out the trade section here) might be a better way to go.

[seanliddelow]

You dont need a really big telescope to see and image stuff like this. I think 200 to 300 dollars would be the cost of a good starter telescope. The moon is an amazing object which requires little to enjoy. Binoculars can also be a good option.:thumbsup: