imaging for dummies

Kaylie6132 · #1 21-02-2023, 03:21 AM

I’m thinking about getting a ‘simple’ imaging setup. Don’t have any photography experience and I know that people have said astrotography is a slippery slope. Any entry-level Astro cameras I can upgrade to from my humble NexYZ adapter and NightCap software on my phone? Or any advice for Nightcap would also be appreciated 👍 I’m also having trouble with my NexYZ sagging so the phone doesn’t look straight down the EP.

iborg (Philip) · #2 21-02-2023, 10:48 AM

Hi Kaylie

I have an NexY, so I'll fish it out and see if I spot something about the sagging.

As you have the NexY, what scope/mount do you use it on?

Philip

xelasnave · #3 21-02-2023, 03:25 PM

If I may offer some advice... if you enjoy it you will be looking ahead as to what to end up with...but think about a HEQ5 Skywatcher mount, a GSO six inch reflector telescope, and a ZWO cooled one shot colour camera...I have four imaging set ups and honestly if I knew what I now know I think I would simply go for that...don't rush out but you can start looking at stuff that comes up in the classified section here and consider if you want to spend that much...also go thru the Deep Sky Section and see what images Martin ( Startreck) produces from the city with the set up I described...I say all this merely to give you some ideas...however the main thing to do is to make your current stuff work as best it can...refine your data collection, investigate stacking multiple images, use processing software...And above all ask if you want to know about something..anything ....and the good folk here will do their best to help.

Alex

iborg (Philip) · #4 21-02-2023, 08:22 PM

Hi

I have pulled it out, and was surprised how much slop there was. I am sure there wasn't much when I bought it.

The good news is that it is fixable, at least mine was!

There are three dovetails, and each has two screws that can be tightened up to reduce the slop. Tighten one pair, just a half turn, and check that it still moves freely.

If you can't quite figure out which screws to tighten, let me know, and I'll get some photos for you.

Good luck.

Philip