confused astro

[richard omeara]

I get the impresion their are 2 types of astro photography.1 Camera and guidescope for deepsky photos.2 Large scope and ccd camera pluged into laptop for planets.Got EQ6 pro and SW ED 80.Could someone please guide me on what step to take next.Photo's of setups would be greatly appreiciated.

[Matty P (Matt)]

You are correct,

For planetary imaging the more aperture the better. Most of the time a webcam is used to capture thousands of frames in a very short period of time.

For DSO imaging you will need a EQ mount that is accurately aligned with the Earth's axis allowing you take long expsoures. A DSLR or CDD camera is used.

With your setup, you should be able to take great widefield images.

I'm sure more experienced members will help you out.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Originally Posted by richard omeara

I get the impresion their are 2 types of astro photography.1 Camera and guidescope for deepsky photos.2 Large scope and ccd camera pluged into laptop for planets.Got EQ6 pro and SW ED 80.Could someone please guide me on what step to take next.Photo's of setups would be greatly appreiciated.

Richard, you can use the DSLR or a CCD camera for both planets and DSO's. However, if you want to take long period exposures of DSO's, you should have an GEM mount and be accurately polar aligned. Unless you have a field derotator for your alt-az mount. Since you have an EQ6 mount (is it motorised??), you're fine. Just make sure it's aligned well and grab yourself a camera....both a DSLR and a CCD camera will cost you, unless you get something like a Meade LPI or a modded webcam for planetary and lunar imaging. A good CCD camera, like a GSTAR-EX or a Meade DSI will set you back from $780-$1900, depending on what version and add-ons you buy. A brand new DSLR could cost you considerably more.

In any case, you have a myriad of choices, and it's upto you what you want. Have fun buying your gear