Nikon D5000

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Hi All,

Once the weather here clears up I will be venturing into getting good Polar Alignment and then into the dark and mysterious world of Astrophotography. With that in mind do any of you good folks use a Nikon D5000? If so, can you give many any pointers? Also, do you use capture planets using the video function? If so, what setting do you use?

Apologies for all the questions but I want to be ready to rumble once this rain clears........looking bad all week

Mis

[LightningNZ (Cam)]

Gidday Craig,

I'm just down in Canberra and also lamenting the sh*t weather. I use a Nikon D5100. What optics and mounting are you using? Optimum ISO is probably around 400 for maximum dynamic range, but higher will allow you to keep the exposure time down.

Happy to meet up when the weather gets better. I don't really image the planets - deep sky is my thing but I've taken a couple of Moon shots that are still knocking around this forum.

Cheers,
Cam

[Misplaced (Craig)]

Hi Cam,

I'm very new to all this and just got the hang of getting the GoTo to align quite accurately.

When you talk about optics I take it you mean eye pieces? I use a HEQ5 Pro mount with my 8" Bintel Newtonian.

The reason for all the questions is that I am trying to understand if the video mode on the D5000 is good enough for planetary pics. Also, if it is what setting is best.

A meet up sounds good......this bloody rain!!

Craig

[LightningNZ (Cam)]

By optics I meant the scope itself - which you just answered. I use the same mount but with a 6" F/5 Newt.

The video on the D5000 is almost certainly "good enough". Sadly you'll need someone else to walk you through what is best for planetary work.