Observing vs Imaging

[Matty P (Matt)]

Are you an Observer or an Imager?

Since I have started Astronomy, I have always been an observer squinting through an eyepiece peering deep into space. However, looking through an eyepiece didn't exactly do it for me so I decided to get my feet wet in astrophotography.

Now that I have caught the astrophotography bug, I spend most of my time imaging and staying up late.

I am interested to see what number of IIS members are observers or imagers.

[DaveGee (Dave Gault)]

Originally Posted by Matty P

what number of IIS members are observers or imagers.

I'm an observer who uses cameras. (and GPSs and VTIs and.....Eyepieces)
Which box would you like me to tick...?

[snowyskiesau]

Definitely an observer.
While I would like to take pictures, i just don't have the patience for all the necessary image processing.

[CoombellKid]

I'm an observer, although I did venture into imaging I got bored with it. I
found most of the time I was sitting watching a scope do it's imaging thing
while I was either crashed or staring at a PC screen all night. I felt I was
missing out on the hunt so I packed the imaging thing in. So I'm the
hunter and gatherer type or is that the observe and log type : ) although
even logging I've been slack, maybe just a point and shoot type lol

regards,CS

[GrahamL]

Whats imaging?

[Matty P (Matt)]

I'm an Imager, even though I started off observing. I spend most of my time imaging objects that you can't see through an eyepiece.

IMHO, I believe that imaging is much more rewarding than visual observing.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I leave the imaging to Hubble.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I am a visual observer only...

[Rob_K]

At first I had real difficulty with this poll Matt, because I really enjoy both observing and imaging.

But then I thought, if I could only do one, which would it be?

No-brainer, I'm an observer!

Cheers -

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by DaveGee

I'm an observer who uses cameras. (and GPSs and VTIs and.....Eyepieces)
Which box would you like me to tick...?

Hi Dave,

Tick the Observer box.

[edwardsdj (Doug)]

I said observer even though I enjoy imaging.

I find if I get too into imaging, my eyes lose their feel for visual observing. I look through the telescope visually and see nothing. This year's opposition of Saturn has been like that for me.

Maybe it's got a lot to do with intraverted/extraverted personality types? Imaging lets you easily share with others; observing is a much more personal experience.

Take care,
Doug

[Ian Robinson]

Mostly an observer , but I do some imaging too , usually if there is something special .

[gman (Grant)]

If I said I like to watch, does that make me a voyeur of astronomic proportions?

[Alchemy (Clive)]

definately an imager, i read the enthusiasm of the observers and find it interesting, but the looking just doesnt work for me.....and the detail you get in images....the colour...... when was the last time you saw a mag 20 galaxy. plus you can hang it on the wall for a rainy day

apart from that my night vision is poor, genetics maybee.

Definately an imager!!!!!!!

[Robert_T]

these days the only time I'd put my eye up to a lens is to centre a planet in the field of view before flicking over the the camera...I much prefer looking at the image on the screen than squinting into a narrow bit of glas!

[CoombellKid]

Invest in a few XW's and a low powered nagler or two and change your world

Originally Posted by Robert_T

these days the only time I'd put my eye up to a lens is to centre a planet in the field of view before flicking over the the camera...I much prefer looking at the image on the screen than squinting into a narrow bit of glas!

regards,CS

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by Robert_T

these days the only time I'd put my eye up to a lens is to centre a planet in the field of view before flicking over the the camera...I much prefer looking at the image on the screen than squinting into a narrow bit of glas!

That is exactly what I do.

I spend about 10 - 15 seconds looking through the EP before I switch it over to the camera.

[vash (Ashley)]

I did visual for 2 years, seen just about everything I can with the dob, next logical step is to image.

now all I do is strive for that one perfect shot

[Outbackmanyep]

Visual observer mainly but when it comes to comets i do BOTH!

[leon]

Imager only, never peep through the EP, although I have tp confess I have once or twice in my life time, I like to record what is up the, rather than just looking at it.

Leon