what gear is needed to begin Astrophotography

[astr0]

So I am just starting out and am a complete beginner..
I am looking at getting a (GSO) 10" Dobsonian telescope
Or just a 8" Dobsonian telescope..
So I am just wanting to know what equipment is need to allow basic photography of all that I see

[Andy01 (Andy)]

You'll need
- a goto mount and controller
- a camera. DSLR or dedicated CCD.
- guide camera and guide scope
- laptop PC
- programs to capture, track, locate and guide your scope.
- a program to stack and process your images
- an imaging post production program :ie: photoshop or similar.

- most importantly, a guide, mentor or welcoming astrophotography club.

Lots to consider eh?

Cheers
Andy

[astr0]

Haha, yes it is Andy..
But it is good to know where I need to head to....
Thanks for the information

[lepton3 (Ivan)]

Alternatively, you could decide to photograph solar system targets: sun, moon, bright planets.

In that case, you can get by with a smaller scope, an alt-az mount, and a cheaper camera.

One specific example:

C6 SE scope (150mm SCT on goto alt/az mount) $1450
3x Barlow $115
DBK21AU618.AS camera $500
Solar film (make your own filter) $35

Laptop to capture -- you may already have.
Capture software -- fully usable program comes with camera.
Stacking software -- free Austostakkert.

-Ivan

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Head for the nearest astronomy society as they have some good scopes to have a go on.
You don't say where you are from so maybe do that and folks on this forum who are nearby will give you a lend of some stuff and let you decide yourself.
If you are in Tas I have a few items you can play with.
If you get a basic Dob you can do webcam or even iphone pictures of the Moon, maybe even Jupiter.
All you need is a steady hand or a clamp. To hold the camera still.
It's only an expensive hobby when you get really hooked, and by then it's too late my friend!
My recipe for cheapness- 8" dob, t mount for your camera into the eye piece- then quick exposures on the Moon/ Jupiter. That's what got me started anyway.
Good luck
Graham

[Poita (Peter)]

If you are even thinking vaguely of going down the astrophotography route then...

1) A dob isn't the way to go, you need something that can track the things you are seeing, preferably an equatorial mount that can be autoguided.

2) Choose planetary/moon/sun OR Deep Sky Objects (nebulae galaxies etc.) this will decide the telescope you need. Long focal length for planets/moon/sun, short for DSO (typically).
e.g. 6", 8" or 11" SCT for planetary, ED80, ED100 ED127 refractor for DSO work (just examples)

3) Choose a camera. A fast frame rate, low resolution camera for planetary, a cooled CCD for DSO (typically). e.g. $500 DBK618 camera for planets (Or $300 ZWO camera) , $1500 QHY8L for DSO
http://www.gamaelectronics.com.au/QHY8L.html

4) Before you spend a cent, have a go at processing some of the raw images posted in some of the IIS forums. Processing is more than half the story, and is complex. There are some good examples of the sort of files you might capture once you get your head around it. Process these and see how you go and if you enjoy it. If you don't enjoy the processing, or struggle with it, then astrophotography really isn't for you and you will waste a lot of $$$.

e.g. Some raw captures of a DSO object in this thread, have a go at processing them
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=100535


I'd really recommend trying your hand at processing before spending any money, if you don't enjoy it, or find it too steep a learning curve, you probably won't do much photography.
At the very least it will give you an idea of what the captured image vs the final image looks like.

[niko]

Far me it from me to be a dampner but you have stated that you are an absolite beginner and astrophotography is not for the feint hearted. It has a steep learning curve which can be very frustrating.

In your other post you have identified a 10" dob.

Like many here I started with a dob and did visual observing, learnt the sky and the seasons of the sky and occasionally held a simple digital camera or phone to the eyepiece and got some great shots of the moon.

I got to see what others had and did at astro camps and then dipped my toe in the photography water with second hand gear.

My suggestion is to follow a similar route. The dob will serve you well to show friends even if you end up with other gear for photo work. They also hold a pretty good secondhand value if you decide to sell on.

niko

[naskies (Dave)]

One of the IIS members, bloodhound31, has written a fantastic article (link below) that basically tells you how to get started. I highly recommend reading it!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-671-0-0-1-0.html