I've been out of the stargazing/astrophotography past time for a while now (had to sell my 8" Dob and then sold my Pentax K200D DSLR).
I am currently awaiting delivery of a Nikon D5300 which I believe will be very good for astro work due to having a very good low light sensor and a high ISO range.
I still have my grandfather's old (Tasco I think) telescope (in it's original wooden box... the cardboard sleeve is getting a bit old and tattered now though).
I know typically to get shots of planets a webcam is used and the individual frames are stacked in processing but was wondering if it would be possible to use the Nikon's video mode (which would record at 1080P in full colour)? Would that work or is there something about that that would render it useless?
At the very least I am looking forward to being able to get some new (better quality) MilkyWay shots and maybe some other items... if I can manage. It probably helps that I'm now living just out of Ballarat rather than Hoppers Crossing... slightly darker skies here
It's possible, but the sensor size in DSLR'S is typically much bigger, so the planet looks smaller. Usually you'd need a higher mag barlow to get anything decent out of it.
Hi Markus,
have done the same with canon 7d as a test on Jupiter and Saturn. You will need a barlow as well as image will be small. Also before capturing, point to a bright star to get focus first and a tight image and then record the planets. On the canon movie files, registax did not like the video so I had to use canon utility to change to avi. Do not know if it is the same with nikon, good luck.
You'll be surprised at what you can capture using your DSLR in movie crop mode. (it gets you in a little closer to the object, not sure if your camera will have that option)
This Jupiter was captured using my Canon 550D through my 10" Dob using a 4x Powermate.
I used the free program "Any Video Converter" to convert to avi.
It was stacked using Autostakkert.
The stacked image was then opened in Registax to apply Wavelets.
Final tiny bit of processing was done in Photoshop CS3.
I hope you have a go. Once you get the hang of it, it's awesome good fun.
Another option is to go afocal, butting your camera's lens up to the eyepiece. Add a 2x barlow to get in closer.
It's a bit tricky to master the technique, but if you have patience, it works well.
This question comes up a lot in this forum, basically not all DSLRs have movie crop so an alternative is to find some software that will record the image on Liveview ie. what you have on the lcd of your camera when in shooting mode. That way, you can use the magnifyer function to enlarge the planet on the screen and the software will record the magnified view. You will need to connect the camera to a computer to achieve this and a program like Pipp to centre and convert the camera video format to AVI for stacking in Registax.
This question comes up a lot in this forum, basically not all DSLRs have movie crop so an alternative is to find some software that will record the image on Liveview ie. what you have on the lcd of your camera when in shooting mode. That way, you can use the magnifyer function to enlarge the planet on the screen and the software will record the magnified view. You will need to connect the camera to a computer to achieve this and a program like Pipp to centre and convert the camera video format to AVI for stacking in Registax.
I know Back Yard EOS will do this.
Maybe check out Back Yard Nikon and see what functions it has. "
It will also save your video in .avi format.
I've read on the change logs that BackyardNikon does now support 5x live view, which will be awesome for planetary photography and leaps and bounds better than just recording a 1080p video that has been downscaled!
I've read on the change logs that BackyardNikon does now support 5x live view, which will be awesome for planetary photography and leaps and bounds better than just recording a 1080p video that has been downscaled!
There you go then.
I'm so glad that the less fortunate ie. Nikon owners, can now get into planetary imaging.
I'm so glad that the less fortunate ie. Nikon owners, can now get into planetary imaging.
LOL... that's ok... from what I understand Nikon's have better light sensitivity (one of the main reasons I chose it... that and the mic jack).
Good to know I should be able to get something and create a nice image (love your Jupiter!).
The next question is for upping my equipment. I used to have a Dob which was lovely for viewing but I know they are a little funny for astrophotography due to tracking issues... I've sold that but kind of want to get a new scope but make sure it will be useful for astrophotography as well. I'd ideally like shots of either planets or nebula/galaxies (more the latter) I know the cost can rocket quickly so I figure it might be something I'm suited to piecing together over time.
I've seen a few goto scopes on ebay (such as Sky-Watcher Star Explorer 114mm f/5 Reflector Telescope) Should I jump on one of those if they pop up again or let it slide?
I can probably scrounge about $600 which I know won't get me much... I'm really only looking at second hand (because I know enough to know I'd have no chance getting something first hand for that much).
I'm open to the notion of getting a mount with tracking first so I could at least possibly set my camera on it for some longer exposures... then when more money mysteriously appears I could look at getting a nice scope to get some better shots.
Any suggestions from people... I know it's a very open ended question but I think I've put in the parameters to help narrow down the suggestions.
Galaxies/nebula preferred... planets a nice starting point
Tracking essential for long exposures.
Roughly $600 budget
Second hand more than fine
I started off my imaging using an alt azi mount and 80mm scope.
The scope was too small image the planets, but, once leveled and well aligned, I could get 20 second long exposures through the scope.
20 seconds may not sound like much, but it's enough to capture the brighter nebula and galaxies.
You just need to take heaps of shots. I'm talking at least 100 photos, more if you're up for it.
You can also buy a dovetail bar so you can attach your camera with lens to the mount. You'll be able to take exposures as long as a couple of minutes, depending on your lens.
It's not ideal for astro imaging, but it will get you started. You'll learn about setting up your rig, how to align, how to frame your shots, how to achieve fine focus and how to stack and process your images.
It should keep you busy for a year or two. Enough time to save up for the next step up in gear which will cost at least $2000, if you buy second hand.
Ebay scopes are, 85% of the time, way over priced.
You can buy similar from fair dinkum telescope shops, much cheaper.
My first scope was off ebay and the "glass" was made of plastic!!!
Another alternative is to join your nearest Astro Society and borrow one of their loan scopes and see what suits you. Get along to a few open nights and see what others are using.
Another alternative is to join your nearest Astro Society and borrow one of their loan scopes and see what suits you. Get along to a few open nights and see what others are using.
Thanks again Janette, I actually got my first play with the camera under the stars tonight... took a bit of getting used to (and a little while to realise I still had it set to auto focus)... but I am suitably impressed by it's performance for the conditions (a fair bit of cloud cover). a 14.6 sec exposure at 3200 ISO 18mm focal length gave me some nice stars and even the roof of the garage nearby with nice clarity... just need some nice cloudless nights.
I also noticed recently that there is indeed an astro party planned for September at a dark site only 30 odd minutes from here so that might be something to look into.
I started imaging with Nikon DSLRs a few months back. My first imaging scope was an ED80; I've just recently started using an 8" 1000mm reflector.
Had a shot at Saturn last night using a D3300 (almost identical to your D5300) using several Barlow lenses bodged badly together; I've attached the best result I can manage. I'm not thrilled, to be honest; gonna have another try tonight.
However, I've also attached a very rough test shot of the Trifid Nebula taken with the D3300. It's just 17 mins of light frames, no darks flats or bias applied, very rough... but I'm pretty impressed with it!
But yes, as everyone has said, DSLRs aren't great for planets. This thread shows what's possible with the same exact telescope as mine, except using a proper planetary imaging camera. What a difference!
I started imaging with Nikon DSLRs a few months back. My first imaging scope was an ED80; I've just recently started using an 8" 1000mm reflector.
Had a shot at Saturn last night using a D3300 (almost identical to your D5300) using several Barlow lenses bodged badly together; I've attached the best result I can manage. I'm not thrilled, to be honest; gonna have another try tonight.
However, I've also attached a very rough test shot of the Trifid Nebula taken with the D3300. It's just 17 mins of light frames, no darks flats or bias applied, very rough... but I'm pretty impressed with it!
But yes, as everyone has said, DSLRs aren't great for planets. This thread shows what's possible with the same exact telescope as mine, except using a proper planetary imaging camera. What a difference!
Funnily enough I'm more interested in taking shots of the nebula and such so your image there is quite inspiring (I also don't mind your Saturn shot and would be happy to produce a similar result myself).
I've just put the old telescope back together and found a few issues with it... one it looks like the eyepieces might have mold or at least dirt... also the focusing is not the most gentle of techniques (the last scope I was using was my 8" Dob which was lovely). So I may end up keeping an eye out for one of the "poor quality" cheap scopes with an aim to trying to find one with tracking for convenience sake. Having said that I will look at a more long term goal and start putting money aside (theoretically) for a proper basic setup for astrophotography... with that in mind... I think someone said around $2000 would get a decent starting set up... what would that entail, an EQ5 or 6 mount presumably... then is it easy enough to tell what sort of scope you can mount on that (and how to do so).
If I'm not mistaken you can get these mounts with motor drives already installed... is that correct? I presume that being the case I could potentially do (as I think Janette may have stated) some long exposures by mounting my camera to the tracking mechanism.
Then of course it's on to what sort of scope to get some nice galaxies and similar (if I could potentially get a decent size clear image of a spiral galaxy I'd be thrilled).
$2k would get you something quite nice brand new, like a HEQ5 + ED80 package,but if you're on a budget then go check out the IIS classifieds. There's actually a HEQ5 for sale for $800 and a 6" reflector for $500 right now. I got my NEQ6, ED80 and 8" reflector with a bunch of accessories (rings, dovetails, finders etc) for exactly $2k. You should be able to pick up a decent second hand imaging rig for around $12-1300 if you're a little savvy.
Yep, a great way to start is getting a mount and putting a DSLR on top. That's how I started in April. It's a pretty steep learning curve, quite intimidating at first, but you learn the basics pretty quickly.
Though you can save money getting a manual mount and putting a simple RA drive on it, I strongly urge you to save the extra couple hundred and get a proper go-to.
The $2000 I suggested as a starting price included the necessary extras such as a guide scope and rings, guide camera, GPUSB, capture software.
It all adds up.
I'm big on buying second hand myself. You can pick up some real bargains.
But quality gear, even second hand, still costs a good bit of money.
$2k would get you something quite nice brand new, like a HEQ5 + ED80 package,but if you're on a budget then go check out the IIS classifieds. There's actually a HEQ5 for sale for $800 and a 6" reflector for $500 right now. I got my NEQ6, ED80 and 8" reflector with a bunch of accessories (rings, dovetails, finders etc) for exactly $2k. You should be able to pick up a decent second hand imaging rig for around $12-1300 if you're a little savvy.
Yep, a great way to start is getting a mount and putting a DSLR on top. That's how I started in April. It's a pretty steep learning curve, quite intimidating at first, but you learn the basics pretty quickly.
Though you can save money getting a manual mount and putting a simple RA drive on it, I strongly urge you to save the extra couple hundred and get a proper go-to.
Thanks for the advice (specifically part names... that will help with the search). I believe I actually got my Dob off these forums (going back about 4 or so years now)... would love to still have it but funds were non existent at the time and I got what I paid for it... might keep an eye on another for visual astronomy and then get a second rig for DSLR (which sounds like the way many do it anyway).
Janette... I figured that $2000 would be a reasonable starting price... if I have any left over after that, so be it... but if I can save that much then I will be covered for a decent set up.
I will indeed keep an eye on the IIS classifieds... I still keep my eye on the famililar auction site and also Gumtree... sometimes people just want to be rid of things and don't mind how much they get (if you're really lucky you can pick things up free).
I will take the advice from this post (again thanks everyone for your help... it can be quite overwhelming with part numbers/types and minor variations in between.)
and will start putting together a basic set up and saving for my "promateur" kit
It's somewhat tempting to possibly invest in one of these http://www.opticscentral.com.au/skyw...l#.V7QKUDV2Hf4
I really enjoyed my Dob... and I know that tracking was one of the main reasons it wasn't going to be useful for astrophotography... seems like that has been removed as an issue... combined with the ability to presumably reduce the focal length by shortening the tube... it would seem a possible solution and this way I would have an observing scope and an astrophotography scope? Or am I missing something?
You'll be surprised at what you can capture using your DSLR in movie crop mode. (it gets you in a little closer to the object, not sure if your camera will have that option) 
