Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin66
Marc,
Understood.
I'm just thinking about the real cost of entry to astrophotography nowadays...if you consider the total hardware package (mount/scope/ correctors/ filters/ camera) and then the software (aquisition/ guiding/ processing etc)
I don't know how your "average" novice - with the current financial pressures of family etc. can afford to get into the hobby.....
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It's a lot cheaper than it used to be.
You can get a 2nd hand 8" scope, CCD camera, mount, guide-camera, OAG and a copy of photoshop for less than my C8 alone cost me in 1987.
It isn't a cheap hobby, but there are ways to do it. I choose to drive a cheap but reliable car (i.e. it would sell for less than $2000). Other people buy a brand new car for $30,000 - $90,000, I could get a lot of gear for that price differential.
An ED80 on an iOptron ZEQ25 or HEQ5Pro, a ZWO camera, maybe a cheap DSLR, and $80 for Nebulosity and $200 for pixinsight and you will be producing pictures better than the stuff that was published by professionals only a few decades ago.
I pay for Photoshop, it is pricey, but it is a high end professional tool. For amatuer use, there are free alternatives or other cheaper tools. But it isn't that outrageous a price for the best tool available.
The best costs money, I want a 20" RC scope, and one of those RH fast scopes, but can't afford either one...
They are still cheaper than a new car though.
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