Beginner Astronomy

[melnjay (Jason)]

Hey,
I am currently studying Physics with Astonomy and Astrophysics Major and Have grown a big interest in Astronomy I would like to learn how to view and Capture some images of the Solar System, Planets and Nebuli.
I have been reading the forums and the 8" Newtonian on a HQ5 is recommended.
I have a Canon 5D Mk2 with various lenses
I am looking for some advice on how I can setup using the Canon 5D for Images, what lense do I require, and how to connect it all up and any additional advice that I need to understand in getting this setup
I have recently purchased property in Tasmania so this is s great location for viewing the night sky
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks Jason

[raymo]

If you get an 8" Newt make sure that you get one that allows prime focus photography with your DSLR. Many brands do not, requiring modification. Skywatcher Newts do straight out of the box.
All you will need to get started is a T-ring that attaches your camera body
[minus lens] directly to the scope's focuser, so the scope becomes in effect a large lens; in the case of an 8" f/5 a 1000mm one.
You can mount the DSLR on the scope with whatever lens you want to use for wider field work. You don't need to buy anything to do this, the
front scope mounting ring has a thread that the camera screws onto.
You can further down the track put a 2 or 3 Barlow [ essentially a
magnifier] in between the camera and the scope to increase the focal
length of the scope.
raymo.

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

If you want to use your 5D mk2 and lenses you might be best getting a tracking mount like the new Skywatcher Star Adventurer (see here). A low cost mount like this will allow you get started in astrophotography and continue to use your 5D2 and lenses for wide field imaging.

[melnjay (Jason)]

Originally Posted by rmuhlack

If you want to use your 5D mk2 and lenses you might be best getting a tracking mount like the new Skywatcher Star Adventurer (see here). A low cost mount like this will allow you get started in astrophotography and continue to use your 5D2 and lenses for wide field imaging.

Hello rmuhlack
Thanks for the advice and link I will check this out
Cheers jason

[melnjay (Jason)]

Originally Posted by raymo

If you get an 8" Newt make sure that you get one that allows prime focus photography with your DSLR. Many brands do not, requiring modification. Skywatcher Newts do straight out of the box.
All you will need to get started is a T-ring that attaches your camera body
[minus lens] directly to the scope's focuser, so the scope becomes in effect a large lens; in the case of an 8" f/5 a 1000mm one.
You can mount the DSLR on the scope with whatever lens you want to use for wider field work. You don't need to buy anything to do this, the
front scope mounting ring has a thread that the camera screws onto.
You can further down the track put a 2 or 3 Barlow [ essentially a
magnifier] in between the camera and the scope to increase the focal
length of the scope.
raymo.

hello Raymo,
Thank you for the advice I will definitely look into this
Thanks again