So, for the past year or two, I've been just doing some casual stargazing for fun and relaxation. But now, I've got a bit more free time on my hands, and I'm thinking of getting into astrophotography. The thing is, I need some help figuring out what gear I need to get started. At the moment, all I've got is a Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope. So what's the basic stuff I need to get started, apart from a camera of course)) And if you could suggest some options, that would be super helpful. I've set aside about $1500 for all the gear.
Help choosing additional equipment
Engaging
Get the best equatorial mount you can afford, which will take up your entire budget 
A good mount will be able to support multiple scopes.
The NexStar is an alt/az, so you will get field rotation with your images.
A good mount will be able to support multiple scopes.
The NexStar is an alt/az, so you will get field rotation with your images.
Concise
The ZWO integrated system (mount, camera, focuser…) is a good way to start, because it is affordable and user-friendly.
Well Written
Hi Luke, for a $1500 budget I would recommend the below rig:
Mount: Sky-watcher Star Adventurer GTi
Scope: Redcat 51 or Rokinon/Samyang lens 135mm
Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC PRO
Guide scope from ZWO
Guide camera: ZWO 120mm
ZWO ASIAIR-Plus
Later you can add:
Electronic Auto-focus: ZWO EAF
It will cost more than $1500 but you will get great results
Mount: Sky-watcher Star Adventurer GTi
Scope: Redcat 51 or Rokinon/Samyang lens 135mm
Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC PRO
Guide scope from ZWO
Guide camera: ZWO 120mm
ZWO ASIAIR-Plus
Later you can add:
Electronic Auto-focus: ZWO EAF
It will cost more than $1500 but you will get great results
Helpful
Unfortunately, astrophotography is an expensive hobby, and most of us quickly realize that our list of wants becomes never-ending. If you plan to evolve in this hobby, I recommend focusing on a good go-to mount. The mount is the cornerstone of your gear. To be clear, an average entry level system will cost between 3 to 4 thousand dollars. In the past, I used to promote basic, inexpensive start-ups to our astronomy club, but I have since shied away from giving that advice. Astrobin has a lot of great resources that allow you to drill down on equipment to help you with possible purchase choices. It's a great tool. You have also not indicated what type of astrophotography as deep space is long exposure and planetary/Luner is normally (lucky imaging). There is a difference in the type of gear that is required for each.
My advice is to take your time, do lots of research and have FUN!
My advice is to take your time, do lots of research and have FUN!
Helpful Supportive
Thank you, guys! I already had an idea that this is not a budget hobby, so I was quite prepared for this, but thanks to you I have some hints what to do next
i will start with a good mount , maybe zwo am5 , portable , good quality . and affordable.
Brian Schumacher:
Unfortunately, astrophotography is an expensive hobby, and most of us quickly realize that our list of wants becomes never-ending. If you plan to evolve in this hobby, I recommend focusing on a good go-to mount. The mount is the cornerstone of your gear. To be clear, an average entry level system will cost between 3 to 4 thousand dollars. In the past, I used to promote basic, inexpensive start-ups to our astronomy club, but I have since shied away from giving that advice. Astrobin has a lot of great resources that allow you to drill down on equipment to help you with possible purchase choices. It's a great tool. You have also not indicated what type of astrophotography as deep space is long exposure and planetary/Luner is normally (lucky imaging). There is a difference in the type of gear that is required for each.
My advice is to take your time, do lots of research and have FUN!
Brian brings up a great point about DSO vs Planetary (my mind always goes to DSO)…
If you start with planetary, your Nexstar mount should work (I use a Nexstar 8SE). Add a ZWO ASI585MC camera and you’re ready to go.
Based on your results, you can decide on a Barlow/Powermate, ADC, etc…
Helpful
Can you please explain me more about this : ZWO integrated system
Hey
Hello, I'm Jeremy from New Brunswick, Canada. Just recently purchased a telescope and am starting to do some viewing with it. I had a 70mm Bushnell as a kid to look at Halley's Comet with, but never really got into stargazing with it. So many other a...
Similar beginner telescope experience; may offer practical insights on getting started.
Equipment for astrophotography on a 6K budget
Hey all! I have dabbled in astrophotography a bit in the past, but am basically a novice. I have set aside a budget of $6k for an astrophotography setup. I'm looking for suggestions on what equipment to buy/add to what i have below, so that I hav...
Directly addresses equipment selection for astrophotography setup expansion.
Where should I go equipment-wise now?
I have stuck with what my wife bought me as a 59th birthday (a few years ago) present so far: An 8" Newtonian on an HEQ5 Pro mount. I've added cooled mono camera (ASI1600MM Pro), filter wheel, OAG guiding, coma corrector, autofocusser (ZWO E...
Covers equipment selection decisions for advancing astrophotography hobby.