New to astrophotography - Forums

Topic starter

Jun 20, 2021

Hi everybody!

I'm new to astrophotography and I'm looking for some pointers on where to start. I checked around the internet and there are so many pieces of information that I don't know what to buy anymore.

I'm more interested in planetary / deep space photography. As I don't have any equipment, no tripods, or no DSLR camera I wonder if I should start with DSLR or should I start some cooled camera?

What would you recommend for a beginner with around a 1000-1200€ budget?

Thank you

Engaging

donharden@icloud.com

Jun 20, 2021

hi my friend, I am new also , but went kinda nuts buying equipment,, lol,,,
I would suggest a dslr camera, a 135mm lens, a small goto mount , and a laptop,,
one thing I have learned , is that, with just that equipment you could be well on your way
happy trails and clear skies
Aloha Nui Loa from the great state of Hawaii Nei

falke2000

Jun 20, 2021

Hi,
I started out 1 year ago with a DSLR and a lens on a littler skytracker. This is really a "frustation-free" entrance to astrophotography as you don't need to struggle with autoguiding, meridian flips and so on. And if you plan to move to a more advanced setup, the skytracker is still useable as a portable mount for travelling.

Here's what I started with:

used DSLR camera: 200€
modification (for increased Ha sensitivity): 100€
Samyang 135mm f2 lens: 400€
Skywatcher Star Adventurer: 350€
Basic Tripod from Amazon: 50€

Depending on your light pollution you might want to add a filter to this list.
So in total this costs approx. 1100€ and with this kind of setup you can create really amazing images.

CS

Helpful

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Jun 21, 2021

I'm more interested in planetary / deep space photography. As I don't have any equipment, no tripods, or no DSLR camera I wonder if I should start with DSLR or should I start some cooled camera?

Hi,
Your preferences seem to point at the opposite ends of the hobby spectrum. One requires a largish, long focal length telescope (8" in aperture or above) with a suitable largish mount, a planetary camera and and a beefy laptop. The other one can be started as others have suggested and then maybe progress to more refined setups. I doubt that the former can be had for 1,200 Euro from new but maybe it can be found used wherever you live. The mount is probably the more expensive item so once that one is sorted the other bits should be less expensive to get.

Helpful

Timothy Prospero

Jun 21, 2021 · Edited: Jun 21, 2021

Hi There,

To start, a good decision,is: buy a good mount -> on Youtube there is a vaste amount of video about that like reviews etc..etc..

In facts:

Mount: a SW HEQ 5 is a good start point up to 10-12 Kg of pay load

Camera: a DSLR (Canon) could be ok, better a modified one, may 2nd hand; A cooled astro camera like the ZWO 533 for DSO a OSC is a good start for planetary a non cooled is fine and generally cheaper. …

Scope: For planetary you need a lot of FL 2000+ (RC) for DSO a 360 mm is ok for Nebulas; for Galaxy a 1300 mm is ok, always depending what do you want….
I.E a C8 HD Edge could be interesting…but largely out of budget or you go with RC but a bit tricky to collimate…
Guiding: You need a Guide scope and a Guide Camera..on the chinesse market you can find them pretty cheap..

Filters: OSC Filters like L-Pro, L-enhance, L-Extreme from Optolong, you can buy also later..and depending on your sky as well…

PC: a Good PC is required for Post Production and acquiring.

Software: there are many free for both PP and acquiring, google it.. Siril and PHD2, NINA are free, other like Pixinsight or PSG are $..

So if you look at your budget you have to look may be on the second hand market…or save more money, ye astrophotography is not a cheap Hobby…

and in the beginning something free on money but..a lot of patience …

this are my 2 cents..

good luck and clear skies

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