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05/07/2006 07:02:42 PM · #1 |
| Im really interested in getting started in astro photography, I just took some shots this week and its making me enjoy it even more. Im now thinking of investing in a telesope. I need advice on what type of telescope ( i want something that will allow me to be able to capture nebulas, commets etc.) Im not sure how powerful a telescope i would need. I also need to know what i would need to connect my rebel xt to the telescope. |
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05/07/2006 07:12:09 PM · #2 |
What's your budget? How much do you know about astronomy in general? Do you know how to find stuff in the night sky? It's easy to buy a big expensive telescope and spend all your time frustrated, looking at nothing because you don't know how to find things. My suggestion is to spend some time with a local astronomy club and go to a star party or two and talk to the people there.
Astrophotography is another hobby where there really is no limit on how much you can spend in the quest for a good image. Actually, it's proably worse than regular photography.
That said, you can get some really impressive shots with just your D-rebel on a tripod and a remote release.
Message edited by author 2006-05-07 19:14:55.
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05/07/2006 07:14:02 PM · #3 |
| Since im 1st trying me hand at it i want to keep the price reasonable, If i stick with it i will definatly invest more in it then. Just need somethign to start the ball rolling |
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05/07/2006 07:14:40 PM · #4 |
Magnification isn't really what counts - Aperture is more important. And if you want to image nebula and galaxies then you'll need a reflector; something like 6" or 8" would be a good starting point.
And the other thing that's important when you're imaging nebula is the tracking mount... An accurate and solid tracking mount can cost more than the scope itself. There are lots of variables here, I'd recommend spending some time researching the subject first before you go out and start spending money.
And be prepared to spend a lot of money... :) |
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05/07/2006 07:32:00 PM · #5 |
| Find out if there's a local astronomy club near where you live. Go to their meetings for a few months and see what other people own and what they do with it. For astrophotography, you'll want a mount (scope tripod) that is very sturdy and heavy, and a system that has a sidereal drive (cancels out Earth's rotation). Don't spend ANY money until you've discussed and planned with people who know what they're doing and can advise you well. As a very rough ball-park idea, I'd plan to invest a minimum of $500 in the scope and mount, and allow another $500 for the inevitable accessories that you MUST have (astronomy is very much like photography in this regard). Your 350XT is a fine camera so you're on your way. |
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05/07/2006 07:55:32 PM · #6 |
| I agree that you check into your local astro-club. I had a nice 12" Meade SC telescope it had all the bells and whisles, but man was it a pain in the ass to set-up (scope itself weighed around 150lbs) I sold that and bought a nice 90mm meade ETX, I can set it up quick, hook on my camera get the shot I want. |
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05/07/2006 09:02:14 PM · #7 |
Many nebulae are large enough that a lens in the 100mm to 200mm range is sufficient to capture them. Most galaxies, however, require very long focal lengths. Even M31 in Andromeda is best imaged at 400mm or longer.
More important to the beginning astrophotographer than a telesceope is a good tracking mount and the knowledge to use it. You'll need to do long exposures, and for that you'll need a tracking mount. Good mounts are not cheap, and they must be well-aligned, which also takes practice. Spazmo's suggestion of seeking out a local astronomy club or society is a great one. You could conceivably have access to better equipment than you could reasonably buy, and knowledgable folks to help you up the curve.
This page is a good reference for those looking to buy a first telescope.
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05/07/2006 09:23:31 PM · #8 |
There's also the cheap beginner's option - build your own Barndoor mount, that will help cancel the Earth's motion and get you long exposures without streaking. I've just started playing with astrophotography too and am going to build one of these. They're pretty simple, about $50 for a hand-driven one, or you can get more complex and install a motor for a bit more money. This and a 70-300mm lens might be a good way to start, to make sure you really want to invest the amount of money that a telescope, etc., would cost.
Here's a couple of links I found that explain the whole thing in detail:
Barndoor 1
Barndoor 2
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05/11/2006 07:38:06 PM · #9 |
I started looking into differnt telescopes and here are a few that ive been looking into, if anyone has feed back on these modles please let me know what you think:
Orion AstroView 6 EQ Reflector
Orion StarMax 102mm EQ Compact "Mak"
Celestron C6-N Reflector
Zhumell Eclipse 114 with Motor Drive
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05/11/2006 08:03:34 PM · #10 |
Here's my quick assessment of these scopes:
Orion AstroView 6 EQ Reflector
Would be a good beginner scope for a visual observer, but definitely of limited use for astrophotography, mainly because the mount is not very high end and there is no clock drive.
Orion StarMax 102mm EQ Compact "Mak"
A significant step up from the previous model. I know somebody who owns an Orion Maksutov and it's a pretty damn good scope. I don't know about the mount but it's likely to be sturdier and heavier than the previous one because it's carrying a better scope and the scope is attached more firmly (the reflector is held by bolted rings). Still no clock drive though.
Celestron C6-N Reflector
Still larger reflector, probably a heavier, sturdier mount, but still no clock drive.
Zhumell Eclipse 114 with Motor Drive
Run, don't walk, away from this scope. Don't even think about it. Cheap piece of trash.
What is your budget? Give me a price range and I'll make a few recommendations.
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