Astrophotography

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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
I have always loved telescopes but have not had the money to delve into it on the level I want till now. The only problem is that I don't know where to start with equipment. I am going to a astronomy club meeting in a city about an hour away on Tuesday and hoping there is someone there who is into the same thing.

Is there anyone here that does Astrophotography?
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
I had a manager many years ago that was into astronomy and we would go out and look at the heavens once in a while. The first time he showed me a spiral galaxy in his telescope I was hooked. Seeing that and knowing what it is just sort of lets you know just how small we are.
 
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Anco

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
I had a manager many years ago that was into astronomy and we would go out and look at the heavens once in a while. The first time he showed me a spiral galaxy in his telescope I was hooked. Seeing that and knowing what it is just sort of lets you know just how small we are.
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There are some breath taking images out there, check this link out if you want a perspective of how small we are.

BabaMail -Looking At the Earth With True Perspective.

Or this one for some images that are unbelievable

BabaMail -The Bejeweled Beauty of Our Universe!
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
aroy said:
From what I have read, a telescope with attachment for Nikon F mount is all that you need. There are two types of telescopes for Astrophotography
Telescopes, Telescope Accessories, Outdoor and Scientific Products by Celestron
. Narrow field high magnification. These are about F8 to F11
. Wide field lower magnification. These are the latest and around F2 - best for shooting wide swaths of the sky.
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You will also need a sky tracker device that can slowly move to counter the earths rotation. This way you can take long exposures and get deep space photos plus clear galaxy photos etc. It is not cheap but in comparison to lenses it is ;) have fun. I have been contemplating it but not sure if I need extra gear as yet.
 
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FastGlass

Senior Member
I'm with you Don. Always been fascinated with what's out there. With all the other galaxies out there you can't tell me there is no other life form. I've wanted to get a telescope but don't know where to start. Be interested to find what you come up with.
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Scott Murray said:
@Don Kuykendall I am blaming you as you have renewed my interest in Astrophotography and have come across this - Australian Geographic Shop Celestron 4SE Nexstar Telescope , Australian Geographic Shop Online I am very tempted....

Don you just cost me just over $1000 AUD lol
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So you bought it? Good so you can tell me (Or better yet, show me) how good it is. So this one is complete with the exception of the camera adapter?

I am looking at the NEXSTAR 6SE which should be a little better with light gathering.

NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope [item # 11068]

Still have to figure out what is really needed with it to do what I want. Sure wish I had a local dealer to talk to.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
I'll be watching this thread too. I've always loved astronomy, but never blended it with photography. I'm assuming these systems will do better than say a 600mm lens?
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
So you bought it? Good so you can tell me (Or better yet, show me) how good it is. So this one is complete with the exception of the camera adapter?

I am looking at the NEXSTAR 6SE which should be a little better with light gathering.

NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope [item # 11068]

Still have to figure out what is really needed with it to do what I want. Sure wish I had a local dealer to talk to.
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It would be nice if we could find images actually taken with the gear.
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Rick M said:
It would be nice if we could find images actually taken with the gear.
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I am doing a little research and it seems that the 6SE I am looking at with the camera mount is only equivalent to a 1500mm lens. It is the eyepieces that give you the long look but you can't use those with the camera mount.

We shall see
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
So you bought it? Good so you can tell me (Or better yet, show me) how good it is. So this one is complete with the exception of the camera adapter?

I am looking at the NEXSTAR 6SE which should be a little better with light gathering.

NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope [item # 11068]

Still have to figure out what is really needed with it to do what I want. Sure wish I had a local dealer to talk to.
Click to expand...
Yep I bought it and I think it will suit my needs for now :)
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
There is nothing worse than finally deciding on a piece of equipment after months of research and then having to wait on it. Drives me insane. My wife told me she would get it for me for Christmas and all I had to do was tell her what I wanted. So I have a while to do some research.
 
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