2 replies to this topic

[tusrdu]

I couldn't find the proper beginner topics for my questions. As a beginner, I'm interested in capturing images of the the planets and our moon. I want to buy a Canon camera that's not too expensive if it is easily compatible with whatever telescope I purchase. I want to start by knowing what my best options are. The Raleigh Astronomy Club was very helpful in getting me on the right track. They also referred me to this forum. Since I want to stick with Amazon for any purchases (I have points that can be used), I would like to know what ya'll think about my next steps? They explained the EAA option, but I'm not sure how that potential benefit compares with using a camera with a T-adapter and T-mount? 

 

Below is the applicable section of my initial correspondence with the club and their response. I would love to get some more specific help with Amazon equipment choices for high quality photography capabilities (although I'm obviously not necessarily ready for deep space photos). I'm not sure how to start going about searching on Amazon for equipment that would best suit my telescope imaging needs? High quality for a beginner probably isn't the best possible choice, right? My budget would be less than $3,000 (and hopefully less than $1,500).

 

Thanks so much...

~Ken

 

"I recently took the early out package from American Airlines here in Cary, and the gift I chose was a good Bushnell spotting scope since I thought with my smart phone adapter and tripod, I would be able to take good photos through the scope (of the moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, or the recent comet, for example). I was wrong, as it’s almost impossible lining up one of the 3 phone lenses (widescreen, normal and telephoto) for a decent, clear photo with the adapter!

I’ve always been interested in both astronomy and photography. I’ve been researching the best telescopes to buy, and my main question is can one buy a telescope that can have a good camera attached to it for clear, stunning photos? Something other than a rudimentary “adapter attachment”. I’m obviously on a limited budget, but have accumulated many Hilton Honors points that can be used for Amazon purchases (I have enough points for about $2,500 worth of items on Amazon).

https://www.digitalc...strophotography

https://nineplanets....trophotography/

https://theplanets.o...trophotography/

https://www.space.co...ying-guide.html
 

https://astrophotons...aphy-telescope"

 

"With a SLR style camera, a T-adapter and T-mount will allow an easy connection to a telescope. There are also dedicated astronomy cameras that start at a couple hundred dollars . Most telescopes are capable of imaging, though some are better than others - we can work through that when you are ready.

For around $1000-1500 you can get a nice telescope and a small video camera and start taking pictures.  We call this EAA, or electronically assisted astronomy. You can practice some astrophotography at this level too."

[CharlesC]

You should ask you question in the EAA forum.  Here is link.

https://www.cloudyni...-astronomy-eaa/

 

The advantage of using an EAA camera is that exposures are much shorter than a DSLR so the telescope mount can be much cheaper and the process much easier.   A starter EAA camera such as ASI224 with a Celestron 6SE would work for you.  A step up would be Celestron Evolution 8" with ASI294  Both would be good for DSO pics.  Neither telescope would be adequate for a DSLR camera for DSO pics.

 

Don't change the font size of posts or people won't be able to read your post.

 

Good luck to you.

Edited by CharlesC, 28 November 2020 - 07:14 AM.

[Tulloch]

Hi Ken, it is possible to use a Canon DSLR to capture good quality images of the planets using the techniques described here. And yes, a T-adapter and T-mount is all you need, just insert the camera where the eyepiece would normally go.

https://www.astropix...resolution.html

 

I used this technique with Canon 700D and a program called BackyardEOS which has a dedicated "planetary" mode, as well as modes for DSO imaging. The results won't be as good as a dedicated planetary camera such as the ASI224MC (which I eventually upgraded to), but you can see the comparison for yourself in these posts, one with a 6" SCT, the other with a 9.25", both mounted on my Celestron Evolution (alt/az) mount. This mount is good for planetary and visual observing, but cannot really be used successfully with DSO imaging.

https://www.cloudyni...6-sct-test-two/
https://www.cloudyni...-sct-test-four/

 

The techniques for capturing planetary images are well described in these tutorial videos, which I highly recommend.

http://planetaryimagingtutorials.com/

 

Andrew

Edited by Tulloch, 28 November 2020 - 01:30 AM.