itsamomentintime

On 13/03/2022 at 10:18, Iem1 said:

A star tracker, small refractor and a DSLR is a great way to begin astrophotography and I would highly recommend it.

If you have no experience with photography/astronomy/Image processing it can be a massive and frustrating learning curve, starting with simpler and easier to manage and more forgiving equipment helps as you get a feel for the basics like PA, focusing, sky navigation, data handling etc that will carry through when using more expensive and complex set ups.  

I used a Sky guider pro, WO Z73 (430mm) and a Astro Modded 600D for the first 6 - 7 months and I had an absolute blast learning the ropes. The scope + DSLR was pushing the star tracker to pretty much its limits though, 30 second exposures are pretty consistent, 60 second is possible but very unreliable and not worth the hassle as there is no margin for error. 

A 'Starless' image of M31 using the above equipment, Sky guider Pro + WO Z73 + 600D, I think it was around 2.5 Hours of 30 second exposures.

 

that looks like a supernova in Andromeda, to the left

21 hours ago, vlaiv said:

Yes, that is about minimum equipment that you'll need.

Camera, lens, tripod, some sort of tracker.

It really does not need to be expensive if you go second hand / DIY route. DSLR can be found for very fair price second hand, and for star tracker - do internet search for "Barn door" tracker. It is very cheap DIY solution.

By the way - welcome to SGL.

thanks!

22 hours ago, Daf1983 said:

Hi,

I'm no expert, but when I started a year and a half ago, I had a similar goal, and used the following equipment:

- Canon 600d (£200 2nd hand)

- Carl zeiss 135mm lens (£30)

- Tripod (£40)

- Intervalometer (£10)

- Skytracker (depends, star adventurer is about £250, I used a mechanical tracker which I picked up for £80 2nd hand).

This is what I got with the above equipment, not sure if it qualifies as decent🙈

Be aware, since taking this photo I've spent a further £2k+, this hobby can be addictive and pricey!

thats a beauty

could i add a telescope, then use the camera to take the image?

hello all

i am a beginner to this

rather than ask 'whats the best setup to see Andromeda' and because i don't know how many pieces of equipment are required image, monitor (motorised stand) to take a photo

i'm asking - what do you recommend (on the cheap if possible) to get a decent photo of Andromeda?

i.e please can you list what is required, and an honest price/equipment recommendation?

might get pricey.....