Splreece

25 minutes ago, tomato said:

+1 for getting hold of a copy of “Making every photon count” by Steve Richards, and have a look through the “getting started with imaging” section on here. 

For optimum results different subjects require different equipment, so a one size fits all set up will inevitably be a compromise.

Occasionally you get an imager selling their entire setup in the classified section, so that would make your budget go further, but  be aware that a number have folks have jumped in trying to get a complex set up running from the start and have got frustrated and consequently disillusioned with the hobby, which is a shame. Try and get some results early on, I found this really motivating to continue the imaging journey which I have found immensely rewarding, even if it has emptied my wallet along the way.

Thanks for the reply,

Yeah I got the impression it's similar to dslr in the sense of pick the lens and pod and gear for the type of images.  

I'm hoping to do moon/planet imaging via the telescope (so closer and more detailed than dslr and zoom could do) but that sounds quite a range, maybe I need to be specific with which planets due to distance etc (assuming focal length and fstop and tripod make a difference.   If I were to say the moon and possibly Saturn viewing, would that give a hint as the which focal length and tripod mount I needed

10 minutes ago, Lee_P said:

As you'll already have a good camera and lenses for your wildlife and sports work, perhaps buy a good tracking mount suitable for astro work, and get experience using your existing kit? If you do that for a year you can learn the basics, and then be in a better position to plan your next steps. 

Good advice.. I will have to battle my impulsive instinct.   

6 minutes ago, Carbon Brush said:

As a wildlife and sports photographer, it is reasonable to assume you a decent quality DSLR and lenses to cover 50 to 200mm FL.

You may also have a good tripod. Photography and astronomy tripods do overlap, but not by much.
If you remember that 0.5deg of shift/flop on a tripod takes you from one side of the moon to thee other, you can see rigidity is vital.

To start, place your DSLR on the tripod and take a few photos of the moon. These being second or less exposures.
You should get some half decent, albeit small, images.
Longer FL lens will give you a bigger image at the expense of longer exposure - but you know that already.

A next step can be taking multiple short images and stacking them in sofrware.

Another step is to buy a small driven mount to track the object.

The attached photo is not one of mine. It was shown to me by someone who doesn't have in depth astronomy or photogprahy knowledge. His (in my view very good) first result.
He used a standard DSLR & lens. Fixed on a small undriven mount that I lent him and stacked about a dozen 5 second exposures.
I think it shows very well what can be produced using limited equipment.

The next stage up would be a driven mount allowing longer FL lens......
Yes I have now lent him a driven mount.
Astrophotography can require a 20 litre bucket filled with £20 notes. But you can get good results for little cost.

HTH, David.

Thanks David.. really useful I use a 6d and yep all red ring lens's, so the thinking is can I do 2 things... 1 is photography via the dslr and a specialist astrophotography lens and 2 deeper zoom images via a telescope.  Although I'm assuming a lot from telescopes and my ability to use them i.e that telescope like photography is a trial and error till you figure out what you like to take.   

With me having a son, I'm hoping to use the telescope to take and view recognisable objects to a child i.e. moon, some planets I.e. What a 10yr old would know, then the question is what should I look for in the telescope I e. Focal length fstop score which brands are best for tripod rigidity and stopping zoom creep ...

But that's me assuming photography and telescopes cross some tech paths..

Hey all.

I'm a wildlife and sports photographer but want to move into astronomy via telescope.

Just wondering what would be a recommended kit for someone who has the motivation to learn and build a new skill .. I have a ten yrs old son so being able to see the moon, planets, rings, satellites would be great if we could then print out or record the findings.

Budget around 2k.   UK north England based.

Thanks in advance.  When I started Photography was so difficult googling the equipment as you always get a mix of rubbish and great gear but so many poor reviews.... Hoping to get some experienced views on the best startup gear that is as automated and computer compatible with photo functionality.