LR Watanabe

Is the Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/3.5-5.6 II a good lens for astrophotography? I plan on using the Nikon D5300 with it and I wanted to know if the 55-200 would be a good lens for photographing DSOs. Does anyone use this lens and if so, may I see some images taken with it? I can't seem to find images on Astrobin. Also, is it possible to photograph DSOs (M42, Rosette, Flaming star, M45 etc.) from a bortle 7 sky with the 55-200mm? Clear skies, LR

Soooo.... Since you guys are really smashing the praise button on the Canon EOS 6D, I might as well get the 6D as it is relatively new compared to the 5D Mark II. But then the thing is, I really can't find someone who sells a second hand Canon EOS 6D at a price of <450$ (45,000 Yens). Could someone give me a link of someone selling a used 6D at the aforementioned price? It means a lot to me if you do, as my brain is already starting to hurt from all the back and forth i've been doing between AP gear. Clear skies, LR

Thanks for the reply, Alacant. I chose the 5D as it is relatively inexpensive while also having some astounding pictures on Astrobin. However, taking your advice, I might just change ny mind and purchase the 6D Mk I. Thanks, Leon.

I’m hesitant about choosing the T3i as I’ve read negative reviews of its censor and how it apparently is “shoddy.”

I’m looking to do Milky Way Astrophotography, and I’m hesitating on whether I purchase the Full Frame camera that is the 5D Mark II or the APS-C EOS 600D. I plan on using the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm F/2.8 wide angle lens, although I’m open to suggestions so long as said suggested lens is under 500$. The mount I use will be the iOptron SkyGuider Pro with the counter weight supplies in the set. If there is an alternative to the cameras listed above that goes for less then 400$, I’m willing to hear it. Thanks a bundle, Leon

I cannot agree more, Daemon! Have a nice stargazing session, Leon

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the flattener! Anyhow, thanks you so much for the quick reply, it helps a lot! Since I haven't gotten the Canon 600D yet, do you think now would be a good time to change my opinion? A used 600D over here is only 160$, and I'm trying not to go beyond 250$. Clear skies, Leon.

For Deep-Sky AP of mostly galaxies (and nebulae), what'll give me the best results– a medium-weight 130 P-DS or a very lightweight wide-field WO Z61? I know the "best" telescope is one that doesn't just collect dust all day long, but I just can't figure it out. Supporting said telescope will be the SW HEQ5 PRO Synscan (with the Rowan Astronomy belt attached), which will be supported further by a autoguiding system, possibly a very lightweight CF 32mm refractor with a ZWO ASI 120mm Mini (Can't find the -S model in Japan). On the telescope'll be the Canon EOS 600D, quite a heavy beast IMO. Instead of leaving it here, I'll say (just blurt out) everything I know about these seemingly-equal telescopes. The 130 P-DS, clocking in at F/5, will produce fantastic photos of Nebulae and Galaxies alike, although its aperture will slightly limit the galaxies it'll see. It seems this telescope does particularly well when it comes to imaging M81 or M51, and Nebulae like the Rosette. Its price-performance ratio is basically unbeatable, as it's only 250$ over here in Japan and it cranks out fantastic images. The only addition I'll need will be a F/5 SW-issued Coma Corrector; however, I don't need to worry as I'll be getting one from me mum in a few week's time. The William Optics Z61, which has a slightly higher F number of 5.9. It sports 2 lenses with FPL-53 elements in them, allowing for extremely high contrast images of nebulae like the Rosette, Orion, all that lot. I've previously asked a similar question, and I've been convinced by the answer that "I won't really be able to take images of galaxies other than M31, Andromeda, and M33, Triangulum. So why do I even have this as an option when I could just go with the cheaper 130 P-DS? Well because it's a wide field APO. Everything it supports, whether it be the design to the focuser, is just amazing, so much so I can't emphasise the emotion enough. On Astrobin, I've checked out what kind of images these telescopes produce, and I encountered a problem– pretty much everyone was using everything but the 600D. They all used the fancy Mono-cooled CCDs like the ZWO ASI 1600MM Pro. Clear skies, Leon.

That thing is quite a heavy beast! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy it!

Everyone, thank you so so much for all your lovely replies! Just to clear things up, I’ll be using a Canon T3i (I know a CMOS Colour is better but alas). The Mak I’ll probably use for solely the photography of planets, and of course, the visual observation of planets like Saturn. Also, Vlaiv is right— I can’t find a focal reducer for the a Mak. Anyways, other than the Skymax, what’s another good alternative that’ll feed my hunger for viewing planets? Much love, Leon.

hm, I see! The Skymax DOES please me, only problem being that the EPs it takes are 1.25" ones...

Yup! You actually might be right– I was just reading about AVX mounts and after you mentioned the years, I realised that yes, not many people have posted problems about the AVX in '19! If ever you unfortunately encounter a problem, you should just try asking the shop you bought it from to repair it or give you a new one, OR you could try –in the most extreme cases– asking Celestron for a new one, etc.. I'm really not sure tho. Have a wonderful day, Leon. P.S. The AVX is extremely good looking, isn't it?

By no means do I intend to discourage you, but after hearing quite a load of horror stories, I fear that you might encounter a problem like many have, too! However, I've heard of people that use the AVX and saying it works like a breeze! As for learning how to use GOTO mounts, I'm rather not sure, as I've yet to own one myself; however, I do believe that the AVX is not that much different from your previous LX70– they're both Equatorials, only difference being that the AVX has 2 built-in motors and a GOTO. Enjoy your AVX, Leon.

WAIT WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH, THE BLOODY HELL? 9000 ON A DOBSONIAN? NO THANKS! sorry if that was disrespectful.

Ah, I see. Thanks, John!

Okay, this is yet to happen, but in one year or so, I'll be fortunate enough to be in the position of being able to spend a whopping 1200$ on one telescope/mount and all that [removed word]. Like a narrowband filter narrows the light going through the eyepiece, I've narrowed it down to either getting something of your recommendations OR a Sky Watcher 10" Flextube Dobsonian. Since, by that time, I'll already have a HEQ5 and a 150 PDS that'll be used for taking Astrophotos, I thought I might as well get something for visual observations of mostly galaxies (and sometimes nebulae), too. Dobsonians are the best as they offer the most aperture, which is what I've heard from at least 1000 beginner-aimed websites like "What telescope should you choose?" In the end, it all boils down to aperture for DSO visual astronomy, and so my heart is set upon a good Dob under 1200$– a Sky Watcher 10" Flextube. What do you think of this? A 10" flextube Dob by SW, a company known for making quality products (and some rubbish ones somtimes, too)? Clear skies, Leon

What makes me happier is that you got to feel the joy of looking at the moon– right now is the perfect time for me, as it's a Waning Gibbous (or what-bloody-ever)! And yes, Eye Reliefs EPs are really useful and make life that much easier! If ever you get a telescope with a 2 inch EP fitting hole (or whatever they're called), I recommend getting something like a Sky Watcher 2 inch LET eyepiece! Clear skies, Leon!

Blimey, nicely done!If that’s what I can expect on a Bortle 3/4/5 zone, I wonder what I can see on a 1 zone! (With a proper filter, of course)

So we have a oftenly-visited post that is "Imaging with the 130PDS," and I thought– why not much love for the 150 PDS? So I decided I'll leave this post out there, mainly as a means of people sharing their nice Astrophotos taken with the 150 to one another, but also as a way for me to see what I can expect from a 150PDS! I've seen the 130 PDS posts and blimey, if you're one of the imagers that replied in that post with those amazing photos, amazing job– your dedication is absolutely mad! (In a good way, that is.) I'm not attempting to start a discussion, I just want a post where we can all be friends as fellow 150 PDS owners! Love, Leon.

Absolutely fantastic images, Paul! Crikey those pictures take me back to the days when I first saw the moon through my F12 Scopetech Raptor 50... oh how good those times were! Let me ask– you had that feeling of satisfaction flow through you when you managed to get pinpoint focus, right? (At least that's what I felt when I managed to get spot-on focusing!) Either way, I really like those pictures–I'd hang them up the wall if I were you! Continue exploring the skies, Leon. 😛

Welcome to SGL, Dave! I'm glad to hear that you've been enjoying Astronomy so far! Just know that in this hobby there'll be some ups and downs, and mistakes are inevitable– which, in fact, are good factors, because mistakes made in the beginning stages of this hobby will result in less frustration in the near future!

I cannot emphasise enough my current feeling of happiness. For weeks on end, I've been looking for a seller in Japan that offers the HEQ5, but the effort was futile. Until now, that is. FLO (First Light Optics) ships to Japan! They really do! (Well, I will have to add 200£ to the mix, though). What makes matters better is that by the end of the year, I'll be able to afford the HEQ5, a good (F4) guide scope, a autoguiding camera, AND possibly a Coma Corrector! But then again, I'm thwarted by a question my beginner brain cannot answer. Assuming I have the HEQ5 perfectly Polar Aligned (Sharpcap Pro FTW) and I've balanced correctly (that biasing rubbish), what kind of subs will I be expecting with roughly 7-8 kg on the HEQ5 total? Clear skies, Leon.

The principles of SGL– every yes, you get a no, and vice versa. Just keep that in mind when asking questions– otherwise, welcome to SGL!

So I'm looking for the best grab and go planetary viewing (and maybe some DSOs) telescope that is relatively cheap (below 500$) that will also support some Astrophotography. I know the SkyMax 127 is a Maksutov and therefore has a high F number, but I'm okay with that because I'll just pop on a 0.5x focal reducer to bring it down to F/6 (still a bit high though.) With said Grab and Go I'm interested in viewing Saturn and Jupiter with high detail. What do you recommend? Clear skies, Leon. Edit: I need one that'll fit into the Sky Watcher EQ5.

Good to know, thanks Anthonyexmouth, you're a bloody legend! Clear skies, Leon.