johnbmcg

Of course , hadn't considered that, but that is definately another option when I get restless and want to buy more stuff !

Hi As I said earlier I have bought an AZ GTi Eq mod mount on a sturdy SW stainless steel tripod. Im going to learn as much as I can using my Canon 500d. I have the 18-55 kit lens and have been loaned a Tamron 70-220 f/3.8 lens. Will be looking out for a prime lens when I know a bit more and what focal length I feel I will use most. Quite happy to begin with a dslr and lens now that I know more and see what can be achieved. My 130p requires modding to use for AP and I dont want to do that, will just keep for visual. At a later stage might be back asking about refractors suitable for AP, but that will be put off for a while now. Thanks for the help and suggestions definately helped me focus on a direction to take for now.

Thanks for that info. I hope I remember that if I ever use it in alt az.

Yes, I have the updated firmware as I intend to use in EQ mode. Im starting to use with a DSLR and lens for astrophotography, or I will do when the clouds clear. A dedicated scope for astrophotography. will have to wait unless I find something cheap to start with. I do have a 130p which I will use for visual, its on another alt az mount. I assume you mean the telescope needs to go on the right if using the az gti in alt az mode using the new firmware ?

Ordered the dovetail mentioned above, thank you. Already have Sky Safari plus, looking forward to using it with the AZ GTi. The Talentcell looks to be ideal for what I want. I will probably go ahead and get it ordered in the next couple of days. No clear skies here until Sunday at least. Lots of reading to do and YouTube to watch to get some more tips about this setup before then.

Hi Just got my hands on an AZ GTi EQ and currently reading up as much as I can find about setting up, polar alignment, etc Couple of things I would like to ask Im going to be using a Canon 500d to start with with a few different lens the biggest of which is a Tamron 200mm. What is the best way to attach the camera to the AZ GTi mount ? Also, what is the best way to power the mount. Dont like the idea of buying batteries all the time. Does it work well with rechargable batteries ? Better to get a power pack ? Which one ? Hope a few of you with experience of this mount can chip in with suggestions. I would rather get it right first time rather than buying bits and then having to replace them later. Thanks

Thanks for the replies . It has confirmed that for now my feeling that I should use my DSLR and learn more before spending more on a telescope.. I know it would be easier to start with a shorter lens, but I really like the pictures I see at about 135mm to 200mm. Maybe I should start shorter, as I will probably end up with a few lenses,. Tamron lenses seem to be more in my price range than Samyang or Sigma or some of the other makes that I see mentioned as good for astrophotography. No one seems to mention Canon lenses other than the Nifty Fifty is this because the budget ones are not generally as good or suitable. I will probably be back on the forum asking about specific lenses if i see something for sale just to check if it is suitable for purpose.

Good advice. I do have all the parts /adapters to fit a dslr to a telescope as I tried t already with my 130p unsuccesfully lol Everything Ive bought so far has been from FLO or astrobuyandsell just seen a link to the Currys deal and as it was a scope mentioned in Astrobiscuits website as a good starter scope. OK, anyway I have decided based on what has been said here and then running off to Google that I will stick with the dslr and look for a lens. At a later date when I have know more and have saved up I may well look into a better short tube refractor, hear lots of good things about the Redcat. Thank you for the advice on the lens I will be keeping an eye out on the second hand market, here hoping something turn up soon.

Just an update. Just bought a used AZ GTi with the EQ mod and upgraded tripod, it should be a good base to start with I hope. Still undecided to go with a good prime lens for te DSLR or just to buy a cheap short tube telescope . I see Currys are selling the Meade Adventurer 80 at £99 would that be a good starter scope for DSO imaging. Asking a few questions on eBay about dslr lenses there so still might go that route if I feel right about the replies. Thanks for te advice so far and keep it coming if you can.

thanks for the links, im off to look

Hi I do have laptop and intervalometer but I understand there are always more things needed. ATM Im just thinking the big budget items first can always squeeze a bit for extras or get them as I go along. I do like the idea of a startracker or better still the AZ Gti modded. I would be happy to work for now with the DSLR and a decent lens but looking through ebay there are a lot of lenses and knowing which one is best, which is good value, and if they are good consition is just a bit of a worry. I had thought of a 135mm lens to start with, but wondering if its OK to start with a lens like a 7-300mm or something like that. Also, is an f4 ok, thought most recommended f2 or even less. Thanks so far, this discussion is helping to focus my direction....I hope

hope to keep the budget at this stage to about £450 if possible I was thinking of £350 on a used eq tracking mount and £100 on either a budget refractor or a used dslr lens I do love the idea of the az gti as it has goto but worried about me doing the eq conversion myself. I have seen some used with the converion sold for around £325 so could look out for one of these. It should be ok with a DSLR and 300mm lens ? or dslr on a small refractor ?

hi all i have been viewing for a while now but think i would be more interested in photographing dso im really hoping to do this on a minimum budget so looking help so i dont make errors in purchasing or direction i do have some equipment some of which might be useable - SW 130p on an az pronto mount/tripod - unmodified Canon 500d with 18-55 kit lens and intervalometer I know i need a new mount for starters that could accomodate AP either using 1) the DSLR with new lens or 2) the DSLR with new scope or 3) maybe a cmos camera with the 130p which route woud you take and then suggestion of items needed for a budget rig thanks