DrummerSP

I only recently looked into the differences between prime lenses after seeing them mentioned so often. I have a zoom at the moment so thats definitely something to consider... I normally focus and forget that the focus changes when I zoom so it would stop that too 😄 Wow those are some amazing pictures using that lens! I'll definitely look into that one before I make a decision... So many choices and options but thanks for everyone's help/advice!

Thanks again for all the information! That makes sense that a telescope would do a better job at infinity as they are designed for that purpose where lenses are for near and far. Another good point about being able to observe and not just image... I'd love to observe as well so this would be a plus, however my main goal is to get quality images so my initial thought was to focus on imaging first. But even having some observation, even if the scope was more for imaging would be a fun addition. I do like the portability and lack of attachments/fiddling with adapters etc that lenses offer. Its a lot more like connect and shoot instead which definitely suits me better. Also the ability to do landscape astro with a lense too. Maybe having the canon f4L lens is more than good enough for now and will work for travelling/setting up quickly and a small refractor in the future for set up at home with more time and even some observing. Having both would solve the decision

Thank you both for the replies and all the info thats helped a lot. I can definitely see the difference in the example you shared and im definitely leaning more to the sharpstar now I think. This image is slightly better i think with the same equipment but not sure the focus matches your example still... Although I have been suggested this astrophotography dedicated lens... (Askar 200mm) https://www.firstlightoptics.com/askar-telescopes/askar-acl-200mm-f4-apo-camera-lens.html which is now adding another option... Would the sharpstar still be the better choice over that lens? I wish I understood the types of lenses better but its a lot to take in so really appreciate the help! I'll definitely have a look on MPB and see what cameras are available too thank you.

Hi! Firstly apologies if this is in the wrong section (this is my first post on any kind of forum!) and I'm aware its a question thats probably been asked thousands of times. Please let me know if I should post elsewhere or anything... So I've made some progress with astrophotography but as much as I try I get so confused with lenses and the specifics so thought I'd ask people who understand them more. My setup so far is a Canon EOS 550d, with a 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens all on a Star Adventurer pro tracker (recently upgraded from an Omegon LX3 mini track). The camera and lens were both second hand and passed down to me so I dont really know how old they are now but I've been getting good results so far (uploaded one of my recent images, still using the minitrack for reference) Basically I dont know if I'm better off upgrading the camera and sticking with the telephoto lens (from what I can find its a good lens), or would changing to a small telescope be better. If I was to, from what I've found the Sharpstar 61EDPH II would be a good choice? I've researched a lot and just dont understand the technical side enough to know where I'm better off putting my money. My budget would be around £1000, maybe slightly more for a camera as I do use it for other photography too. Any advice would be very appreciated, sorry for the long post!