Fenton

Took my first ever shot today. Canon 50D with 24-104 Lens, ISO 1600. 80 frames stacked (and i did take, flats,darks and bias). A bit of a hit and miss affair. I could not see Orion through the view finder or live view so had to eyeball it after focusing on a bright star I could see. One hour of cloud free sky, with neighbours shrubs in the way. So I ended up just pointing my camera in the rough direction of Orion. So to the question. In order to improve my aiming accuracy so I don't waste time taking shot after shot to see what I'm trying to photograph, I need an aiming device, so was thinking a red dot finder, but then it occured to me, my phone shows me exactly what I am looking at with a full star map. Would a phone mount be a better idea? First ever image, even though it is fairly rubbish I am still proud. You can even see a nebula smudge.

I'm in it mainly for the technical challenge, combining my landscape photography experience, and my photoshop experience. I'm now actually leaning towards this kind of setup https://astrobackyard.com/deep-sky-astrophotography-kit/ I already have a decent Photography tripod. I looks like I can take some fairly decent shots of DSOs (which is my main interest) So then the question is Redcat 51 or the William Optics Zenithstar 61 II both appear to be roughly the same weight. Get the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack so I can go with longer exposures. If I am then totally gripped by the hobby I can then think of getting a decent heavy mount and bigger scopes. The above setup can then be a keeper for mobility. One quick question. Can you use a small scope as mentioned as a guide scope on a larger telescope, assuming you get adapt the mounting?

Alternatively just go down the photo lens route, but decent photo lenses are more expensive that entire telescope rigs

Whilst I may practice at home, this hobby will be an excuse to get out of the house when lockdown is finished, get some exercise for myself and dogs and do a bit of camping on Dartmoor whilst I'm at it, with a nice bottle of wine when waiting for the exposures to finish ;o) Now I am leaning towards the EQ5 mount. Start off without the motor drive and goto functionality, good practice in finding stuff by hand. Rather than go with long exposures, take lots of short exposures and stack em (learn the hard way), then add the Goto stuff later.

I live smack in the middle of London, worst light pollution you can find.

Hello, a noob here so please excuse the stupid questions. I'm putting a shopping list together for a portable telescope based astrophotography rig. It has to be portable as the only places in the UK with little light pollution, tend to be at the top of large hills. My main aim is to have a rig that can be upgraded in time without having to throw too much away. I already have a DSLR (Canon 50D). But it has to be as cheap as possible, but give me good results so I don't give up immediately because I get crap results. My list so far. Mount: Either a SkyWatcher EQ3 Goto Mount and Tripod. My only worry is a max imaging weight of 5kg or spend the extra money and go with the EQ5, but that may well mean dropping in price on the scope. I'm leaning towards the EQ3 as it could be a keeper for portability with a small scope. Scope: Either a Skywatcher 80ED or William Optics Zenithstar 73 III APO, leaning towards the William Optics as it is the faster lens and is lighter. Guidescope: Astro Essentials 32mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope + ZWO ASI 120MM Mini USB 2.0 Mono Camera Then comes the accessories. Image flattener. Is this necessary for a beginner? T-Mount adapter for the canon. A 1.25" and/or 2" to T-Mount Adapter. I'm seen all sort of other accessories online for the camera to scope connection, extenders and the like. What are the recommended, not vital but will make you life much easier accessories. Anything else, other than. Lots of large CF cards Laptop with interchangeable Battery (and spares) Lots of camera Batteries. Lots of Batteries for the mounts. I'm mostly interested in deep space objects, rather than the moon or planets. So rip my list apart as you feel fit, but if you can come up with cheaper/alternative components, that would be much appriciated.