how to get the best photography with a DSLR

[Maximillion]

Hi all

looking at many pictures through stargazers lounge and Google images, i was wondering how to get the best pictures through using a DSLR. is it all to do with stacking on registax and other software or is it to do with exposures and shutter speeds. i have registax 5 and i don't really know how to use it. i understand that you can upload video files and stack the frames but can you stack single images together and how since my telescope is without a motor drive. please could you help since i am getting a DSLR this month.

regards

max

[JKB]

Hi Max

I'm fairly new to this lark too but essentially:

You can Image the planets with a webcam. The Philips SPC880 does the trick, with suitable adaptor to fit into the eyepiece. Take a few minutes worth of video and then use Registax. (Loads of tutorials online to help with that)

As for using DSLR. THe best method is to get a adaptor ring and if needed an eyepiece adaptor. You connect the DSLR to the scope without lens and in place of an eyepiece.

You really need to have motors to track if you can or else you will end up with star trails. Don't worry though as you can take short exposures around 15secs without motors. Just take lots and lots of photos (800ISO as a start) and ensure noise reduction is turned off (If on DSLR)

Then use a program called Deep Sky Stacker to stack the static images (Also set the camera to RAW mode)

Hope that helps and I'm sure plenty of others on here will give further advice.

Just ask lots of questions

[Maximillion]

thanks, thats great help. my telescope has already got a direct SLR connection (built on adapter ring) so i will not need to get that. with a 15 sec exposure, will you be able to capture some deep sky objects ?

regards

max

[JKB]

Hi Max

I think you will find the scope is like mine and you have a 'direct' connection to DSLR? That means you will still need what is called a T-Ring. This screws to your directly to the eyepiece focuser tube and fits to the camera in the same method as the lens would (ie bayonet or screw)

FLO sell the right T-Ring for the make of camera. What DSLR are you looking to buy? I have a Canon and can recommend it.

15sec exposures can definitely reveal some great DSO's. You could look to the future and getting a different mount, say Motor driven EQ5 which your scope would be great on.

You can probably try for a little longer depending where the object is in the sky.

If you haven't already, get the book Making Every Photon Count by Steve Richards (he is also a moderator on this forum) Great book with lots and lots of advice/tips.

Cheers

Jamie

[Maximillion]

again thank you. one of my friends has a nikon and i used it on my telescope at a astronomy night. he seemed to detach the lens and then screw the body onto the direct slr connection on the 1.25" focuser without a t -ring. since i have used his and been very impressed with the results i might think of getting a nikon d50, but could consider getting the canon eos 300d from its great feedback from a previous thread i made.

regards

max

[Steve 1962]

Another vote for "Every Photon Count" by Steve Richards.

Also - another vote for Canon DSLRs (the 1000d and 1100d are excellent value for money) - they seem to be better supported by specialist software like APT, Nebulosity and Backyard EOS.

Good luck - and don't forget there's no such thing as a stupid (well, there is one..and that's the one you wished you'd ask but didn't ... and it could have saved a lot of time and money).

Steve

[david o]

Hi Max,

Yes, before making a start with astro-photography I really recommend that you read Making Every Photon Count (by SGL's very own steppenwolf).

Easy to read, it's full of good advice aimed at the imaging novice, including choosing the right equipment - explaining what kit you'll need and, more importantly, why. Helping you avoid poor choices and costly mistakes. There's also loads of tips 'n' tricks as well as lots of other vital stuff.

Have a trawl through the imaging sections too. They're full of info and some very experienced and talented folk who, I'm sure, will be more than happy to share advice and guidance with you.

Does your interest lie with lunar/planetary work or DSO imaging? It's just that the choice of equipment will be dictated, to a degree, by this preference.

HTH