Astrophotographers!

[Azure]

Hey all,

I've spent the last few months observing and familiarizing myself with my scope, and would like to use it for my original intended aim - astrophotography.

I have a Celestron Astromaster 130mm EQ Newtonian Reflector, but I am unsure as to how I should go about starting astrophotograhy. I have held up a digital camera and phone to the eyepiece before to take pictures but both of these methods are painstakingly difficult, rarely yielding useful results.

I know some people use webcams, while others use adapters to fit cameras. Which is better?

I am more inclined to go down the webcam route, as I don't know if I can afford a DSLR camera (I do however currently own a Sony Cybershot digital camera). Any help on this matter would be appreciated!

- AZ

[Ags]

What do you want to photograph? Webcams are for planets although they can be modded to take long exposures of brighter DSOs. I am not sure that the Astromaster 130 can reach focus with a DSLR attached - you may need to add a barlow lens to the scope to get enough back focus, but then the image formed is very dim which means you need to take long exposures, which means your tracking has to be nearly perfect...

The webcam route is the cheapest and will probably yield the best results on the moon and planets.

[Azure]

For the moment I want to start with planets and the Moon, as I know long exposure photography of DSOs wont come cheap, and will not be easy without a motorized scope, like you said.

Do you have any recommendations on what sort of webcams I should be looking at? I already own a 2X Barlow Lens.

- AZ

[johnrt]

What is your budget?

For the moment I want to start with planets and the Moon, as I know long exposure photography of DSOs wont come cheap, and will not be easy without a motorized scope, like you said.

Do you have any recommendations on what sort of webcams I should be looking at? I already own a 2X Barlow Lens.

- AZ

[JamesM]

I would agree that with the equipment you already have, using a webcam is the way to go. It might be worth posting a question over on the imaging equipment section regarding a specific preferred webcam. There will of course be specialised cameras that will have a heavy price tag but there are many that are can be delivered already 'modified' to make them fully adjustable through software that are relatively inexpensive (£50-60).

Of course capturing 'data' through the scope is one thing but you will need to process this data to create the final image. There are several free bits of software including Registax, Wx Astrocapture, Sharpcap and Craterlet which will help you obtain a good final image. There is an initial learning curve of course but once you get started most of it will quickly slip into place. To help you obtain a really good understanding of imaging and its requirements, may I suggest that you get hold of a copy of Steve Richards' "Making Every Photon Count" (FLO £19.99). It will tell you what kit you need and why you need it to obtain good consistent images. Having a comprehensive overview at the beginning will certainly help you formulate an accurate budget which should also include some additional software that is necessary but isn't free. They don't call it the 'dark art' for nothing!

Clear skies and look forward to seeing your future images.

James

[Azure]

Thanks for the replies guys

Johnrt - Most preferably under £50, but a bit of give or take is okay.

JBM1165 - Some wise words there! I'll be sure to check out RegiStax (which I have read about before) and have a lookie at that book too! I have an old webcam lying around somewhere, I might see what I can do with that in terms of modifying it to fit an eyepiece.

- AZ

[Atlas]

+3 on the Webcam. Also if you use "Castrator" to align your pics, A little movement won't hurt you too bad.

[Azure]

+3 on the Webcam. Also if you use "Castrator" to align your pics, A little movement won't hurt you too bad.

Did someone actually call a piece of software 'Castrator'?

Oh and I've asked around in the imaging section too. Thanks for all the help guys, I think I have a good idea of what to get

- AZ

[Dazza121]

you can get yourself a MS lifecam and the Billet Parts barrel for about £50 if your able to do the conversion yourself (its not that difficult). seems to give fairly decent results on planets considering its cost and looks pretty professional and sturdy in the billet parts barrel. or try out the Xbox cam conversion which seems to be a lot cheaper.

[CelestialHaz]

Hi Azure,

Its good to see your enthusiasm for astrophotography. I too was in a similar situation and was advised to read 'Making Every Photon Count' a great book made by Steve Richards who is a member on this forum.

His book is a great place to start which discusses the basics of astrophotography including equipment, techniques and how to get started with some DIY tips as well.

It's available from FLO for around £22 here

This book will help you decide which way you want to go and also talks about processing the images afterwards.

I have to say it is a great investment and one I am glad I spent the money on

HTH