What else do I need?

[Amra]

Hi guys, I've recently ordered a full spectrum modded Canon 1100D (on it's way) and I want to take some wide-field images before I invest in a mount & a telescope for astrophotography.

So, what else do I need for a basic setup with no tracking?

Going to borrow a camera tripod & suitable lenses from a friend, I have a laptop with Windows & decent specs, although no USB 2.0, only USB 1.1 sockets, I hope all software works okay with that?

I will do all the camera controlling from the laptop. Any tips on software would also be appreicated.

I read somewhere that I need a filter of some kind to not get stars bloated, my full spectrum mod has a clear glass replacement. So what's that about? Do I need to buy a clip-in filter and does the camera support clip-ins by default or do you buy some kind of adapter?

That's some initial questions, I'm sure there'll be more.

[michaelmorris]

Hi guys, I've recently ordered a full spectrum modded Canon 1100D (on it's way) and I want to take some wide-field images before I invest in a mount & a telescope for astrophotography.

So, what else do I need for a basic setup with no tracking?

Going to borrow a camera tripod & suitable lenses from a friend, I have a laptop with Windows & decent specs, although no USB 2.0, only USB 1.1 sockets, I hope all software works okay with that?

I will do all the camera controlling from the laptop. Any tips on software would also be appreicated.

I read somewhere that I need a filter of some kind to not get stars bloated, my full spectrum mod has a clear glass replacement. So what's that about? Do I need to buy a clip-in filter and does the camera support clip-ins by default or do you buy some kind of adapter?

That's some initial questions, I'm sure there'll be more.

Software = APT http://www.ideiki.com/astro/

[swag72]

Alternatively you can use the Canon utilities software that comes with the camera, that is free and what I used to use. It supports live view and you ca programme long exposures if you need them

[Amra]

I read somewhere that I need a filter of some kind to not get stars bloated, my full spectrum mod has a clear glass replacement. So what's that about? Do I need to buy a clip-in filter and does the camera support clip-ins by default or do you buy some kind of adapter?

Also can I have such a filter in while I f.x. use a 18-55mm lens? Was thinking about just getting a light pollution filter..

[nephilim]

Many use the above mentioned APT or this http://www.backyardeos.com/

Steve

[swag72]

Clip in filters are excellent, but you cannot use them with EF-S lens' which I believe the 18-55 is. Have a look at the Astronomik site http://www.astronomik.com/en/clip-filter-system.html and it explains loads about the system. There's no adaptors to buy, you just fit in in the camera. Bern at Modern Astronomy sells them.

[Jon Sales]

Depends on what lens you will be using with the camera as to what type of shots you wish to produce.

For wide sweeping panoramas the wider the lens the better i.e a 35mm or 50mm prime f1.8 lens will give you excellent results for a relatively short shutter length. It's a very fast, wide angle prime lens ideal for landscape astrophotography. The shutter speed will be reduced even more as your EOS body is modded.

Use a remote shutter release as well or use the camera's delated shutter function to avoid any camera shake. A good strong tripod is also a must as cheaper tripods tend to wobble around if theres any wind.

Jon

[Amra]

Thanks for the great feedback, will be fun to experiment with when the camera arrives.

[Amra]

My friend says he has a 18-55mm lens kit & a Sigma 55-200. With that in mind, what should I get for my full spectrum camera to use these lenses without getting star bloating?