Astrophotography Book

[craigb1970]

After much investigation and consideration, not to mention help from SGL, I have just ordered a Canon 60D.  I'm now doing a lot of reading on line and I have bought Digital Photography by Stefan Seip but I would be grateful for suggestions for a book targeted at AP for a DSLR.  If possible I'd like something that starts with beginner through to intermediate or beyond and covers all aspects.

[Ant]

You could do a lot worse than "Making every photon count" by our very own Steppenwolf.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/books/making-every-photon-count-steve-richards.html

Cheers

Ant

[Scott]

+1 for http://www.firstligh...e-richards.html.

On top of that, there's also the wealth of knowledge here at SGL .

[ollypenrice]

Steve's book is a great introduction. FIrst sort out capture. That will keep you mildly entertained for a while!

Then there's processing and, since digital astrophotography is a fairly young art form, nobody has yet learned how to do it perfectly. And there's the charm of it...

Olly

http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/22435624_WLMPTM#!i=2266922474&k=Sc3kgzc

[RikM]

As an addition to Steve's book, which is highly recommended. I found this useful when I was starting out:

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Astrophotography-Digital-SLR-Cameras/dp/0972973753

[Scorpius]

Astrophotography by Thierry Legault!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1937538435/ref=s9_simh_gw_d0_g14_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-1&pf_rd_r=1696VR17NFQSDWK7R22K&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1824974342&pf_rd_i=mobile#

It's brand new (published July 2014) covers all aspects (including DSLR) is well written with a wealth of info for those new to the hobby (like me) as well as those who are more advanced.

It covers planetary including the sun and moon, deep sky, wide field with camera on tripod, pretty much anything you would need to know. It's richly illustrated with the author's own photos, it covers the basic math, includes tips and tricks and gives you a deeper understanding of the limitations of our equipment as far as what works best for what application.

I just got this book myself and it has more than met my expectations. Also it's currently on sale and is available in both digital and printed format. All I can say is get this book! You won't be sorry...

[Scorpius]

From Amazon's website:

Today's photographic equipment allows amateurs to take pictures of the stars that far surpass images taken just a few decades ago by even the largest observatories-and this book will teach you how.

Author and world-renowned astrophotographer Thierry Legault teaches the art and techniques of astrophotography: from simple camera-on-tripod night-scene imaging of constellations, star trails, eclipses, artificial satellites, and polar auroras to more intensive astrophotography using specialized equipment for lunar, planetary, solar, and deep-sky imaging. Legault shares advice on equipment and guides you through techniques to capture and process your images to achieve spectacular results.

Astrophotography provides the most thorough treatment of the topic available. This large-format, richly illustrated book is intended for all sky enthusiasts-newcomers and veterans alike.

Learn how to:

•Select the most useful equipment: cameras, adapters, filters, focal reducers/extenders, field correctors, and guide telescopes

•Set up your camera (digital, video, or CCD) and your lens or telescope for optimal results

•Plan your observing sessions

•Mount the camera on your telescope and focus it for razor-sharp images

•Polar-align your equatorial mount and improve tracking for pin-point star images

•Make celestial time-lapse videos

•Calculate the shooting parameters: focal length and ratio, field of view, exposure time, etc.

•Combine multiples exposures to reveal faint galaxies, nebulae details, elusive planetary structures, and tiny lunar craters

•Adjust contrast, brightness, light curves, and colors

•Postprocess your images to fix defects such as vignetting, dust shadows, hot pixels, uneven background, and noise

•Identify problems with your images and improve your results

[DigitalHeMan]

Astrophotography by Thierry Legault!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1937538435/ref=s9_simh_gw_d0_g14_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-1&pf_rd_r=1696VR17NFQSDWK7R22K&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1824974342&pf_rd_i=mobile#

.

I have just ordered this book as well, together with Turn Left at Orion. Looking forwards to receiving them....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[craigb1970]

Thanks for the suggestions, decisions decisions!

Has anyone read Micheal Covingtons' Digital SLR Astrophotography (Practical Amateur Astronomy)?

[glowingturnip]

Thanks for the suggestions, decisions decisions!

Has anyone read Micheal Covingtons' Digital SLR Astrophotography (Practical Amateur Astronomy)?

yes, I'd recommend that one, that's the one I got into the hobby with

[Charic]

There are many books to choose from, I own a copy of 'Making Every Photon Count' for my future use, and for  trying to  stay up-to-date with that aspect of astronomy. As an aside, I've always wondered what the 'Haynes' Manual of Astronomy was all about. I borrowed one from the Library yesterday. I will now be ordering a copy for Christmas?

[craigb1970]

Thanks for all the recommendations, I've ordered making every photon count to start with and I'll likely follow this up withe one of the others suggested.

[craigb1970]

Having now read most of Making every photon count, I have found it very informative and pitched at just the right level. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[Charic]

.........I don't do astrophotography yet,  but getting well versed with the requirements involved from reading MEPC. It is a good read. I`ve about 10 books now in my Astro library. I`m still looking for one? that is just totally devoted to the science of the Newtonian reflector. maybe I should get  Newtons book or theory papers?