Getting Started with DSLR & long lens

[CraigD1986]

Hi All.

I’m trying to get started in astrophotography but have completely confused myself so I’m looking for a little advice.

I already have a Canon 5D Mk IV with a 24-105mm f4 lens and a Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 as well as a Manfrotto 055 carbon fibre photo tripod. I think it’s wise to start with what I already have so I’m looking at EQ mounts and star tracking equipment. So my options are:

 

Skywatcher star adventurer 2i WiFi Pro - which can support up to 5kg (The Canon 5D Mk IV and Sigma lens weighs just over 3kg but the lens is very long)

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-star-adventurer-astronomy-bundle.html

Or

SkyWatcher EQ5 Deluxe

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html

Or

SkyWatcher HEQ5 Pro

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-heq5-pro-synscan.html

 

I can’t for the life of me figure out why the HEQ5 would cost soooo much more than the EQ5. But Why is the EQ5 a similar price to the Star Adventurer?

 

Then I read that I would need a tracking scope and camera so was intending to purchase the ASiair Pro with mini guide scope and camera (ASiair pro so I can use my iPad rather than a computer)

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-cameras/zwo-asiair-pro-asi120mm-mini-and-mini-guide-scope-bundle.html

 

If an EQ mount (all of the above mount options) counteracts the rotation of the earth then why would I need a tracking scope/camera/software as well?

 

Thanks in advance.

[kendg]

The HEQ5 is a full goto mount. The EQ5 is not. You would need to add motor drives and controller to the EQ5.

The HEQ5 is considered a very good starting point for astro-photography.

The Star Adventurer is a good option for starting out and learning. It's a great little mount.

 

[Astro Noodles]

8 minutes ago, CraigD1986 said:

Hi All.

I’m trying to get started in astrophotography but have completely confused myself so I’m looking for a little advice.

I already have a Canon 5D Mk IV with a 24-105mm f4 lens and a Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 as well as a Manfrotto 055 carbon fibre photo tripod. I think it’s wise to start with what I already have so I’m looking at EQ mounts and star tracking equipment. So my options are:

 

Skywatcher star adventurer 2i WiFi Pro - which can support up to 5kg (The Canon 5D Mk IV and Sigma lens weighs just over 3kg but the lens is very long)

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-star-adventurer-astronomy-bundle.html

Or

SkyWatcher EQ5 Deluxe

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html

Or

SkyWatcher HEQ5 Pro

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-heq5-pro-synscan.html

 

I can’t for the life of me figure out why the HEQ5 would cost soooo much more than the EQ5. But Why is the EQ5 a similar price to the Star Adventurer?

 

Then I read that I would need a tracking scope and camera so was intending to purchase the ASiair Pro with mini guide scope and camera (ASiair pro so I can use my iPad rather than a computer)

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-cameras/zwo-asiair-pro-asi120mm-mini-and-mini-guide-scope-bundle.html

 

If an EQ mount (all of the above mount options) counteracts the rotation of the earth then why would I need a tracking scope/camera/software as well?

 

Thanks in advance.

Hi Craig.

The EQ5 mount isn't motorised. To make it into an EQ star tracker you would need to add motors.

The ASIairpro and guide camera are only necessary if you want to take long exposures or very narrow FOV exposures through a telescope of with a high f number.

For the equipment you have, a Star Adventurer would be a good starting point.

[CraigD1986]

Thanks for the quick replies. That’s makes perfect sense about the EQ5 vs HEQ5, I’m not sure how I missed that as it seems glaringly obvious now. Sounds like the Star Adventurer is the recommended option. And if I don’t need the guide scope & camera, that will save some more money.

 

So If i buy the star adventurer, take multiple fairly long exposures with a 600mm focal length using a full frame DSLR and stack them, I should get some decent results that inspire me to keep going?

[kendg]

1 minute ago, CraigD1986 said:

Thanks for the quick replies. That’s makes perfect sense about the EQ5 vs HEQ5, I’m not sure how I missed that as it seems glaringly obvious now. Sounds like the Star Adventurer is the recommended option. And if I don’t need the guide scope & camera, that will save some more money.

 

So If i buy the star adventurer, take multiple fairly long exposures with a 600mm focal length using a full frame DSLR and stack them, I should get some decent results that inspire me to keep going?

That's the idea. Get you hooked with some promising results then get you to open your wallet even more. 😄

It's a slippery slope to full blown addiction. 

[CraigD1986]

Well, my wallet has taken a sigh of relief tonight after discovering that the £300 mount is the better choice than the £1000 option for me at the moment. Just need the clouds to clear now, which isn’t going to happen today.

[Astro Noodles]

You will want to get the ASAIR and guide camera/scope at some point but you should be able to get good results with the Star Adventurer. It will need precise polar alignment and balancing. Remember, the longer focal length, the shorter the exposure you will be able to get unguided. As an example, I can get 90 seconds at f5.9 with an iOptron Skyguider Pro.

[CraigD1986]

I think the tracking scope, camera and ASiAir Pro will be next on my list but I’ll see how I get on with the mount first. Just need the clouds to clear now. ASIAir pro seems to be out of stock everywhere at the minute anyway.

[Astro Noodles]

You could get a Raspberry Pi instead of the ASIair and save yourself some money. There are plenty of posts on here about using one for guiding.

I have one myself, but like you I need some clear sky to use it.🙂

[Seelive]

If I'm correct, the Star Adventurer tracks in RA only so if you intend to use your lens at 600mm you will need to have VERY precise polar alignment to achieve any reasonsble length exposures. I use a 400mm lens with an EQM-35 mount (which is basically a Star Adventurer with a declination axis and GOTO) but still need to use a guide scope in order to achieve my typical exposure of 180 sec at F5.6 and ISO1600 without having to discard any images.

[CraigD1986]

Oh nice, I’ve always wanted to get a Raspberry Pi (such a geek) but I’ve never found a reason to do so. Will look into this next.

Understood about the RA tracking only. I’m just getting started so just trying to dip my toe in and see how I go without spending thousands. I’ve also got the Canon 24-105 f4 L Mk2 so I’ve got a good range of focal lengths to play with. I also have a Celestron Travel 70 so will have a go with that as well.

I appreciate all the great advice here, the community here seems so friendly!