Hello from Staffs UK

[stevenson166]

Hi Guys, about time i decided to get more involved in the subject of astronomy that has intrigued me more than anything else in my life..Life in one way or another decides your fate but now i am determined (with my familys support ) to pursue my interest.

I have a Nikon D50 SLR and want to mount to a telescope within a £300 budget with all of basic accessories .The purpose really to get some deep field pictures to show off in my home as all the pictures we show were all taken by me . They are of the kids and flowers at present.

If anyone can comment or link on what settings i can use on my D50 to take pics without a telescope, then that would be great..

Thanks Paul

[Mr Spock]

Hi Paul, welcome to SGL

[phillc]

Hello Paul and a warm welcome to SGL.

phillc

[stevenson166]

Thanks a lot folks for the warm welcome

[Dave S]

Hi Paul

Welcome to SGL.

I see from your sig that you are a fellow rush fan.

Check out the imaging - Wide field section.

There's many a good image taken with just the camera.

Cheers

Dave...

[stevenson166]

Thanks Dave...yeah massive Rush fan ..Them and Astronomy what more could a man want...(without the female) .Thanks for the reply..will check out the site more thoroughly..

[Dave S]

Thanks Dave...yeah massive Rush fan ..Them and Astronomy what more could a man want...(without the female) .Thanks for the reply..will check out the site more thoroughly..

Yeah baby!

Dave...

[Paxo]

A little diferent to what you have asked (and a little over your stated budget), but have you thought about the atrotrac system:

Homepage - Astrotrac TT320X-AG

You'll be able to utilise your photo gear. You may be able to pick a s/h one a bit cheaper.

Steve..

[stevenson166]

Thanks Steve...The images are fantastic...what other basic gear will i need ?, apart from my camera .

Thanks Paul

[magic77]

Hello Paul and a warm welcome to SGL......

[stevenson166]

Steve, Just seen the you tube vid and the Astrotrak works just with the SLR a good Tripod (Manfrotta 410 geared head) and the optional Polarscope at £99 , and i think obviously a good clear night , if i read correctly

[stevenson166]

Can anyone suggest a cheaper but still as good alternative to the Manfrotta 410 Geared Head ?? as its about £130-£150 New ??

[todd8137]

Hello Paul and a warm welcome

[nightfisher]

hi paul, a warm welcome to sgl

[Donkeyears]

Hi Paul and welcome to the forum

[Brendan of Borg]

Hello and welcome!

[Rusty Strings]

Hi Paul and welcome to the forum.

Check out the imaging section for advice/ideas about what can be achieved with a DSLR.

[Geezanova]

Hi Paul and welcome.

[Bizibilder]

Hello Paul and welcome to SGL!!

[BAZ Senior]

Hi Paul, welcome to the forum.

[Beyond_Vision]

Hi Paul and welcome to SGL. Here's a link to a tutorial on here for taking images with a DSLR and tripod.

http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-tips-tricks-techniques/73737-basic-widefield-camera-tripod.html

As Steve has said already an Astrotrac is a great piece of kit for mounting a DSLR on and tracking the stars to image larger deep space objects and constellations or the Milkyway.

[johnh]

Hello Paul and welcome.

JohnH.

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Paul!

Dana

[Russell.D71]

Welcome to the SGL Paul,good luck with your imaging from the Lizard area Cornwall

Russell.

Member.of the Cornwall.A.S.

[Astro_Baby]

HI and welcome from me too, I used to have all my pics hung in the house but I hated it in the end, I have been an artist as well as a photographer, I'd always end up looking at them and thinking 'hmmm should have gone at f5.6 at 125th maybe or hmmmm wish I had carried the yellow wash a bit better' in the end to stop me going mad I removed them all and put other stuff up besides some of my stuff wasnt suited to childrens eyes.

Astro pics - its a rough road to hoe - check out the imaging section. the guys there will be able to advise I am sure.

Oh - happy new year as well