Astrophotography with Explorer 130m

[Stargazer Jack]

Hi, I have the Skywatcher Explorer 130m and was wondering what would be the best option for astrophotography. I have a digital camera but i have only got a picture of jupiter I would like something which can take pictures of planets,stars and brighter DSO's. Also something cheapest would be good. Thanks

[jgs001]

For the moon and planets

Cheap Philips SPC880 webcam - 49269 - discounts & offers

is a very good choice. You'd need to mod it for long exposures really to get DSO's...

The other option would be the Canon 1000d, but that's quite a price jump. Better for DSO's.

The one thing to think about, I'm not certain the 130 has enough in focus movement on the focuser to achieve focus with an SLR. The webcam should be ok, as you'll need the barlow (which also moves the focus point) to get a larger image.

[Stargazer Jack]

OK thanks and you said the Canon 1000d but would any other camera like that do ? Is that type of camera a DSLR aswell? (im quite stupid with cameras)

[jgs001]

the 1000d is a DSLR. any DSLR should do, but the 1000d is quite cheap, easy to mod (so I've read) and has a lot of support in software.

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for the help jgs001