Equipment
Introduction to Astrophotography Gear
Over the years I've used various configurations of cameras, telescopes, and mounts to enable my view of the night sky. I will outline some basics here and then provide some detail around my most used setups. Though I have settled on some particular arrangements for long term use, I'm always experimenting and changing some aspects in an effort to streamline my photography process.
As an introduction, there are three basic key elements necessary for imaging the sky.
The Mount
Because we live on the rotating Earth, we see distant objects like the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars move through the sky. A motorized mount is designed to drive the telescope at a rate exactly opposite the Earth's rotation. If this is accomplished with accuracy, the view of the stars remains steady in the camera frame (or visual eyepiece). With no perceptible movement, we are free to track the sky for hours on end, and thereby enable long exposure photography!
The Optics
Telescopes come in all shapes and sizes, tailor-made to for specific purposes, suited to all skill levels, but they all have one thing in common: they are optical instruments designed for gathering light and projecting it onto a sensor (be it a camera or eyeball). Though the choices are plentiful, the best experience always comes with choosing and using one appropriate for your purposes.
The Camera
Truth be told, almost any camera can work through a telescope, lens, or eyepiece. But, there are several aspects to consider when hooking a camera and oftentimes, this is very specific to the setup you choose to use. Common DSLRs (or more recently, mirrorless cameras) have been a popular starting point because they are often widely available. As the imaging tasks become more advanced, dedicated astronomy cameras help to improve image quality.
Detailing My Telescope Setups
Long-Focal-Length Deep Sky Imaging System
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Telescope: |
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Reducer: |
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Focuser: |
Moonlite CHL 2.5” Crayford with stepper motor and controller (primary mirror locked) |
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OAG: |
Orion Thin Off-axis Guider (TOAG) |
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Guide camera: |
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Filter wheel: |
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Filters: |
Astronomik UV/IR cut L3 |
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Camera: |
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Mount: |
Orion Atlas Pro AZ/EQ-G |
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Dew control: |
Celestron flexible dew shield |
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Data distribution: |
Anker 7 port USB3 hub |
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Power distribution: |
RigRunner 4008 |
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Power supply: |
Powerwerx Variable 30 Amp Desktop DC Power Supply with Digital Meters |
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Data delivery: |
Tripp-Lite 20m USB3 active cable |
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Polar alignment: |
Polar scope |
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Capture Software / Utilities: |
Sequence Generator Pro |
Short-Focal-Length Deep Sky Imaging System
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Telescope: |
TPO Ultrawide 180 |
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Reducer: |
Integrated Askar FMA180 Pro reducer (non-removable) |
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Focuser: |
Homemade belt drive stepper motor with Arduino ASCOM control |
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Guidescope: |
Orion 60mm |
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Guide camera: |
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Filter wheel: |
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Filters: |
Astronomik UV/IR cut L3 |
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Camera: |
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Mount: |
Celestron Advanced VX Mount |
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Dew control: |
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Data distribution: |
Anker 7 port USB3 hub |
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Power distribution: |
RigRunner 4008 |
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Power supply: |
Powerwerx Variable 30 Amp Desktop DC Power Supply with Digital Meters |
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Data delivery: |
Tripp-Lite 10m USB3 active cable |
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Polar alignment: |
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Capture Software / Utilities: |
Sequence Generator Pro |
Solar Imaging System
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Telescope: |
Explore Scientific AR152 |
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Reducer: |
N/A |
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Focuser: |
Moonlite CFL 2.5" Crayford with stepper motor and controller |
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Guidescope: |
N/A |
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Guide camera: |
N/A |
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Filter wheel: |
N/A |
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Filters: |
Daystar Quark Chromosphere |
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Camera: |
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Mount: |
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Dew control: |
N/A |
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Data distribution: |
Anker 7 port USB3 hub |
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Power distribution: |
Powerwerx PD-4 |
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Power supply: |
Powerwerx Variable 30 Amp Desktop DC Power Supply with Digital Meters |
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Data delivery: |
Tripp-Lite 10m USB3 active cable |
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Polar alignment: |
N/A |
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Capture Software / Utilities: |
Firecapture |
Planetary Imaging System
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Telescope: |
TPO (GSO) 12" f/4 Imaging Newtonian |
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Reducer/Extender: |
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Focuser: |
N/A |
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Guidescope: |
N/A |
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Guide camera: |
N/A |
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Filter wheel: |
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Filters: |
Astronomik UV/IR cut L3 |
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Camera: |
ZWO ASI183MM-Pro |
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Mount: |
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Dew control: |
N/A |
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Data distribution: |
Anker 7 port USB3 hub |
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Power distribution: |
Powerwerx PD-4 |
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Power supply: |
Powerwerx Variable 30 Amp Desktop DC Power Supply with Digital Meters |
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Data delivery: |
Tripp-Lite 10m USB3 active cable |
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Polar alignment: |
N/A |
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Capture Software / Utilities: |
Firecapture |
Disclosure
Throughout this site, I have placed links to partner retailers that I am affiliated with. Purchases made through these programs help support my work and this site.
You are obviously free to browse around, but shopping through these links is certainly appreciated and doesn't cost you anything!
I personally have used and recommend each product with a referral link. Feel free to reach out with any questions using the comment form available here.