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Astrophotography

Getting Started
Author Last Post
3/19/2017 2:35 PM
Hi all. There are usually some of these mounts popping up for around $500 on ASTROMART.
Aubrey On Mar 19, 2017 10:45 AM, Astrophotography <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org> wrote:
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> Hey Chad,
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> You're right. The mount is key with astrophotography. The Clestron Advanced VX will be a light year jump compared to what you're playing with now.
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> Wishing you and your family a save trip back to Texas.
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> Johnny
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
> Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2017 9:00pm
> To: "johnnyb@reagan.com" <johnnyb@reagan.com>
> Subject: re: Getting Started <<$16861537216$>>
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> Well, it's been quite a journey down this road and I am just beginning. Got tired of spending night after clear night attempting to resolve any kind of DSO while only being able to get .3 second subs. before the trails would show up. Could only get stars, bright ones at that.
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> On a whim, I switched out my Astromaster 130EQ for the 70 dollar Celestron power seeker refractor on the Astromaster mount. I was only trying to iron out some bugs. My motor drive for the RA just couldn't keep up with the star field, so I kept tinkering. I aimed at Orion Nebuala and tested the first frame in BYE....The frame downloaded and I saw nebula...NEBULA!! I danced around like a crazy man for a few seconds, then realized people could see me. This proves that the mount is key!
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> I was able to get 5 second subs with only slight elongation. I'm still tinkering and think I may have fixed the problem, but need a clear night or at least a semi clear night to test the tracking speeds.
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> I am nearing my final 2 weeks here and cant wait to get together with yall in Texas. 2 April Ill be driving to Temple. Oh, and a big thank you to you all that have helped me out with advice. My next big purchase for me is the Advanced VX mount from Celestron. 900 bucks is pretty big cash, so it's a big one for this guy.
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> Attachment(s):
> File: Orion_Nebula_Final.jpg (1.0 MB) -- Address: http://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/901132/attach/1686153_0_Orion_Nebula_Final.jpg
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3/19/2017 10:45 AM

Hey Chad,

 

You're right.  The mount is key with astrophotography.  The Clestron Advanced VX will be a light year jump compared to what you're playing with now.

 

Wishing you and your family a save trip back to Texas.

 

Johnny

-----Original Message-----
From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2017 9:00pm
To: "johnnyb@reagan.com" <johnnyb@reagan.com>
Subject: re: Getting Started <<$16861537216$>>




Well, it's been quite a journey down this road and I am just beginning. Got tired of spending night after clear night attempting to resolve any kind of DSO while only being able to get .3 second subs. before the trails would show up. Could only get stars, bright ones at that.

On a whim, I switched out my Astromaster 130EQ for the 70 dollar Celestron power seeker refractor on the Astromaster mount. I was only trying to iron out some bugs. My motor drive for the RA just couldn't keep up with the star field, so I kept tinkering. I aimed at Orion Nebuala and tested the first frame in BYE....The frame downloaded and I saw nebula...NEBULA!! I danced around like a crazy man for a few seconds, then realized people could see me. This proves that the mount is key!

I was able to get 5 second subs with only slight elongation. I'm still tinkering and think I may have fixed the problem, but need a clear night or at least a semi clear night to test the tracking speeds.

I am nearing my final 2 weeks here and cant wait to get together with yall in Texas. 2 April Ill be driving to Temple. Oh, and a big thank you to you all that have helped me out with advice. My next big purchase for me is the Advanced VX mount from Celestron. 900 bucks is pretty big cash, so it's a big one for this guy.

Attachment(s):
File: Orion_Nebula_Final.jpg (1.0 MB) -- Address: http://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/901132/attach/1686153_0_Orion_Nebula_Final.jpg
3/18/2017 8:53 PM
Well, it's been quite a journey down this road and I am just beginning. Got tired of spending night after clear night attempting to resolve any kind of DSO while only being able to get .3 second subs. before the trails would show up. Could only get stars, bright ones at that.

On a whim, I switched out my Astromaster 130EQ for the 70 dollar Celestron power seeker refractor on the Astromaster mount. I was only trying to iron out some bugs. My motor drive for the RA just couldn't keep up with the star field, so I kept tinkering. I aimed at Orion Nebuala and tested the first frame in BYE....The frame downloaded and I saw nebula...NEBULA!! I danced around like a crazy man for a few seconds, then realized people could see me. This proves that the mount is key!

I was able to get 5 second subs with only slight elongation. I'm still tinkering and think I may have fixed the problem, but need a clear night or at least a semi clear night to test the tracking speeds.

I am nearing my final 2 weeks here and cant wait to get together with yall in Texas. 2 April Ill be driving to Temple. Oh, and a big thank you to you all that have helped me out with advice. My next big purchase for me is the Advanced VX mount from Celestron. 900 bucks is pretty big cash, so it's a big one for this guy.
3/17/2017 9:11 PM
Welcome to the club!  Astrophotography can be addicting and frustrating at the same time. It is quite demanding on your equipment.  Best thing to do is come out to a member star party sometime at the observatory and shadow one of us and you will get an idea of what it takes to do long exposure photography through a telescope.
2/21/2017 10:10 AM
I have it figured out, after quite a bit of testing. Biggest hurdle I faced was focusing the camera. No matter what I tried, I just could not get anything on the LiveView with my Canon T5. So, I assumed that was what it was supposed to look like, and why people use guidescopes with motorized rigs. Night after clear night taking blind shots and opening them up on the laptop and seeing black images or maybe a hint of a white something or other off in the corner of the image. Then, it hit me, why not try taking off the adapter and hook the doubler straight to the 2" - 1.25" reducer and try.....EUREKA!! I was actually able to focus stars and see them easily in LIVE View...well, the bright ones that is. then came step two, after imaging all night with what looked like good focus on the Camera, came the dreaded star trails while attempting he Orion Nebula. I used 1600 ISO, at 2" exposures on Bulb. The stars were only slightly streaked but the nebula was just not there. Came back home frustrated and did some more research. Found a youtube from Forrest Tanaka who used 1.6" exposures at ISO 6400, then it hit me, the exposures at ISO 1600 did not provide enough sensitivity coupled with the short duration exposure. So, I prepare for the next clear night ready to do battle with my equipment and the heavens above. Wouldnt you know it, I haven't had a clear sky in two days and doesnt look like I'll get another one until this weekend. Yeah, I know, this is more of a blog thing, but I wanted to let yall know that ya'lls advice was very important to me and the decisions I made. So, thank you.

And to clear up any questions about the gear and why I may be using such short exposures, Astromaster 130EQ on a Celestron CG3 Tripod and mount. Doing these shots quasi-manually. I was taking 4 X 2" exposures, rechecking the position of the nebula in the scope, then taking the next set.

I think taking maybe 200 frames with 20 dark, 20 bias would due, but this is where the experienced ladies and fellas could help me out. Taking more shots per set and risk DSS not stacking them right or discarding them, stay the same or ower the number of sets?
2/9/2017 12:02 PM

Thank you Chad for your service.  Looking forward to seeing you and your family when you return to Texas.

 

Johnny

 

-----Original Message-----
From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2017 11:04am
To: "johnnyb@reagan.com" <johnnyb@reagan.com>
Subject: re: Getting Started <<$165954618581$>>




Thank you to all that have responded! I wont be able to come out to the observatory until after 2 April. That's when I retire from the Army. I am currently stationed in Georgia. My wife and I have secured a home in Temple and will be moving there from here on 2 April.

I think I will try the True 2 initially. I am thoroughly excited about being apart of this organization and truly looking forward to the star party's and get togethers.
2/9/2017 10:55 AM
Thank you to all that have responded! I wont be able to come out to the observatory until after 2 April. That's when I retire from the Army. I am currently stationed in Georgia. My wife and I have secured a home in Temple and will be moving there from here on 2 April.

I think I will try the True 2 initially. I am thoroughly excited about being apart of this organization and truly looking forward to the star party's and get togethers.
2/8/2017 11:41 PM
Hello Chad and welcome to the laboratory!

For me, the projection system method was not satisfactory, lots of wiggle in those in my experience.

I highly recommend this "True 2" Barrel to Canon EOS Adapter" from ScopeStuff.  It is one piece so has no potential flex or wiggle between the barrel and a T-ring.  They also sell 1” extensions that fit the front of the barrel.  With my 132mm refractor, I have to add 2” of extensions to this in order to be able to bring my 450D to focus.

http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_b2ce.htm

ss_b2cl_L.jpg

ScopeStuff is quite reasonably priced and quick to deliver in my experience.

Willie


On Feb 8, 2017, at 12:03 PM, Astrophotography <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org> wrote:

The focal point for my scope is right where the eyepiece is placed. To be able to focus a DSLR I understand that I need to extend the focal point. To do this, I have read that I can use a T Adapter Barlow to achieve this extension of the focal point to the cameras sensor.
2/8/2017 6:40 PM

Chad : I forgot to mention. You will need the T adapter regardless of which scope you use. You can try to catch us at the observatory or contact anyone of us to borrow a 2x barlow to see if you can focus. That way you don't waste any money on something you don't need.

Dave

---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
To: "jde209@netzero.net" <jde209@netzero.net>
Subject: Getting Started <<$165885325548$>>
Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2017 12:03:14 -0600




Hello All,
I am new to astronomy but have always loved it. I have recently purchased a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ and a Canon T5. I have been doing some extensive research on line regarding best affordable equipment to purchase to begin in astrophotography. I have already piggy backed quite a few nights and want to get just a bit more.

I understand the basics of getting a T ring for the EOS series cameras, which is a given. What comes next is a bit frustrating and am hoping someone can push me in the right direction before blindly spending money on equipment that either wont work or will minimize my capability.

The focal point for my scope is right where the eyepiece is placed. To be able to focus a DSLR I understand that I need to extend the focal point. To do this, I have read that I can use a T Adapter Barlow to achieve this extension of the focal point to the cameras sensor. Where the frustration comes in, several threads have personnel who use this set up say that they can not achieve focus, while others say that they have utilizing the 130EQ. Still others, say that I will need a deluxe adapter kit which includes the T ring, and Adapter which will allow you to place an eyepiece in it. Listed - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/252644906471?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

I am not entirely sure how the latter will extend the focal point to the camera sensor.

I am leaning towards the Barlow T Adapter with T ring to start with, however, as stated before I don't wish to spend anything that I wont be utilizing until I get a better scope which is quite a ways down the road.

Thank you in advance for the help.
2/8/2017 3:04 PM

Hey Chad,

 

I'm certainly not an expert at this yet, because I'm still learning at this stuff myself.

But, from what I've learned from using a reflector to do imaging, you need to make sure you can get a focus with the camera at prime focus first. (using the primary mirror as the lens).  

I'd recommend starting, as I did, using just a T-adapter with the camera to see if you can get a focus with that scope.  I'm using a 12.5" homemade Newt. with a 1905 mm focal length, and I had to move my primary mirror in a little in order to get a focus, because I had a short profile focuser. 

 

I see that Dave has responded, and Dave knows more about this stuff than I, because he's been doing this much longer.

 

Maybe some of our other experts will chime in on this too.

 

Good luck, Johnny

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 12:03pm
To: "johnnyb@reagan.com" <johnnyb@reagan.com>
Subject: Getting Started <<$165885325548$>>




Hello All,
I am new to astronomy but have always loved it. I have recently purchased a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ and a Canon T5. I have been doing some extensive research on line regarding best affordable equipment to purchase to begin in astrophotography. I have already piggy backed quite a few nights and want to get just a bit more.

I understand the basics of getting a T ring for the EOS series cameras, which is a given. What comes next is a bit frustrating and am hoping someone can push me in the right direction before blindly spending money on equipment that either wont work or will minimize my capability.

The focal point for my scope is right where the eyepiece is placed. To be able to focus a DSLR I understand that I need to extend the focal point. To do this, I have read that I can use a T Adapter Barlow to achieve this extension of the focal point to the cameras sensor. Where the frustration comes in, several threads have personnel who use this set up say that they can not achieve focus, while others say that they have utilizing the 130EQ. Still others, say that I will need a deluxe adapter kit which includes the T ring, and Adapter which will allow you to place an eyepiece in it. Listed - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/252644906471?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

I am not entirely sure how the latter will extend the focal point to the camera sensor.

I am leaning towards the Barlow T Adapter with T ring to start with, however, as stated before I don't wish to spend anything that I wont be utilizing until I get a better scope which is quite a ways down the road.

Thank you in advance for the help.
2/8/2017 2:34 PM


---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Astrophotography" <astrophotography@centexastronomy.org>
To: "jde209@netzero.net" <jde209@netzero.net>
Subject: Getting Started <<$165885325548$>>
Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2017 12:03:14 -0600


Hello Chad.
Before you spend a lot of money...

I see your dilemma with your astrophotography setup. From what I have read the 130 EQ does not have sufficient backfocus for imaging. Also, I have read you can use a barlow to bring it into focus but that extends your focal length to 1300mm and increases you imaging time for a given object. I am am assuming you would use a 2x barlow. Since the 130 eq is a 130 mm F5 with a 650 mm focal length you would have a scope with a 1300 mm effective focal length. 1300 mm is not a good focal length to start with. Something in the 400 mm to 900 mm range is good for your camera. There is no one perfect telescope that will do everything.

Normally people that use reflectors for astrophotography will get a newtonian for imaging. Here is an example : https://www.optcorp.com/tpo-6-f4-imaging-newtonian-ota.html . I am not recommending nor opposing this scope because I do not have any experience with newtonians for imaging. It has a 610 mm focal length which is ideal for what you want to do. I use an older Canon 450d and they do work great for brighter objects.

The deluxe adapter kit is an eyepiece project kit which essentially looks like a barlow. You can do this but I don't think your mount's periodic error is capable of producing acceptable results.

We have guys that image at the observatory. Willie Strickland and Aubrey Brickhouse have roll off observatories out there . You might want to talk to them. I will cc them in this email.

Dave Eisfeldt
CTAS Treasurer


Hello All,
I am new to astronomy but have always loved it. I have recently purchased a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ and a Canon T5. I have been doing some extensive research on line regarding best affordable equipment to purchase to begin in astrophotography. I have already piggy backed quite a few nights and want to get just a bit more.

I understand the basics of getting a T ring for the EOS series cameras, which is a given. What comes next is a bit frustrating and am hoping someone can push me in the right direction before blindly spending money on equipment that either wont work or will minimize my capability.

The focal point for my scope is right where the eyepiece is placed. To be able to focus a DSLR I understand that I need to extend the focal point. To do this, I have read that I can use a T Adapter Barlow to achieve this extension of the focal point to the cameras sensor. Where the frustration comes in, several threads have personnel who use this set up say that they can not achieve focus, while others say that they have utilizing the 130EQ. Still others, say that I will need a deluxe adapter kit which includes the T ring, and Adapter which will allow you to place an eyepiece in it. Listed - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/252644906471?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

I am not entirely sure how the latter will extend the focal point to the camera sensor.

I am leaning towards the Barlow T Adapter with T ring to start with, however, as stated before I don't wish to spend anything that I wont be utilizing until I get a better scope which is quite a ways down the road.

Thank you in advance for the help.
2/8/2017 11:56 AM
Hello All,
I am new to astronomy but have always loved it. I have recently purchased a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ and a Canon T5. I have been doing some extensive research on line regarding best affordable equipment to purchase to begin in astrophotography. I have already piggy backed quite a few nights and want to get just a bit more.

I understand the basics of getting a T ring for the EOS series cameras, which is a given. What comes next is a bit frustrating and am hoping someone can push me in the right direction before blindly spending money on equipment that either wont work or will minimize my capability.

The focal point for my scope is right where the eyepiece is placed. To be able to focus a DSLR I understand that I need to extend the focal point. To do this, I have read that I can use a T Adapter Barlow to achieve this extension of the focal point to the cameras sensor. Where the frustration comes in, several threads have personnel who use this set up say that they can not achieve focus, while others say that they have utilizing the 130EQ. Still others, say that I will need a deluxe adapter kit which includes the T ring, and Adapter which will allow you to place an eyepiece in it. Listed - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/252644906471?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

I am not entirely sure how the latter will extend the focal point to the camera sensor.

I am leaning towards the Barlow T Adapter with T ring to start with, however, as stated before I don't wish to spend anything that I wont be utilizing until I get a better scope which is quite a ways down the road.

Thank you in advance for the help.
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