$1,000 vs. $10,000 Telescope (Same Picture)

We took pictures of the same deep-space object using 2 very different telescopes. These are the results (don't forget to vote!)
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[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

The quality of each image is top notch. Very impressive detail for the exposure times on each one and most importantly, a great adventure for you both together. Trevor's pic gains a lot from the color separation but Ash has a better smile so she wins.

[@AstroBackyard]

Agreed!

[@sissitrudi2010]

Wow! Comparativa interessante, peccato le camere non fossero entrambe a colori, a Trevor piace vincere facile 🤣😂

[@flyboypat]

I'm holding out for the $10,000,000,000 telescope! Altho the $10,000 was very impressive

[@Sciguy95]

Yeah the JWSTs images have been outstanding.

[@krisdeaglephotography4539]

Couple more weeks and you’ll get there.

[@martynh5410]

Wonderful comparison!! I’ll take the $10 billion telescope. Thanks! For the Earthbound scopes though I’d say it’s a tie. Both are well captured and processed. Certainly that Redcat is a great 51mm scope!

[@perry3928]

No comparison, you both win, on 2 points. 1 Awesome job of capturing and love the two different perspectives from two different rigs. 2, and most importantly, enjoying the hobby as a couple. How fun is that!

[@mashpotatomountainobserver3338]

Ashley has become a good astrophotographer herself! Both photos were great in their own way.

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

awesome pics at the end you guys. It's so nice seeing how far Ashley has come in her blossoming Astrophotography journey! You 3 guys are living the dream!

[@kristiankrekac1112]

Incredible pictures 10 to both of you. I'm about half a year in astrophotography, still learning from mistakes each night, steeeep learning curve but I'm enjoying every minute of it. I know there are videos about post processing, watched them, but I'm really interested in the way you are doing it. Would love to watch an unedited, not speeded up longer video :)

[@Si-fp2ij]

Well done Ash & Trevor 👏🏻 both images are fantastic and this is a great way of highlighting different focal length and the images you get on an iconic target Cheers Si

[@CameronGillis]

Top notch production Trevor and Ash 👌 So good I'm even going to share with my family 😁 Truly a great video and really appreciate you're doing a fantastic job for the Astronomy community! Thank you and keep looking up and enjoying the journey 👍🌙👍 Cheers! Cameron

[@scotiaastro]

Great comparison and two epic results, Trevor! Well done to you and Ash! :)

[@jasondain8713]

Great video. I think both images are nicely done for the scopes you captured them with. Good to show what you can do with two different kinds of rigs and to help set expectations about what the price point gets you.

[@astrojohn70]

Interesting comparison! Both images were great. Not sure if it was fair to process Ashley's image as RGB and the other as SHO, since the SHO is more colorful. An identical closeup view of the Pillars of Creation with both scopes would provide a nice contrast as to the level of detail capable and different in both scopes/cameras. The Redcat with the ASI2400MC gives an image scale of 4.9 sec/pixel. The Esprit 150 with the ASI2600MM gives an image scale of .74 sec/pixel. It would have been nice if the image scales for both telescopes were closer. I personally use a Redcat 51 and a 102mm refractor.

[@spawn142001]

I'm just a fan of the pictures, don't know much about the process. But how is this a fair and proper compare and contrast when one image is completely red and the other is in full color? I'm assuming most of thats done post processing? We all expected the more expensive setup to have some kind of noticeable difference for the price.... but now we're comparing apples to oranges and obviously the full color image blows the other out of the water. Does not seem fair in the slightest and this makes the comparison more extreme and less realistic/comparable.

[@speedymarc]

Ya I also agree with you, it should be all the same, same camera, same settings, no processing and no stack, just 1 shot in RAW of 5 seconds for example, side by side.

[@rolsonn]

Both photos look outstanding. Great to you both.

[@Wilfredos_Astrophotography]

Both look amazing. Excellent quality in both images. Your pictures and videos are always inspiring. I say it's a tie. You both get a 10.

[@jameswoods1939]

More great content and really both images came out very nice. While the 150 and your processing skills make for an amazing image, the little RC 51 is an incredible small widefield scope. The huge field of view with that FF OSC in Ashleys image is spectacular. Nice work to you both.

[@donaldking757]

Both are great photo's showing different aspects of the Nebula. Well done Ash and Trevor.

[@NoahsAstrophotography]

Awesome video and final images Trevor and Ashley! The difference in focal length was a lot more than what I previously thought, such a cool target the Eagle nebula is!

[@stephenwebber3850]

To be fair, its not just a $10k scope vs a £1k scope, its the cost of everything else - the mounts, cameras, filters etc. The esprit setup was probably more than x 10 the cost of the william optics setup. Also, if I had spent all that money on gear and my image was not better than a $1k setup it would be $9k wasted. Both images are fantastic but the more expensive image does shade it in comparison - but is it x10 better ?

[@richardgifford3456]

The skywatcher scope costs a maximum of $5K so this test is very misleading

[@lunzyz7124]

You have inspired me so much Trevor! now im planning on buying my first real Deep Sky setup and i could not have done it without your tips TY so much❤

[@jameskurzynski2386]

Excellent images! Way beyond my ability for sure! I want to vote for Ashley's images simply because it seemed like Trevor was a little too giddy about how much better his setup was than Ash's. ;) Still, both images were far better than anything I could do. Great job both of you!

[@maircraft4079]

Truly amazing! I have been a photographer for close to 45 years. I never saw images like these until the Hubbell images. I still am amazed it is possible to get these quality of images from home gear. So I bought a tracker and will start with my mirrorless camera gear.

[@user-fm3pr5hl8y]

Perhaps this has been requested in the many comments already posted, but it would be fascinating to see the results of a 'Round 2' comparison where camera/filter rigs are switched. I'd love to see RGB from the big scope and SHO/narrowband results from the smaller one. As far as the vote? Both are great. Judge them by their merits in the context of the capabilities of their equipment.

[@tradde11]

I was just thinking the same thing.

[@tomroberts3851]

Thanks, as always for a great video Trevor! Ash is taking some awesome shots now! Thanks for inspiring a bunch of astrophotographers guys! Tom, UK.

[@Tito-sq1kb]

Here I am with my $200 telescope 😢

[@AstroGuy-kn3zh]

Don’t worry I have 79 price telescope and see my pf that image I captured In the future I will buy 71 red cat

[@MidnyteAstro]

I love both photos! Each have their pros and cons. Great shooting both of you.

[@johntdavies]

Great to see Ash taking part. Personally I think you’ve introduced too many variables. I have a Radian 61 (yes you sold it to me) and a C9.25 with HyperStar. I have the same cameras as you and I have to say the monochrome give so much more data in so any ways than the OSC. To be fair you should really swap the cameras around. It would make a great follow up and you could also do in to the differences in data and processing. All the best! 🔭

[@Mrpaulgs]

Both great pictures! How are you liking the CQ-350? Will there be a video on that soon?

[@BSm2919]

They are both great pictures for the telescope used! Fantastic!

[@wildmanjeff42]

Both are very cool winners when you can print it out and tell your friends - "I took that picture" ! Thanks for the video.

[@daveodriscoll2713]

Any chance of running this head to head again but with the camera systems swapped? might give people a better idea of the differences and what type of setup that might work best for them

[@Spaceandthings1]

I love these, I am a begginer astronomer Saving for my first camera. Trevor always gives me great tips throughout the videos. Keep it up!

[@lazy_panda_plays9970]

Same here! Bought a redcat 51 about 3 weeks ago and I'm saving for an asi183mc for those small pixels. Already have my asiair and cannot wait!

[@AstroBackyard]

I am glad to hear that!! Clear skies 😊

[@joshmccollumastrophotography]

@@lazy_panda_plays9970 I own the exact same setup (except my 183 is a mono-camera) I'm telling you it's amazing. It's a bit awkward to fit big things like North America or M 31, but even small targets do really well. The Redcat is beautifully sharp, even with a small pixel scale. You made the right choice, I hope the absolute best for what is to come!

[@lepetitbaigneur9073]

​@@joshmccollumastrophotographywhat do you mean? Do you have enough fov for andromeda? Im looking for an identic rig

[@lazy_panda_plays9970]

@@joshmccollumastrophotography yeah Thanks! I've noticed the sensor is a bit small but for larger targets I plan to mosaic. I was debating the 183 or 533 but went with 183 for better sampling.

[@MrGp3po]

Fun video. I do love to zoom into details. The "pillars" get all the love, but there are so many other areas of the Eagle to study. Love Ash's wide field. It is hard to beat a RedCat51 for nice crisp wide field views. Seeing an object with its surroundings seems to give context and that "deep space" feeling.

[@clueck1948]

I liked both images. I have a 71mm refractor so I can identify with that picture. But I also have an 8 inch celestron hd which I am starting to use more and see the ability to basically zoom inside the nebula rather than sort of look from afar. I have a question. I am traveling to Canada in late September, near the Quill Lake, Wadena, Saskatchewan area. I plan to take one or both of my scopes. I am excited because the view up there is astounding. I bought a ASI 2600MC and I was wondering…should I use any filters since the sky will be so bright? I have not looked yet to see what phase the moon will be during that time 24-26th of September, so that could be a factor. I enjoy your videos. You are lucky your wife enjoys astrophotography and all that comes with it.

[@AryansinghT60]

Oh man THE PILLARS OF CREATION!!! William Optics did a great job not gonna lie but Esprit was just on another level altogether. Loved both of them. Keep up the great work Trevor.

[@tavorom]

Both are great!! Love the videos!

[@guyjordan8201]

What a really great team two make. I’m simply shocked at the quality out of a 2 inch telescope. Both images are excellent with totally different purposes. I’d love to see a blend of the two with seamless additional detail as you roll/zoom into the combined image. I’d also a stacked filter wheel mono image from th 51.

[@JardaKelt]

Very good presentation. Thank you!

[@astrotan]

Awesome video as always dude!

[@TheGoKidd]

The new house gives you SO much more horizon, congrats. It might have been interesting to see both images processed in non-SHO pallete.

[@gomcse]

This was a really fun video. Would love to see more like this.

[@leonidcechmistro7351]

Both images are beautiful. But both are very different in that the equipment used was very different. Now I am a visual astronomer using a 81mm ZenithStar and a 200mm Classic, same kind of difference… managing expectations in how you can/cannot see things. Great teamwork, thanks! And thanks for inspiring us all to go out and look!

[@billmurphypenguins3774]

Beautiful images, are you going to rebuild the observatory?

[@solarrookie6022]

Depending what I'm looking for, I like both. I do think I'm leaning towards Ash's image, just because I really like that composition - you shoot what you can with what you have. I do want to ask a question, I'm sure this has been brought up before, but what is your opinion on galaxy imaging and nebula imaging as far as taking fewer subs versus extended exposure, or go with more subs at a shorter exposure? I have an 8" sct and ASI 294mc pro. Again, you shoot what you can with what you have (shhhh, don't tell my wife I'm browsing for another camera). I live in a bortel 4-5 and near the state capital with lots of light pollution and aircraft. I've been going with longer nebula time and short galaxy time.

[@masked2523]

Both seriously good results, neither would be better as both show a different perspective on the the eagle nebula and the pillars of creation. 🔭 Clear skies

[@johnmars1765]

Trevor, I noticed that you are using a sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro Mount on the big APO. Have you done or are you going to do a review on that mount?

[@seventhsun1]

Great pictures and music in this video. Thank you!

[@tadlong4566]

I love this video challenge! Two great images. Given the gigantic hurdles that Trevor heaped upon Ash, I chose Ash as the winner. She did more with less. But, I'm still jealous of Trevor's rig and Pillars. I appreciate this channel so much!

[@stevebrooks6144]

10 out of 10 to both of you, both pictures are superb, just different as you would expect from the focal length difference. Trevor's photo seems a little bit more 3 dimensional, but that could be down to the camera or maybe the processing. Overall, they are great, just different.

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

hey ashley and trevor hi from uk loving this another topclass video love the results ive not had a clear night for literally months so so nice to see someone is getting at least some cs thanks to u both wishing u well regards mike

[@tizocsuarez1563]

Greetings from Costa Rica, both images are outstanding!!!, thanks for sharing

[@Ninja4200ful]

Great pictures, question. How could you get more colour with using the sensor on the small set up?

[@azdh85224]

Trevor’s was spectacular, but Ashley’s was more realistic as to something I would like to strive for to capture myself someday. You both are fantastic and lucky to have each other. So nice to see such a great couple. Great video, as always. 👍🏻🔭

[@johnsedlacek767]

This video just infuriated me. The total cost of each setup is well beyond the reach of most people. The cost for the Red Cat rig is at least $7000 and the Sky-Watcher 150 pushing $16,000. And these are conservative estimates not including the cost for the equipment, software, and experience necessary to process those images. Yes, the images are breathtaking but so, too, is the cost.

[@aw7425]

Awesome, enjoy the shoot outs. Next time can you both share your post processing methods? Thanks and clear skies.

[@JorgePazNaveiro]

Final comparison with JWST is great!!! Both are very good pictures, Ash's has wider field and is a bit more flat, Trevor's is much more detailed and with a deep sensation. Pillars of Creation are impressive. My tens for both of you guys, you rock!

[@S12Astro]

I imaged the Eagle earlier in the year with a similar set up to Ash. There are two things Ash could have done to blow Trevor’s rig out of the water. 1. Include the nearby Omiga nebula in the image (both will fit in the Redcat’s wide focal length 2. Perhaps extract the Ha and O2 using software like Siril to make a ‘Hubble’ image like Trevor’s. Great video and Rudy for the win!

[@johnday2676]

I checked back on videos and your web page, don't see if you've talked about that new heavy mount, CQ350 Pro Mount. How does it compare the EQ6R Pro? If you've done a review, please point me to your findings. Thanks

[@aTillasSister]

Nice work, Ash! May I suggest an L-eXtreme or other duo band filter so you can separate out the Oiii; also rotate 90 degrees CCW to see the Star Queen; and finally get some dolly casters or wheels for any heavier rig so you can just drag it out of the house rather than worrying about whether you can carry it. Trevor - this is great. 10 to both :--)

[@gregorymckenna6609]

I vote 10/10 for both images. They show different perspectives and both are super cool.

[@harshraojr]

We can peak so far to understand complexity, felt goose bumps while looking those glorious photos.

[@NGC6357]

I am partial to the Redcat 51 but man what a shot the Esprit did. Both pictures are 10/10 for what they are imo.

[@janeclark1881]

I'd like to have seen a comparison when you use a dual-band filter on the smaller camera.

[@3DAstroTC]

Maybe lazy scoring, but both are 10/10!! As someone who's imaged a year with even wider optics (Rokinon 135mm) and now even deeper with an 8" SCT, I think a good question/analogy is this; do you want to see one beautiful tree up close, or the equally beautiful forest around it?

[@Sciguy95]

Didnt expect an image from James Webb. Absolutely incredible.

[@jonah.mp4564]

There are so many different variables between these photos. Most notably the colour differences are vast between the monochrome+filter setup and the full spectrum camera. Secondly, the magnification difference is striking between the 250mm/51mm (~F4.9) and the 1050mm/150mm (F7) scopes, you get a lot of magnification with the difference of 800mm focal length between the two. Lastly, most surprisingly, the difference in aperture doesn't seem to translate to much more light even though the larger 150mm aperture receives about 8.6x more light, the long exposure time seems to make up for it. Totally fascinating, I'd really love to see the difference between them if just the cameras had been switched! I'm not gonna give a rating because they're both amazing and it seems to me like an apples-to-oranges comparison.

[@artisticone2]

This is a fun comparison, but I think it needs to be put in the context of a beginner type rig as opposed to a super advanced one. Of course Trevor’s image is mind blowing, but a beginner getting an image like Ashley’s with just a little experience would be a tremendous boost of confidence. That’s the real value of this demonstration and as such you Trevor and now Ashley as well are doing great things to advance this hobby. Thanks and please keep it up.

[@astrocarone9671]

Okay. Trevor, your photo is stunning, as you got more detail in the Pillars. Ashley, your image is also stunning. I'm HUGE on wide field shots, so I'm going to have to go with Ashley's image. I've also took a similar image like hers. My vote goes to Ashley!

[@AstroBackyard]

Appreciate the vote, buddy. I'll let her know!

[@AudioVideo_IT]

Both pictures got astonishing good, congratulations!

[@lenn15]

Ash is the winner of the heart and had the cooler and more practical setup.

[@cdz9400]

I think that is your best image of the pillars yet!

[@plossl6861]

Love it. Great concept for a video and looks like it was fun for you both to work on. 10 out of 10 to each. As a Redcat 51 owner, you’ve inspired me…. to scrape together the funds for an AM5 😂

[@clivewoolley4492]

I liked the 150mm telescope image better and also the theme music was really good great vid.

[@DSOImager]

Can't really choose between the two... makes a good argument for having different scopes for different perspectives. Both shots look great. :) CS!

[@mihailssisovs6983]

It really depends on the object. For Andromeda or Pleiades - large fov, for planetary nebulae - long focus

[@Sandrogrilo]

Congrats from Brazil. Thanks to bring us the quality that we can get from each type an price.

[@HyperX07]

Both the images are great according to their size but the skywatcher one is more fascinating ❤

[@caseyschultheis]

what L enhance filter did Ashley use? Great photos and fun video.

[@doktermaiskorn833]

Could you do a comparison video of reflector telescopes. Best with a motorized mount and not a hand guided tripod or just lightweight scopes (

[@rudreshsampath7687]

Incredible ❤

[@rochditidjani]

The $10,000 telescope picture reminded me of the Hubble telescope pictures. The $10,000 pictures are superb. An interesting comparison would have been the 10,000 with a Smith Cassegrain model. Thanks for the video.

[@loocrepus]

Hi trevor, since you have all the space in your backyard, how about building dedicated observatory. Ash or you wouldn't have to drag the setup outside to do decent night's imaging session

[@briankotak403]

Wide field vs longer focal length. RGB vs SHO. Hmm … tough call. The Red Cat is more in my budget and Ashley’s processing is very good, but I love the focal length and SHO of Trevor’s. Can I just vote for Rudy? You two are awesome! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@ruigerooie8055]

wow. they look so good! i only have clouds here in the netherlands.

[@domino089]

This cannot be more unfair 😃 both images are great, but each in it's own league.

[@tradde11]

It's not unfair. Each scope is good for what it does. Both pictures are great. I wish I could get images as good with my Redcat. I am not there yet. It's a wide angle scope where the other is not.

[@khobar95]

Beautiful shots. I am curious, however, as to why the $10,000 scope appears to have diffraction spikes. Were they added in post?

[@user-kq2ex3oz3s]

hello,the results are amazing,do you think i am able to see these objects with my nexstar 130 slt? im not sure and a begginer.i own a canon rebel t7.

[@vasomilicevi9960]

Genuine question, why are the colors so different in these 2 images? Is it because of the filters he is using or sth? Ty

[@azastro919]

What happened to your observatory? Did you sell it when you moved or is it storage?

[@RaymondCHowes]

I don't think it matters of what scope either of you use. It's processing in my opinion. Both of you seem to excel in that part.😊

[@TPGNutJam]

The music is so nice, are there links or names for them?

[@x00m41]

actually the light gathered by the f4.9 is more than the f7. the size of the front aperture doesn't mean its going to gather more light. its all to do with the end cone of light that hits the sensor, which in the larger one, is f7. ergo, gathering less light

[@CALFCfan]

Can't really compare the 2... Completely different classes of pics. Both are gorgeous!

[@Richdonjuan5195r]

Do you ever find that the power cable will become slightly dislodged or disturbed from the ASIAIR? Enough that it shuts off the device? Both my pro and plus suffer this and I'm looking for possible solutions.

[@JoseLausuch]

0:57 wouldn't it be better to swap the cameras? In terms of resolution, I would put the 2400 on the bigger scope and viceversa. Any special reason for this choice?

[@katgrrl77]

I think both are perfect 10 and it's a tie considering the form and function of each telescope was different. Cool idea 💡 for a video. If anything, this experiment really made the case of how important focal size of the lenses and getting details. And of course the prices go up the larger the lens. As someone whose disabled though, I definitely would lean towards the smaller and more accessible telescope.

[@AstroCyGuy_edits]

Hello Trevor, I’ve just decided to start astrophotography, and I’m in need of some advice. For example, which camera and/or telescope is best for the hobby? Which filters do you recommend to enhance deep sky photography? (Hey that’s rhymes lol). And finally, where can you find the most affordable products for a beginner astrophotographer? I have so many questions, but I don’t wanna waste your time lol

[@Mockingbird57]

I vote for Rudy! Love both images! As with so many things in astrophotography...it depends! It depends on if you want wide field or front row! Depends on the palette you like! Depends on your budget, time, skill... :-) This was a fun experiment, hope yall do more of these! It was AstroBackyard that got me into astrophotograpy just a year and a half ago. I love how you keep the content fresh and relevant. You make learning fun!

[@rusticagenerica]

You are both totallly adorable ! Superb video, clear & crisp advice

[@davepritchard4208]

Apples to Pomegranates. Both are brilliant. I just put an Ash rig together, but with the RC61 on top. So much fun. Anyway...Ash 10 - Trevor 9.8. Thanks for all your inspiration.

[@AlphaZuluPhotography]

I’m curious why you disassemble the OTA so much? My OTA stays put together at all times and just comes off the mount. All never do is plug in theee cables. USB to the mount and the power cable to the Asiair and mount.