$300 for a Telescope: Refractor or Reflector?

Can’t decide on your first telescope for astrophotography? In this video, I give you all the information you need to make an informed decision, as well as look at some results from a shootout between a budget achromatic refractor and a budget imaging newtonian.
🔭 Telescope Purchase Links
Svbony SV48:
US:www.ebay.com/itm/193701263282
US (Astrogear.net): tinyurl.com/ag-svbony90
UK:www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284334028570
DE:www.ebay.de/itm/283604630417
Apertura 6” F/5 Newtonian + Coma Corrector:
Newt: tinyurl.com/6f5n-nebula
Coma Corrector: tinyurl.com/coma-nebula
Apertura 60EDR Kit: tinyurl.com/60kit-nebula
Astrosystems collimation tools (I use the barlowed laser): www.astrosystems.biz/coltlsm1...
🌌 Images compared in this video:
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
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Affiliate programs disclosure:
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I am a member of the High Point Scientific, Astrobin, OPT, AgenaAstro, eBay, and Amazon affiliate programs. Product links in my video descriptions are typically affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I will make a commission if you click them and purchase something. I also have working relationships with the following companies/brands to receive products to test: High Point Scientific, QHYCCD, Venus Optics, Astrogear.net, Night Sky Camera, Hunt's Photo & Video. I do not review products for money and any brand deals will be fully disclosed. If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch.

[@rhmagalhaes]

Before the video starts let me say: Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to know and finally can make a decision about what to buy to have my kids enjoy our clear skies. Now, let me go back to the video. 👍👍👍

[@bowrudder899]

The title is a little misleading. It sounds general, but he is focusing on astrophotography

[@Noorthia]

@@bowrudder899 Because it's an astrophotography channel

[@willrothfuss8470]

Nico's videos are great. However these are scopes for astrophotography, not general observing. Those are very different things. Plus this price is only for the tube (OTA) and as Nico points out, the mount will be a lot more than the OTA. I hope by now you have watched the video and figured that out. For a beginner and introducing kids to the hobby, I would get a table top dobsonian like the AWB one-sky.

[@gregsolsolano2955]

💤💤

[@GabrielCarrara]

Nico is the best! 100% approval, all information you need, step by step and a lot of passion for astrophotography 🌟

[@keepthemomentum]

Thank you so much for providing all the detail information and purchasing factors and considerations. This is exactly the type of video I need to learn and figure out what I really want without a bunch of trial and error. You answered so many of my questions and I now have a much better idea of what I want.

[@psycox8758]

This answers all of my questions, and a whole bunch that I hadn’t realised I should be asking. Thanks Nico !

[@tarasmonax2595]

Great video Nico. There are so many small details and hints that are so helpful to those of us beginning in AP. Bravo!

[@gregorypudman4729]

Thank you for your time and counsels.Very good video as always.I just received my Svbony 503 80ED F7,happy to hear it being cited in the video.

[@Heimdall6581]

Outstanding vid again, Nico. Thank you! You changed my mind on my first telescope just before I was about to buy it! Great timing! (Going for the Newtonian…)

[@vangrafton4641]

I want to thank you for this video! I have been toying around with getting into this hobby for a few months now and the information you’ve shared here has helped me more than any video I’ve watched so far! It assures me that I can get decent results on a budget. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna catch a bug and start to spend more and more and more but this video has been super helpful and helping me step into this hobby on a budget!

[@AstroDenny]

This is a great video! Shows a lot of great potential at a true entry level and your results were pretty impressive! I'm going to play a bit with a Vixen R130sf reflector I snagged at an estate sale soon.

[@NMagturo]

Thanks. I always find your videos to be highly informative. Happy holidays. Clear skies! Nar

[@ryans3383]

Awesome! Thank you for all you do. You have amazing videos with a lot of information that helps me.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Superb! .....Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@Flodis]

Simply EXCELLENT video. I wasn't *this* interested in the topic, but you not only caught me. Your presentation made med watch the whole video, and I am seriously contemplating getting into astrophotography now.

[@tornadoaftermath]

Thank you for the video! Extremely informative and well put together. Answered a lot of questions I didn't know I had. Once I take the time to become more familiar with the night sky, I'll be much better prepared to make the most out of the equipment I've collected.

[@eottoe2001]

Just have to say, I like the optics of reflector telescopes over refactors, however, dealing with the balance problems is a bear if one is using a Nikon or Canon camera. Mounts are important but being able to put the camera on the back end is a big help in setting up and viewing. This was an A+ video. Thank you.

[@andreww9252]

Another great tutorial and source of advice .. thanks Nico

[@woodywoods5373]

Great video your clear and precise in your explanations of the scope 👌

[@gilbadilla]

Thank you for this video. I been doing some KZbin research to get started and this one answered to so many questions.

[@jonathanr2830]

Superb presentation. Easy to watch, follow, and learn very practical information that I find interesting and very helpful. You are a great teacher.

[@EleanorPeterson]

I live in the north of England and get perhaps 10 days of adequate seeing in a year. (Yes really.) I've got no cash; the best thing I ever did was not buy a telescope! I spent years making mirrors up to 18" and objectives up to 6", but gradually realised that astronomy, for me, was going to be something best carried out vicariously. I really do get more pleasure from watching videos of other people pursuing my beloved hobby than from trying to do it myself. When the light-pollution's bad, the rain's pouring, the north wind's howling straight down from the Arctic, and the sky is grey, grey, grey, it's wonderful to be able to snuggle up with a mug of cocoa and a Channel like this and tell Mother Nature to go away - I'm busy! 😁

[@frankieg7575]

I'm in Glasgow and I feel your pain ...all the best for the year ahead Elli

[@Andre_XX]

That sounds very sad! I have camped in the Australian outback where you can almost reach up and grab the stars.

[@xander1052]

@@frankieg7575 I am lucky one, South of England has a few more days for clear nights.

[@paulfogarty7724]

Same here in dirty, dark ol Dublin. However, I was lucky to spend 5 years working in Phoenix back in 1995 - 2000. I was able to lay in bed at night and gaze out at the Hale - bopp comet. Back in " rip - off Ireland " again 😕 )

[@spacedude9163]

bro thank you so much this is helping me so much i am now loving you channel thank you so much for helping me out as a beginner astrophotographer

[@markmuller3086]

Super helpful intro to OTA’s, Nico! Thank you.

[@lavers_1]

This was very well explained. I could listen to you talk about these subjects for days. I was looking to get a newt for visual purposes and dabble in dlsr astrophotography on a solid mount. Those pics got me hyped! Thx for all the content you provide.

[@danm3844]

Another awesome video, Nico!

[@kevinashley478]

Congrats on 100k!

[@abiosis007]

Super usefully video’s. I learn a lot every single time.

[@aloharay]

I completely agree that there is a quality gain to be had with a large aperture reflector, but at what cost? Not only in terms of financial cost, but also size, weight, complexity, time and effort. After many years of experimenting and $$ spent, I finally settled in at the convenience of a modest 4" refractor OTA. That hit the right spot for me to lower the mount and tripod requirements and wind issues compared to larger aperture sizes. Ultimately the BEST telescope for me is the one I want to use most often. A simpler, lightweight setup that does not require work to start using means I use it more. Find what works for you. Enjoy the journey. Cheers.

[@ohnemar4285]

Thanks! This really helped me to choose which one I want! Especially the picture quality.

[@Jackleong29]

Thank you. Very well explained. I learned a lot from you.

[@badgerspaw]

Crystal clear info, I’m an expert having watched this, thank you!

[@mfaison]

Hey, I just bought a used version of that reflector. I am so happy to hear the correct pronunciation of "SVBONY".

[@Hughejazshole]

As a new hobby for me you always do a great job explaining everything. Thank you!

[@SteveZodiac777]

Very interesting & useful - thanks for sharing!

[@jacktoms4593]

Excellent video again Nico!

[@Neanderthal75]

Great video! I have both and I like each (Newt vs Refractor) for their own versatility. I'd like to add some info, just coming from my own experience. Astrophotography is not easy, there is a learning curve. Even with the best equipment out there, it can be tough. I recommend any newbies to this hobby to get at least 1 year of warranty or longer to their equipment when they purchase, don't be like me, stuck with an expensive gear with a defect and no way to return it. Please read on.. Here comes my complaint. Astrophotography is tough on its own, It's even a lot tougher and even become a hobby killer, if the equipment has faults, like manufacturing defects and just equipment that should have not made it through quality control. I have started with with a telescope of a brand name, that I was recommended by many (not mentioned in your video) , and I just couldn't produce good images, no matter what. Being a newbie, of course I'm looking myself and what I do and try to find the what I'm doing wrong, but with plenty of info on the web and asking others with the same hobby, it turned out that the telescope had pinched optics and even the flattener produces tilt in the images, when many people would be mad enough to throw the scope in the attic and say what a waste of money! Of course, you won't discover this 4-5 months after owning the scope and there is no way to return it! And it's even worse, when you reach out to the manufacturer and get no answer or just tells to "buy another telescope". (And I did, but not from the same brand). So I also urge people if they can't figure out why their images not turning out good as they should be, ASK. Go on Cloudy Nights forums, sign up to Facebook groups and so on. So just my 2 cents and just my intention to warn anyone entering this hobby, please make sure you get yourself a longer period to return the product or even up to 1 year or more warranty, you do not want to stuck with a telescope that costs $600, and unable to figure out if it's lack of experience or actually the equipment is bad! It can be just a very very expensive paper weight and hobby killing experience!

[@marxiewasalittlegirl]

Noted

[@Quisqueyax]

Same here. Thanks.

[@bill5982]

Let me guess, it has 127eq in the name of the scope. Never, ever buy a bird-jones telescope design.

[@cooky1875]

Not half as much as your scope but I just recieved a helical that is completely broken but the manufacturer is insisting it wouldn’t have passed quality inspection if it wasn’t functional. It makes you feel useless as a newbie as these brands talk to us like we are children. They said they have sent a replacement after I sent them a million videos of me showing them that it does not work. That was weeks ago. Still not received the replacement. This is probably one of the biggest brands in AP too 😢

[@user-cw9fw6oc6d]

you should definitely say the brand! like you scream it out loud!!! it was your money and they dont respect you as a valued customer!

[@chrzanik666]

I binge on your content more than any Netflix series Nico 👍👍👍😂

[@gregerianne3880]

Thanks for another great video, Nico! Wish I had all this explained 2 years ago. :-) I'll put in a plug here for the Apertura 60EDR from High Point Scientific that you mentioned in the video and that you recommended I get instead of a zoom lens for my DSLR. It's a great value in a little package! I was able to photograph Comet Leonard on Dec. 7th and it did a great job. Also, it's light enough (about 3.5 lbs.) that it worked very well with my SkyGuider Pro (SGP) star tracker (max 11 lbs), along with my DSLR, Tele Vue 2x Power Mate lens adapter and T-ring, laser pointer with bracket, and a long Arca clamp/plate for declination balance. All together it was about a 7 lb load on the SGP and the Apertura 60EDR fit the setup perfectly. I really love that little refractor. Thanks again for the recommendation!

[@User1dentification]

You did it again!; Like Cuvi, you are delivering Quality Content. Thank you!

[@ziggyfrnds]

Thank you Nico, that was very informative! I already have a GSO 8" F4 newt with CC and an EQ6 mount and a dedicated astro cam. I've had mixed experience with imaging (mostly because I'm very bad at processing images) but one thing is certain...when everything is setup correctly the newt does give excellent results! Thanks for the tip about primary mirror masking I'll try that

[@yashbodas7264]

finally found the video i was searching for! after a month!

[@davidemancini7853]

Great video like always Nico, IMHO if i may ,about the Newtonian wind problem ,can be eliminate by buying a Truss Newt,also with the doublet refractor if you'll buy a slower f ratio let say f9 f 10 so longer focal length will resolve quite a lot of the aberration. :)

[@AstroRef68]

Excellent advice thanks

[@amimrie]

So much good stuff in this vid 👍

[@pictie]

Thanks for the clarification I feel like a proper vernacular is important for luring about a complex hobby so thank you .

[@raphaelcoelho1557]

Amazing video. My self I want the system portable. So I can bring it on trips. You mentioned light weight a lot as an advantage and I agree and add that mostly people in the world lives on huge cities. This light systems allow those people to bring it on trips

[@kasparssmirnovs9482]

Nice video, i started with 8inchF6 newt on HEQ5,. If mount is belt modded then it guides fine even 10inch F5 carbon newton. Problem with metal newtons is that metal expands and contracts due to temperature changes, so you go out of focus at longer exposueres.

[@PatJones82]

Great Video. THANKS!

[@bentex40]

I use a Orion XT 8 goto and a high end cell phone which produces decent images which is not bad for starting out. A refractor with a wide field would be the best in opinion for ease of use and mobility.

[@fdboucher]

Thank you so much!

[@richiewitkowski7142]

I always love the star spikes newtonians make from the secondary mirror bracket Even in visual astronomy it looks really cool when looking at super bright stars or even the planets

[@robertdewar1752]

Dont forget. if you are on a budget to look out second hand gear. I got a SkyWatcher AZ-EQ6 for £1000, Celestron C8 for £250 and a Canon 550D with 892 (like new) shutter count for £144. This is well below new prices, but great for a beginner like me to potter around with.

[@andywray3446]

I would echo your comment about a budget Newtonian being a great way to start and still have all the upgrade capability. My wife bought me a Skywatcher 200 PDS and HEQ5 Pro as a "big birthday" present. I learned how to attach my old mirrorless camera to it initially (Sony NEX5N) and started my astrophotography journey. Added a Coma corrector, then an orion autoguider and most recently a mono camera(ASI1600MM), filter wheel for narrowband and ZWO autofocuser. Software control was a big upgrade and in my case this was ASCOM, PHD2, Sharpcap (for polar alignment) and APT. Bottom line: the OTA (or scope as you call it) has kept up with my journey and the photos I can take now are ten times better than when I first started. The mount may be struggling a bit now with all the extra weight, so that is what I will probably upgrade next. Bottom line: a good budget "Newt" is more than enough for anyone's first few years in astrophotography.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Excellent summary Nico! Plus great comparison image. I would add one additional tip for Newtonians if you are imaging with a lot of city lights around you: most Newts have big light leaks from the primary mirror - so a DIY butt cover can make a huge difference! Also for collimation, some lasers can lead to miscollimation, if the laser itself has issues. To avoid that problem, a Barlowed laser technique works excellently (cheap laser plus cheap Barlow). My favorite though is the humble Cheshire :-)

[@ziggyfrnds]

Thanks for the tip Cuiv! I'll be trying that on my newtonian :)

[@aloharay]

yes, always cover your butt in case of leaks. :)

[@frankianthony155]

I bought a 22" Obsession. Made in Wisconsin. Wow, the views are incredible! Still do enjoy using the small refractor though.😊

[@Peter.A-A]

@nebula photos Thanks for being a inspiration to me and my son(12yo), My son just bought a Celestron 130EQ Skymaster used for $200. We gonna pick it up tomorrow. The last 3 hours he´s been looking trough a lot of your videos 🙂, as he just told me " Dad, I need to be prepared". 😀❤

[@Drat789]

reflector is quite easy to use after a while and some knowledge, I also like refractor because I live on the hill so there is a nice view during day and I can watch birds, squirles etc. in a distance and is good for traveling my opinion: heavy reflector for night sky events around house light refractor for everything wherver whenever

[@kekkoukedarake110]

Thank you for this video. I downloaded photos and compared. Part of the comparison, I separated stars and nebula using StarNet and found the Newtonian actually captured far more details of nebulosity. I'd definitely go with Newtonian.

[@GrowingAnswers]

I have been looking into this very recently since I’ve been using a Altair ed60 with a .8 reducer almost exclusively for the past year. Basically most of the time I’ve been in the deep sky part of the hobby. I’ve been strongly considering a reflector between 600-800mm. Just to be able to get a new perspective since I’ve shot most of what I can with the Altair60 already. A reflector Astrograph is about the only cheaper way to upgrade focal lengths and keep my f4-f5 range for narrowband. Thought about the RASA for a bit, but I only see that as a good option for darker skies. At least with an f4 there is less to worry about with filters. Looking for forward to this!

[@astrolux3603]

I would look into the Skywatcher 200P Quattro.... 8inch f4...

[@GrowingAnswers]

@@astrolux3603 I was also looking at a maksutov Newtonian maybe. Not many options in that market anymore though. I want to use my cem26 (26lb). I was trying to compare them to newtonians. One thing I like is no star spike with those. Amongst a few other things.

[@dannynimmo3052]

Wow, lots of info. for a newbe, Thanks again. I was about to buy a barska 25lb rock with no options I could use. This is so awesome. thank you for this. I'm totally off on the barska and I feel better about spending more knowing what I'm buying

[@andresfranciscolescano3200]

Muchas gracias por tanta información! saludos desde Argentina

[@AramilLiodon]

About DIY and budget options, you should really try making your own AstroEQ ArduinoMEGA controller and demonstrating how to hook everything up, both hardware and software wise. I recently was looking at a way to do some upgrades to my pretty simple EXOS-2 mount that had just stepper motors for RA and DEC. For ~40$ I've managed to create controller that allows my rudimentary mount to do pulse guiding, platesolving and GoTo (granted with low speeds, but that's easy to improve within small budget). Additionaly I can now remote control my entire setup from remote screen as this Arduino Mega controller is plugged directly into my laptop. A great project for another longer video I think.

[@SterrenKijkenInDeStad]

Although maybe a bit more technical, but image scale, resolution and sampling also play role in determining the image quality, or looks. Sampling in relation to the average seeing quality at the imaging location can be hugely important. This is not only determined by the OTA, but in fact by the OTA in combination with the imaging sensor/camera - more particularly the pixel size of the sensor. At 500mm with a Canon APS-C DLSR, you were probably undersampling, whereas the Newton was likely right on the money at 750mm. This makes the image with the refractor look softer compared to the result coming from the Newton. Although admittedly, the chromatic abberation in a normal achromat makes focusing much more difficult.

[@JessicaTG2008]

Nice upgrade for a Newtonian and SCT is a set of Bobs knobs for collimation. No screwdrivers next to your lens, no scratches. When you go out observing your never alone, Murphy is right there every time. Makes the procedure far far easier and a set is not expensive and easy to install, these things should have been a factory installed item. Good video. Newtonian on a goto is nice, I also have a 12" Orion on a rotator base. I can't see that big thing swinging around on a motorized mount. It's fun for planets, not fun for long term imaging.

[@timbeitz6458]

Thank you learned a lot

[@christiangunther650]

Hej Nico! Nice and detailed compare and a great help for every beginner. Bug thumbs up! - Now one question: if for Achromatic telescope two wave length are crisp, what if you'd use a narrow band filter, do we have then still this achromatic abberration to such extend? I mean we limit the wave length quite a lot....Thanks for quick heads up!

[@paulruemmele]

Focal length is my main dividing line between Newtonian astrographs and refractors. Take for example my Orion 10" Newt/Astrograph. 1000mm focal length and 250mm aperture for $900. The closest refractor to that is Orion's EON 910mm focal length and 130mm aperture and the cost is $2,700. Sure there's more maintenance to do with a Newtonian, but I find all that stuff fun too. Not every night is clear anyways, having something to do for the hobby when it's cloudy is a plus for me. At the other end of the spectrum, there's no Newt/astrograph out there with focal lengths under 400mm. So I love my little doublet APO's and am looking forward to getting more tiny refractors. Right now I have the Sky-Watcher 50mm Evoguide w/field flattener (ok), WO Zenithstar 61 w/field flattener and reducer (Nice), and Sky-Watcher 72ed Evostar w/Field flattener and reducer(Very tasty). If someone came out with like a 400mm focal length 100mm aperture Newtonian Astrograph I would be really interested in how that'd work.

[@skide2]

master class, thank you

[@alfre009]

Thank you Master!!

[@cristianjara2211]

Excelente video, muchas gracias y saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@Prohumanity1]

One thing not mentioned is that the Apertura (GSO) coma corrector has a 1.1 magnification (F/5->F/5.5). The important thing about this 10% increase in FL is that it gives you the extra back focal length to reach the camera film plane without needing a dedicated astrograph Newtonian with larger diagonal and shorter focuser.

[@fnersch3367]

Very nice presentation.

[@stefandietmann5120]

My current "scope" is the Canon 400mm 5.6l lens. Not expensive when bought used and a very good controlled aberrations.

[@MountainFisher]

😃, My first telescope in 1960 was a cardboard tube 3" reflector I don't remember the name of, but I remember they sold them in the science toy section at Savon's drug/department store. It did have a twist zoom lens and I could see Saturn when I could find it in light polluted LA county suburb of Norwalk.

[@noway8233]

By the way, its a very good lens , and thats whats yuo want, congrats

[@zade4545]

i got a 300mm. do you think that’s be enough for taking pictures of the moon and planets?

[@stefandietmann5120]

@@zade4545 Hi for planets to be big in the picture 300mm is much to short. You need over 1000mm for it. For the moon it is good though.

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Good video Comparison Niko! Newtonians are a good option if you are looking to buy a telescope on a smaller Budget

[@maximkosheleff]

Very long but very informative intro. Thanks!

[@bluemarblemark]

Thanks!

[@ReubenMRU]

HI Nico, thanks for these in depth reviews and explanations! - One information that I'm missing is time of exposure... say both of these telescopes are pointed towards the same stellar object... Is one going to take more exposure time than the other to get similar exposure? I would expect that to be the case... but which one would be faster in that case? i.e. Less long exposure required?

[@groundhoppingwlkp3622]

Newtonian was faster because its F5.5, SVB is F7 so on same exposure time Newtonian gather more light

[@volvotl22]

To save on the flattener , and add funds to the mount, you can use software to correct the image. GIMP can do this and when you get it right, save for a one click fix. It will barrel the image and crop, so you do lose a little bit. With the achromat, the fringing can be reduced by reducing the aperture with a mask. Even a small step from F5 down to f5.6 can make a huge difference. Did this on an F5 refractor.

[@astrogeekman]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Svbony SV50370ed + the reducer, and it's fantastic. Crisp and sharp and promised. Works perfect on the Eqm35 Pro with my T6 Canon. Best bang for the buck.

[@chrissehm2989]

Can u link me the reducer that you are using? :)

[@astrogeekman]

@@chrissehm2989 SVBONY SV193 on Amazon, funny thing about it is that it costs more than the one for the 80ed.

[@antalperge1007]

Is that really so good? Not being an APO?

[@astrogeekman]

@@antalperge1007 the trade off is that the stars can have blue halos.

[@copout1405]

Real glad I found this video. It is important to me to identify just what it is I want to do with regard to astronomy. Making bad choices can get expensive quickly. After watching several videos I found this one by Dan at Nebula Photos. Of course all the videos helped some but this one has made the top of the list for me. Thank you for making this well-presented and informative video.

[@TheMasterAnt]

Thanks

[@jwdeepsky]

Having recently made the switch to a newtonian from refractors, I say it's totally worth it if you have a bit of experience. The images are so much better even than expensive refractors. Yes it's hard to get everything working well but that's part of the fun. Plus the challenge pays off greatly

[@richiewitkowski7142]

The amount of light they gather though is probably a huge win

[@lxcas5401]

I got my very first dob the Apertura 8 inch Dobsonian which comes in monday and I plan on getting the Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian OTA - 6F5N next for my first newtonian telescope.

[@zbnmth]

Nice Cepheus and Cygnus tattoos!

[@GaryMCurran]

Hi Nico! Unfortunately, iOptron has discontinued the SmartEQ mount. For a small OTA, that would have been a great mount. Explore Scientific has their EXOS-100, which you can get for about $730, if you include the azimuth adjuster, which is optional. Personally, I'd spend the extra $270 and get the EXOS-200 GT with PMC-8 (both scopes have the PMC-8) for a more rugged scope. It puts it more into the HEQ-5 range. You could also suggest the SkyWatcher EQM-35 for about what the EXOS-100 would be if you get the azimuth adapter. I also thank you for the image of the Pleiades with the Apertura 60. If you and HighPoint Scientific can make it happen, I'd like to see a review of the 72.

[@anvikshiki]

As always, a great, really informative video, thank you! You have here recommendations for better refractors. What would you say are higher-end quality Newts? I’ve seen people briefly recommending Orion 8” and Skywatcher Max-Newt 190s (quite heavy), and one friend of mine really likes Teleskoop Service ONTC custom models. But there seem far fewer online reviews of better-quality Newts than there are of refractors, SCTs and RASAs. You seem to prefer bigger refractors, like the Askar 130, for narrow-field DSO targets. So, I’d be interested in hearing what you think of higher-quality Newts.

[@riklaunim]

For a budget set up in a city, I would go with something really short, like an Askar 135 or similar paired with one of small pixel mono cameras like say QHY5III 678M and a CLS/UHC filter. Plus a low weight but has a good tracking EQ mount. Something up would be a RedCat or a good small corrected refractor (quadruplet or what have it) with a bigger sensor and bigger pixels + a guide setup. If you want to catch small galaxies and nebulae then it will require guiding and good tracking - probably GSO 6" RC on the cheap while a Newtonian would require more troubleshooting and tuning, especially larger ones.

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

I own the SV48 and have used it for astrophotography with good success. The SVBONY SV193 Focal Reducer works great with this scope and I get pin point stars at the corners. Couple this scope with a 495 long pass filter and for the money it is hard to beat for the price. Good review.

[@user-nq3cx9zj4b]

Tell me, which one exactly do you use, for 80ed or for 70ed ?

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

@@user-nq3cx9zj4b the one for the 80ed

[@woody5109]

The refraction spikes improve the photo, love them.

[@BlueCodeTuber]

How can I like this a million times?

[@deltacx1059]

6:30 i made my first scope and it seem to work perfectly fine with a field flatener that is rated for the focal ratio.

[@mysweetbuggie]

I got a reflector without realizing years ago and it took me a while to learn

[@chicken_person]

Well, a fun video even if it means nothing for me right now. My tracker is an Omegon MiniTrack LX3, which ostensibly has a max payload of 3 kg, and as a cheaper and smaller mount I try to avoid more than 1.5 kg. However, where it really shines is in how small and light it is, and that it requires no batteries - it's entirely a wind-up piece of equipment. I've managed to get some pretty decent results at up to 300mm on it, and I'm sure where it'll really shine is when I go on backpacking and canoe-camping trips that bring me to Bortle Class 1-2 areas. My current lens I've been using is actually a Canon FDn 200mm f/4 adapted to a mirrorless camera, I have a full-frame 70-300 but the results tend to be fairly mediocre. The 200mm is usable stopped down just half a stop, while the 70-300 feels soft until about f/8. But once I got my modified camera, I was able to get some pretty good results of the California Nebula and Sadr Region.

[@quincylee2276]

How exactly are you able to explain technical aspects so clearly and concisely?? 😎

[@theunion6941]

Amazing video and content on the chanel. What were you camera settings when taking the two images with the telescopes. I've just taken the leap to but the t ring adapter and relevant equipment to try this with my celestron

[@NebulaPhotos]

Since I wan't guiding, I just did 30 sec. subs at ISO3200

[@chrisstocksmith9803]

Hey Man! Just came to you with a new interest in AP. I'm a photo/film guy and these breakdowns are just so informative. Suggestion, my 3D Printing hero, Thomas Salanderer, has playlists for beginners, new to 3D Printing playlists. You should have a Playlist with all your videos that touch on the basics, like this video here. Took me a bit to find it, but worth it. Have a Basics/Beginners playlists and you'll be cultivating even more noobs like me even quicker. You have 156K subscribers so you're doing something right. Thanks and Cheers!

[@fazergazer]

I have found apodizing masks to be great for planetary imaging with 8”+ Newtonians!

[@tombeilman5579]

Rookie here with a 6 inch newt , focus, collumination and tracking make a big difference, some nights good, some terrible

[@kryststar6800]

Hey thank you. Gravity does not push down, the earth is pushing up on us that creates the effect, but there is no up and down in space......Love you :)

[@NebulaPhotos]

👍

[@jackdeangelis6585]

Nico, thanks for this. I'm currently trying to decide between a 6" f/5 newtonian and the 6" Celestron SCT for mainly moon and planets. I'm leaning toward the 6" Celestron because I can then use a lighter mount.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

For planets and the moon the SCT will be easier to use, has more focal length in the first place, is small and light, etc.

[@GaryMCurran]

For the moon and planest, I would agree that the SCT is preferable. However, don't overlook a Mak-Cass. In my experience, a Mak Cass of a similar aperture has a longer focal length. Of course, that raises your f/ratio, but on bright objects like the moon and solar system planets, this should not be an issue.

[@user-rs3gl1xo7x]

Are you going to make a guide to shoot the Leonard a1 comet? I would love to see it