Building a Telescope Rig to PHOTOGRAPH GALAXIES

In this video I share my progress putting together a new telescope rig for astrophotography.
Celestron EdgeHD 11: bit.ly/3oPA8MQ
Hyperstar V4: bit.ly/3rBKSge
This telescope has a focal length of 2800mm, and is perfect for collecting light on small galaxies and planets, but not without its challenges.
Although it is completely different than the astrophotography telescopes I usually use, it should offer me a chance to try some new types of photography.
CORRECTION: The image of NGC 281 was taken by Nathan Duso: www.astrobin.com/users/mumble...
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Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.

[@MillerDoesIt]

I can't speak for everyone but the reason I started following your channel (and eventually got into astrophotography myself) was because you didn't edit out your struggles, frustrations and iterations. It's what makes your channel incredibly educational. A lot of channels exist out there which show the ways things work when everything well.

[@thelordofcubing]

I've never seen Trevor this excited. It's like Christmas morning 😂

[@TheBelrick]

I saw a guy use a similar setup... you can see a line that is the usb camera leading away from the camera lol

[@BackyardObservatory]

"What are you doing down here?" Epic

[@TheBelrick]

I dont get his advice. The best deep space amateur photography ive seen were on large dobsonian mounts . the battle of exposure time vs. aperture is my guess? that a 14" doing a 30sec (max?) exposure is better than a 132mmm doing 10min ? well i dont know.

[@BackyardObservatory]

​@@TheBelrick The best images being from Dobs is a bit odd as Dobs are the worst for AP, short of handheld. The best to worst for AP is usually EQ, Alt/Az, Dob, handheld. Granted a Dob mount is an Alt/Az mount, but they require one track the target by hand. Not easy to do when imaging, even for the most experienced among us. With all other factors being equal, larger aperture wins every time as it gathers more photons per second vs smaller apertures. This means dimmer objects or more detail for the same period of time, or shorter exposure time for the same amount of data. The shorter exposure time has a distinct advantage of having less images ruined by jets/satellites/clouds/etc..

[@KnowledgePerformance7]

@@TheBelrick seems odd to comment that on this comment but whatever. Idk where you are getting your images because every amazing photo I have ever seen has been a German mount. Dobs are less accurate for high zoom tracking and suffer from sky rotation

[@TheBelrick]

@@KnowledgePerformance7 but the cure for lack of rotation is to take SHORTER exposures. as i said. Anyway, watch clips on dob deepsky photos or not. They are breath taking IMHO but you may not care.

[@TheBelrick]

@@BackyardObservatory if you dont take long exposures then tracking isnt an issue.... tracking is a way to compensate for limited exposure. i think of it as large "eyes" capturing large amounts of light in a short time vs. small "eyes" capturing large amounts of light over a LONG amount of time. 30sec exposure vs. 10min. 400mm squared vs. 132mm. squared 10min exposure is 20 times longer than the absolute most a dob can do but a 16"dob captures 9x the light than a 132mm refractor does. and costs the same. anyway, just thoughts from a fan not actually arguing

[@RaysAstrophotography]

My kind of stuff! You did pretty well for the first encounter with those giant scopes!

[@rawzen5140]

i love how easy it is to see how much effort you put into this video, and all your videos. nice job as usual Trevor.

[@TheAngryAstronomer]

Glad to see you're having fun experimenting with different filming styles.

[@StargazerFS128]

Good luck with the weather Trevor, I'm in southern Ontario also, grey grey grey skies, cant wait to see the results.

[@johnnycampbell]

Looking forward to following you on your SCT - AP journey! Galaxy season should be a blast. Clear skies to you!

[@gregbromley152]

Awesome video Trevor! More than ever, you're a huge motivation to get deeper into this hobby.

[@kentswenson2480]

Dude! Backward hat, basement techno rave! Never too old 🤙

[@laidbackobs]

Magnificent vide as always Trevor, and thanks for featuring one of my planetary images. The potentials are extraordinary with the EdgeHD.

[@MrSharkb828]

I saw the thumbnail and instantly got so excited! Can't wait for some more images and videos. Thanks, Trevor!

[@iandobbin8068]

Great timing, my hyperstar arrived today, partnered with the edgehd 8" I am looking forward to your journey. Unfortunately smoke is having huge effect here in Australia, but still going to have a go ! Clear skies !

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

Can’t wait to see what you get with this setup in the different configurations. Clear skies!

[@CVObservatory]

Can't wait!! I have been looking at the Edge telescopes for a while.

[@abramians1]

Recently purchased the Celestron EdgeHD 9.25''. Looking forward to getting into photographing galaxies. This was a GREAT review! Really appreciate all the great videos and information that you provide.

[@p7ayfu77tech]

Sooo so happy you could try it out. Love ur vids. Keep em coming.

[@Talalpro_1]

Omg yes thank you for uploading I’ve been waiting for a new amazing video.

[@TexasTimelapse]

The most breathtaking views of Saturn I've ever seen were through a 14" SCT. Absolutely amazing!

[@latouselatrec]

What the f*** is going on there isn't been no pictures of Saturn on here

[@user-ls8ks7kv8c]

Those Celestron Edges are fantastic for planetary imaging as well. Damien Peach uses a C14 and the results speak for themselves

[@DrivingMoccasins87]

You have by far become my favorite channel to keep up with. I’m slowly learning astrophotography with your help. Thanks Trevor. By the way, you’re never too old to wear a backwards hat my man.

[@TPQ1235]

Finally, you are using an SCT. I have loved all your wide field work and especially your perspectives on setups, products, and processes. As someone who has been using a Meade 2120 for over 30 years I am looking forward to a Trevor SCT series!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you - I am really excited to shoot smaller targets!

[@dericcaselli3927]

Welcome to the mavelous world of the SCT telescopes, they are very versatile and will do so many things well.

[@dontbugme8]

Im glad that drop wasn't the secondary!

[@michal_king478]

yeah I would be so scared id drop the secondary. Good thing the secondary isnt terribly expensive Im guessing since its just a small parabolic mirror (thats bulged outwards instead of inwards ofcourse)

[@SimonSpe]

Just discovered your vids and i must say the quality of your shots are amazing .. keep it up

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

Congratulations on reaching 100'000 SUBS Trevor!! Amazing! Wes, Liverpool, UK.

[@christophercirrincione4320]

Great video and you're never too old to wear a cap backward!

[@ununquadiumelement4164]

I’ve learnt so much from your videos. Thank you so much you really helped my way through astrophotography!

[@horaciodortona574]

Awesome set up with the Edge HD at that focal length accurate guiding is critical so polar alignment has to be spot on. Can't wait to see your images I'm a big fan of your work. Best of luck and of course Clear Skies.

[@dwha81]

Beautiful! Someday I hope to try reflectors.

[@killahBmasta]

Amazing! I own a 8“RC myself. Thrilled to the upcoming videos!! Have fun and cs

[@belken117]

I have an affinity for telescopes and all that just takes the biggest cake I ever imagine! Looking forward to see the results! Those galaxies are gonna look good!

[@PixelFighterKing]

never let haters tell you what to do. they are just envious of your personal freedom. backwards hats squad represent. thank you for all of your efforts and information regarding astrophotograpy and gear reviews. you are very impressive.

[@capturethephotons2078]

I love your passion for the night sky. I know the feeling when you wake up live your day and go to sleep with your mind and heart set in the heavens. I will be purchasing my first set up by Spring of this year and hopefully I am out learning the ins-and-outs of astrophotography. I've learned so much from your Channel and others like you in this community. Clear Skies 🌌

[@michaell1473]

Can't wait to see what you do with this! I've got a RASA 8 and it's great for wide field. I have been considering getting an Edge HD 8 or 9.5 and swapping out the OTA based off the target, specifically for galaxies and small nebula. I know that whole point of the Hyperstar is that you can do both but it is also almost the price of an 8in Edge HD itself.

[@TheUrbanAstronomer]

Awesome, look forward to this. Enjoyable video 👌

[@astroEnthusiast1]

Keep up the great work Trevor!!

[@sking3571]

Hey Trevor your going to have a lot of fun and new horizons with this rig. I have the same scope, mount and Celestron 0.7 reducer. I have yet to get the Hyperstar (Maybe in future).As far as cameras I have used the ZWO ASI 294, 071 and 1600mm. Binning 2X2 has given some excellent results. Looking forward to your work with this. I also have setup different complete rigs and it does make it easier. Frustrating this winter as I have not had more than 45 minutes of clear sky since October 28th..

[@pathdoc]

The Hyperstar doesn't really "convert" the scope from f/10 to f/1.9, it just uses the prime focus which is at f/1.9 instead of the secondary f/10 focus. The lenses are for correction.

[@SterrenKijkenInDeStad]

Bill Woodward was about to add that comment as well. I thought it was common knowledge most of these type of scopes (Maks also) have very fast main mirrors, basically shaving mirrors. They are often even spherical, which explains the many lenses in the hyperstar to cure spherical aberrations.

[@dgdave2673]

- so you have to use a $1200 Starizona to get back to F2 ? 😮😂😂 That thing is ridiculously priced. Get a dedicated Rasa instead.

[@dgdave2673]

- so you have to use a $1200 Starizona to get back to F2 ? 😮😂😂 That thing is ridiculously priced. Get a dedicated Rasa instead.

[@NikonJax]

Excellent video Trevor!

[@kostasrogue]

Oh men this is crazy! Have fun!

[@yannickg6904]

Beautiful instrument. Celestrons are such classics. I plan on buidling my own mount one day, I have real Byers worm drives for both axes.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Can't wait to see your pics of planets with this beast!

[@FROGGS01]

This is insane. I love it.

[@RnCforPS3]

Almost 100k. Damn you really are making this hobby more mainstream.

[@barryallen5744]

Can't wait for the results.

[@materialdialectics]

You're never too old Trevor, never.

[@banukadimuthu4070]

I m waiting for see your works with this telescope. All da best !!!!

[@danwray5626]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@devinespinoza9213]

That setup is stupidly beautiful 🤩

[@hammett10ify]

Can't wait to see the photos you take with that set up

[@noseonscent1935]

Awesome gear Trev! Cheers. Great short video

[@Virindi77]

Superb setup. I just picked up a C9.25 this weekend and wait for delivery of my hyperstar. For small galaxies, I'd use it with hyperstar and with small pixels camera, sampling under 1" / pixel rather than long exposures at F6.3.

[@remcohekker]

Wow! Looks great Trevor. I'm excited for you. Can't wait to see some of those galaxies. I do hope they've provided a nice box to store that secondary mirror in...

[@MRayInteractive]

Actually the cap that unscrews from the hyperstar can thread right on to the secondary - a nice little design decision by Starizona.

[@remcohekker]

@@MRayInteractive Ah that makes sense. Interesting device, look forward to seeing what it can do.

[@richardgracews6]

Sweet! I just picked up a clean C8 cheap to give my Arsenal of optics more reach. I can't wait to see the whirlpool up close.

[@MegaDroogKloot]

Love your video’s mate, you sparked my intrest in astrophotography And just wear the cap the way you want to wear it 😄

[@donaldbenson5206]

Great video Trevor. It's good to see you've open your horizons to big scopes. You didn't mention a guide scope or I missed that. Can't wait to see what you capture first. Clear skies buddy. If you have the hat turned the other way there would be shadows on your face, not good for filming. To each his own. Thanks for bring excitement to your videos, makes me wanna go buy a 9k rig setup too.

[@michalcaganek8287]

Always been a fan sir, keep it going! 😊👍

[@andyprice4696]

Subscribed! You literally just setup exactly what I was planning on purchasing. 11” edge with hyperstar on a CGX Mount. Can’t wait to see your experiences and results with this rig. I’m saving my pennies now. Also, see if starizona will send you the new night owl reducer. It looks very interesting. And find a target for that baby ASAP! We can’t wait 2 more months. Give us variety. Some planetary and some DSO.

[@FrankP83]

Ohhhh FINALLY!I've got the C8...and is a BEAST! ^_^

[@michaellewis7768]

Thanks for all of your videos. Your authenticity and passion for the hobby are definitely infectious (in a good way). Definitely made me want a telescope (and rescue dog)(my cat would not approve). Also, you should totally do a behind the scenes mockumentry of Rudy and your wife’s perspective as they come across you vlogging around the house and backyard. :-D. Cheers!

[@astronomybob]

So many toys .... Great video Trevor !

[@ghenghiskhan39]

Dude, you seriously have some awesome gear.👍👍👍

[@TheWonkyAstronomer]

I have the same scope (with Hyperstar) on a fork mount. Very happy with it indeed.

[@movax20h]

Nice and very versatile scope. Keep us posted. This mount is heavy. Good. You will need stability.

[@robsbackyardastrophotograp8885]

Very awesome setup, Trevor! Welcome to the wonderful world of cats & casses :)

[@DennisCarmody]

I’ve been using a C925 at f/10, f/6.3 w a reducer, and f/2.3 w Hyperstar. The challenge definitely goes up exponentially at higher focal lengths. I love that I can use the same telescope for f/30 planetary and massive nebula at f/2.3.

[@jessetrail5330]

Wow! Thanks for the brilliant info Trevor. I am new to astrophotography and am eager to start shooting. Here on the coast of Northern California, clear skies are hard to come by. Also looking forward to my first NEAF in April.

[@AstroForumSpace]

100K!!!! Congrats Trevor, you deserve it bigtime. I'm looking for a Smith Chretien as a somewhat more affordable way to image galaxies. Have fun with this, looking forward to seeing some excellent astropics. Also, I was thinking that binning could be useful when the pixel size is so small?

[@vinceveltri7732]

Trevor, I hope you fall madly in love with this SCT. With the Celestron CPC 1100 the size and weight were a very cautious concern - until I built an observatory and the scope is stationary. I'm looking forward to your experiments and reviews on this.

[@stevensiwinski8049]

Love the HD 11 rave

[@m97429]

I have a CEM120 Meade 12" F8 (2438mm) that I use with my Sbig STT3200me/ FW8G /Starchaser SC2 /A0-8a for hunting galaxies. Great setup, I think adding a A0 device at long focal lengths is a great help. Depending on your guide star these things can run at 4-12 Hz, in other words make corrections 4 to 12 times a second!

[@axford696969]

Can't wait to see your images with this rig Trevor....

[@Chris_LSZO]

I use the C14 and yes it is very flexible. Hyperstar, f7 with reducer or the full focal length depends of what you want to do. I love this flexible concept very much, it's a 3 in 1 telescope.

[@belidged]

I’ve been working on a similar rig, I just need the last piece from Starizona. Nice work! 👍🏻

[@PafMedic]

Thats Just Beautiful,I Have The Celestron 8se..Was A Christmas Present,So Far..Im Enjoying It,But..Cant Wait Till Spring..Im a Fan..Subscribed

[@libork5397]

Very interesting , I started to follow your channel recently and it is quite inspirational .... Thank you ...

[@misterwizz5690]

I'm pleased you mentioned the backward cap, no problem! Just get someone real strong to snap your head a full 180 degrees, hey presto the cap will now be facing the correct intended direction!

[@AVAstronomy]

Awesome! Looking forward to galaxy season as well.

[@randomname2159]

when is the best time for galaxy observation in the northern hemisphere?

[@AVAstronomy]

Alexandru Ancuța February -April is pretty good

[@AstroBlender]

I had my hat on backwards in some of my first few vids! I still do it, it’s still cool! :) Nice rig!

[@michal_king478]

boy thats a BEAST

[@matthewhart4952]

The Celestron Disco was a nice touch 🤣 Great content as always!

[@DurkoppFordertechnic]

I wish I had watched this a few years back, as a newby I went straight into using a celestron 8" HD. I found out quickly that everything had to be so precise. Right down to getting the weights in exactly the right place. The NEQ6 skywatcher mount wasn't accurate enough either. Conversion to belt drive on it helped my guiding headache. Lots of imaging sessions produced disappointing results, but getting results now when the weather allows in the UK.

[@cags330]

I made a similar error recently, Vince. I bought an 8" SCT for photography as much as imaging. Working through the headaches at the moment . . .

[@sneakerset]

@@cags330 I bought a C8 for $150. The seller was a homeless tweeker camped out in a park in No. Hollywood. The instrument was in wretched condition - it had survived a roof collapse (house fire). Fortunately, the rebuild was a success. I added a 2-speed focuser, a carrying handle, dual Losmandy rails, and a 6.3 reducer (Antares). It has quirks, but has served me well for both the lightside (solar/terrestrial)...and darkside (DSO/planetary).

[@aperturedriven88]

🤣🤣🤣 "what are you doing down here?!" "What??" Looking forward to seeing this setup in action Trevor! I'm wanting in the next year to pick up the same mount, the Edge HD 14" and Hyperstar. Makes sense financially given that this setup + the ASI6200 is only $1000 more the RASA 36cm OTA by itself.

[@ernie5229]

Amazing! I haven't done astrophotography since the film days. Sooo much has changed. We had a prime focus reflector camera. You had to load each frame of the film by hand inside a dark bag. Exposure was controlled by opening and closing the corrector cap. With such a short focal length you have to mount the film in a curved bracket to compensate for the curved depth of field. A good long evening would yield a few acceptable shots. But you didn't find that out until after you developed the film (by yoursef) then sent it out to be printed. Still, I wouldn't change the opportunity for anything!

[@MrGChuff]

Magnificent new setup. Time to upgrade to a wizards hat🧙‍♂️

[@leonjones7120]

This equipment is stunning. I did astronomy when I was younger, and saw what I could with a small refractor. Couldn't afford the equipment upgrades which would have kept my interest.

[@dutchwhitey1138]

I am 50 and i also have my cap backwards. so keep it like you like it. :D

[@AstroBackyard]

Will do

[@chattywalrus8485]

Don't worry, Trevor, you're like Saturn: you look gorgeous any way you wear your hat! Happy New Year!

[@jamieamendolagine205]

I've got an EdgeHD8, and am quite happy with it, but it is difficult to work with the F10 focal ratio. I do have a reducer that brings it down to F7 which is easier when imaging bigger targets. I've also been using an OAG for guiding. It can be a challenge to get a guide star sometimes, but it's my understanding that it is much better for SCT's with high F ratio. Here's some tips with using an SCT: Don't forget to tighten the mirror locks when ready to image, and don't forget to loosen them when done. That big plate of glass fogs up pretty easily, so you may need a heater. Get bobs knobs, or something similar so that you can collimate without sticking a pointy screw driver close to the glass.

[@myschoolaccountitotallyuse2290]

Looks fun to play with!

[@scottadams5858]

Trevor, dude, sick ass scope man! I want you to know we are all jealous right now lmao. I am totally looking forward to the images you get with that, one on my wish list btw, exception I would do, dreaming here, pier mounted in a home observatory.

[@piotrjakuc6357]

And I thought that 1200mm is a long focal length! Great video, Trevor!

[@moose64]

I have the Edge HD 8". Been stored ever since I bought it. Hopefully you can get me excited to get mine out and use it.

[@bernardday1]

Just built a new observatory at my Cabin site in Central Newfoundland . Its a really dark site and Im hoping to take some pictures of the night sky. I have a Meade lx200 classic 12 inch. I know its going to be difficult with that much magnification but that is what I have. I also have an older Pentax K-x DSLR. I have tried it a few times with an alt-az mount. Not to good but im planning to build and install a wedge . Just new a this so have a lot to learn. I really enjoy all your video and have learned a lot. Keep them coming. Bernard Dome on the hill Observatory Central Newfoundland

[@AstroHoff]

12:47 Weird looking NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula). 😜 Another quality video and perfect timing. Just been looking into a new scope for galaxies.

[@tomthunem3444]

Just stumbled onto your channel. Amazed you can take night-sky images from your driveway. Would've thought you had to find a dark sky location just as we traditional DSLR folks have to do to get good Milky Way images. Definitely makes it something to think about if I can do this from my house each night.

[@SOCMMOB]

I was happy to see that Canon used your likeness in their recent ad campaign on FB. You’ve earned the exposure. Pun intended.

[@jimmyfleming3257]

great informative video !!! Thanks!!

[@yellowlynx]

I have similar approach. EQ6+FLT98, all rounded purpose. ED80/F6 or WO71 plus a iOptron CEM25 for more wide field C11 plus iOptron CEM60 like yours. They are all on my roof top. All I need to do is to hook up my computer, the power and put the OTA on the mount, of course the mounts are already fine tuned in balancing and polar alignment.

[@ageprevention]

Glad to see you Got a real scope :)