Taking Pictures of Stars at 2000mm Focal Length.

In this video, I use the Celestron EdgeHD 11 telescope (1960mm focal length) to photograph the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules (M13).
I've still got some kinks to work out, but it was nice to finally get the StarSense AutoAlign working - and GET A PICTURE WITH THIS THING!
Telescope Mount: bit.ly/3swwdSK
Telescope: bit.ly/3oPA8MQ
Camera: bit.ly/3qqZWzj
Focal Reducer: bit.ly/3MTuFMP
StarSense AutoAlign: bit.ly/3qv5IzX
Thank you for your continued support of this channel! Sharing these moments with you makes the hobby that much better.
CLEAR SKIES!
Affiliate Links:
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.

[@AstroBackyard]

Guys - I know the picture isn't anything special, but it represents a small triumph over adversity. Please follow my journey with this beast over the next few months!

[@josiahtownsend6863]

Will a 120mm refractor be good for astrophotography

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Definitely! Awesome that you were able to get the rough target!

[@bouiglob]

Great video and good start with the SCT Trevor. Don't be afraid to lower those exposure times and increase the gain. You can then stack the "lucky frames" as there are many unlucky ones at 2000mm.

[@brod5352]

I've taken the plunge! Bought a new Celestron Advanced VX mount and found a used but in very good condition William Optics GT102. That is if it ever gets here. The USPS is really having a hard time. My GT102 will be a week late tomorrow. I'm going to get the Canon EOS Ra as well but I don't want it shipped. I found one but it's a 50 mile drive. But if it's still available on Friday, I'm going to pick it up. Then I got a ZWO 120MM Mini to go with a WO 50MM Uniguide scope. Last I want to get an ASIair Pro so I can do it all wireless. I can't wait to get it all together as I have some nice dark sky locations. I remember walking out of the tent around 2AM up in the Colorado Mountains close to the Wyoming border. I swear I thought I was on another planet. I don't think I've seen the Milky Way since I was 6 and I'm 67 now. So I want to go up there for a week and go crazy. Fly long range FPV during the morning. Nap in the afternoon and up all night. Yahoo.. ;o)

[@alexchong1979]

Importantly is having fun and joy! cheer !

[@edwardarcher6373]

Why did he sound like every man justifying an expensive purchase. “We’ll get so much use out of it”

[@brianreynolds1098]

'Cause that's men do when they feel guilty!

[@Mike-1000]

He's married :)

[@aTillasSister]

@@Mike-1000 to another photographer

[@abrahamshadbeh7223]

His wife sounds like mine. Supportive but only because she has too.

[@ChrisTurchin]

At least he didn't use the old "look at the present I got for you, Ashley" 😉

[@rocksolidreviews8900]

Trevor, I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy the channel, not only do you share your talents and expertise but you also let us know you are "human" in the AP world by showing us your struggles. You have reignited my love for astronomy and even motivated me to get back out with my little 90mm mak. Thank you and keep the videos coming!

[@rexnerf]

I was able to see it through the Mount Wilson 60 inch telescope.

[@AstroBackyard]

People throw the word epic around these days, but that must truly have been!!

[@rexnerf]

@@AstroBackyard It 24,000mm focal length and it is big enough to see the color in hundreds of stars.

[@chrisevantapman]

It’s still open?

[@nadirteymurov1]

I was lucky to see it through 2 meter Zeiss-2000 telescope at focal length of 27,500mm

[@jeffwatkins6136]

Love that place.

[@Deliverator80]

My wife and kids got me a 10" dob and a Sky Guider Pro for my ancient Nikon D90 DSLR to get started in both hobbies. I haven't had a telescope since my childhood days with a cheapo refractor. We took the dob out to the back yard last week during a rare clear night in May in NW Ohio, and got to see M13, it blew us away, even with the poor seeing conditions. I found your channel when I was researching for cameras and lenses for future purchases, and I'm so glad I did. While you gloss over some of the harder parts of the hobby in a lot of your videos, you have so much encouragement and enthusiasm. Keep on keepin' on, and I'll keep watching!

[@COGSCNY]

Ahhh yes the old “convince my wife how much value this piece of kit will bring us” routine. Been there many many times my brother

[@jmpattillo]

You should give Ashley a chance to quiz you about something on camera.

[@OOria]

You always remember me of the times I started. It was hard. It was frustrating. But it was worth every second I dedicated to this hobby... Thank you Trevor! :)

[@erinbriggs7220]

As always sir, thank you for sharing the challenges. You and Dylan have been my rocks as I learn this hobby. Never have I been challenged more or more rewarded.

[@suzannebeers6238]

Trevor - I've been watching and enjoying your channel for several months now, but just found this video this morning. Thank you for your comments about the challenges of new equipment! My husband "upgraded" my AP setup for Christmas - moving me from a DSLR on a Skywatcher star adventurer, that I had mastered over the last ~year for Milky Way shots to a telescope, equatorial mount, guidescope, etc. I feel like I'm standing across the street staring up at a cliff of a learning curve! So, really appreciated hearing that I'm not the only one!

[@captbuscemi]

As always, Trevor, thanks for your honesty! We all know the feeling of whole nights wasted struggling with new gear or some silly tech issue. But absolutely the elation of the good nights and a job well done with a finished image, keeps us coming back. Love your work, keep it up!

[@jamesspo]

Wonderful episode. My 30 year old daughter and I have been observing together using a 8”SCT. We’re just beginning to think about taking astro pictures. Your channel and website are an inspiration. Thank you for all your hard work and patient explanations. Best wishes from 50 degrees 30’, 000 degrees 41’.

[@aemyttyastro]

I have been having trouble getting my mount ready for auto guiding but this video has reminded me to push on and keep trying because once you get it to work, the results feel so much better... You have helped me advance a lot in this hobby and I just want to say, Thank You so much Trevor for what you're doing.

[@ScopeofScience]

Just found your channel, and I'm digging it. Gonna capture some stars this summer!

[@myfishingadventures1509]

Best of luck to you I do not think my tiny Power seeker 127eq is gonna see anything

[@13_cmi]

@@myfishingadventures1509 i have to do wide angle stuff because the one usable telescope with less color fringing is a 99 dollar reflector with no way to mount it to a good mount.

[@13_cmi]

Wide angle star trail and milky way stuff is real pretty though. But it does suck not having good quality big zooms.

[@JeffHorne]

Just a great video. So much love for you, Trevor. I know that look of frustration, and as you said, it’s worth it!

[@Indecisive013]

Love to see someone being this passionate about something. Love to see it. Best for you man. Love from Amsterdam

[@helensarah1000]

I have a Celestron 8” Edge HD. Didn’t realise the star sense needed updating, no wonder it likes to look at its own feet. Thanks for on going encouragement for us newbies, some of us do listen.

[@aronbodi808]

This video was Amazing! Such a good editing and sounds. hell yeah! Thats why i love this channel

[@Theastrocody]

Love, love, love this channel! My very first tracking/go to mount arrived today (Orion Sirius EQ-G) and ive been practicing with just a canon rebel on a tripod for the past 3 weeks. I cant wait for my first clear night with the new mount! Thanks for getting me into a new hobby! Clear skies!

[@ManishFrenchStudio]

Beautiful video 💖💖💖 thank you for sharing 🙏❤️ clear skies 🎁🎁🎁💞😘

[@AstroExploring]

Great video mate! It’s inspiring to see that we all go through the same struggles and pains as we battle with new equipment, but the sense of achievement when it falls into place and you capture that first image! 🔭🤩

[@FarmLapse]

Your videos are always top quality, Trevor! The music that you use always fits the mood aswel

[@dasimcoes]

Congrats on getting this rig up and running. Looking forward to more images with it.

[@shawnewaltonify]

This is world class cinematography and it makes watching your bad nights such a pleasure. This is the difference! Well done.

[@shakiburrahmanasif133]

i just love your work and your explanation. So brief!!!

[@wayneparker9782]

That is crazy up close and personal pic...wow.. how amazing

[@AstroQuest1]

Great job Trevor. Congrats on the new purchase and getting that StarSense to work. I am glad you said that stuff about challenging yourself with new stuff and unforeseen issues that arise. - Cheers Kurt

[@eerkunt]

This is amazing. Welcome to the SCT world Trevor :) As a beginner to the AP, thanks to you, Dylan, Chuck and Tim, just convinced that I shouldn’t have started with a long focal length (have an f/10, working on f/6.3 with a reducer).. but as you said, craving the challenge, what a weird hobby we have chosen! Top quality video just like as always!

[@Lu-zj6bo]

Wow. The pics were absolutely AMAZING. Wow.

[@brianreynolds1098]

Thanks for another vid, Trevor. Keppin' us goin' out here. Looking forward to more shots from the SCT, my favorite scope!

[@Jason-qt8bm]

I have been really enjoying the presentation of your knowledge in astrophotography. Thanks for taking the time to share you knowledge in an easy to follow format.

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

Wives and funding agencies are never all that interested in hardware buys.

[@Your_username_]

Omer Ahmed In an equal relationship there are shared and own expenses. I think this the latter, but nevertheless people are usually interested in what their partners are up to.

[@dennishess2046]

The sound of her voice when she said "yeah..yeah" about the new camera is a classic (and questionable) Wife response. Been there done that, good luck. ;)

[@cult4037]

Loved the video and most importantly the musical beginnings and endings as that gives me the chills especially because it's about nebuals and space. Although some information went over my head I yet loved watching it. Keep it up👍🏻

[@billellena5399]

Inspired by your videos, I bought my first telescope/DSLR/accessories for imaging two weeks ago and M13 was my first target. Despite slight star trails and astigmatism (didn’t adjust the field flattener correctly!) I was still so amazed at what I saw. Every clear night since that first night I’ve been adjusting to fix these issues and it is so rewarding. Thanks for opening me and countless others up to an amazing hobby - hopefully one day in the (distant) future my image of M13 looks as good as yours!

[@Robjmar7]

This guy really knows what he’s talking about. His videos are so great. Thank you.

[@piotrjakuc6357]

Glad to hear you’re learning and remembering your difficult nights, Trevorino! Hopefully, you’ll be an Edge HD11 master by Cherry Springs 2021!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you Sir! Ahh yes thats the ultimate test of how comfortable you are with your gear. If its "star party ready"

[@stephencostello1296]

Thanks so much for the encouragement as I'm looking into astrophotography for the first time with my original LX90-8INCH scope. Yep the one when they first came out. I love your channel and found you by watching Dylan . Thanks for your honesty as well. Keep up the great videos and happy star hunting 🌙📷🌠⭐

[@SkeeterPondRC]

So glad you finally got the CGXL sorted! And you are so very right! We do tend to remember the long nights chasing problems rather than the ‘point and shoot’ nights where everything just works.

[@vaq130]

"because it has the RA". love it!

[@danieln6356]

I'm glad for you. Enjoy your channel. I'm getting back into it after getting frustrated and stopping for a couple years. Staying with it this time!

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Hey Trevor. Another great video. It’s good to know that others struggle with gear from time to time. I was beginning to think it was just me! You got there and that’s the beauty of the hobby. It takes time and effort to get a good image but it’s worth it. At the moment I have a new OAG which I’m trying to get setup with my system and it’s a pain, but I will get there thanks to videos such as yours and the many others who share their experiences and knowledge on here. Hope the new camera works out well or you are in for an ear bashing:) Clear skies.

[@GordonBurnsVideo]

I am so literally starting this journey with just my DSLR and normal lenses and what you are doing looks so challenging and out if reach, but I am soon interested in what you are doing and aspire to get there too. Thanks for sharing all this. It is so appreciated.

[@Greydoggy1658]

Thanks Trevor. Great vid as usual. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one in North America that hasn't mowed my lawn.

[@sophrapsune]

I’ve absolutely had that conversation with the Mrs. Keep her, she’s a good egg!

[@elmikol2443]

Nice image Trevor! Another great job on the video too! Your production is really top-notch!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you Elmiko!

[@ijw87]

Thank you my friend for making my motivation go through the roof. I genuinely enjoy your videos. I love the skies but don't know much about photography. I saw you challenge message at the end. Challenge excepted.

[@scottadams5858]

Beautiful photo Trevor, thanks for sharing

[@marcionribeiro]

Your channel is great. I always like to see what you are doing. great job.

[@PaulSafford]

I had my first night with the 9.25” with single fork mount. Using the star sense almost made me want to pack everything up and just enjoy your videos & photos. Seeing this I’m going to give it another shot with firmware updates - thanks for doing these videos!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@DaveAndrus]

Sometimes, like with this vid, I wish I could leave double thumbs-up! Even though I'm way behind you Trevor, you give me lots of encouragement to hang in there, and as always, lots of great tips. Thanks!!

[@Jcorban08]

Congratulations on getting the first successful image with the new setup. That took diligence, determination and dedication. Awesome to see the celestron F.R. on the back. Some small P.N. targets (i.e. Blinking, Blue Flash, Cat’s Eye, Saturn) are bright enough for short exposures and even lucky imaging, as an earlier comment suggested. I’ve had a blast, previous summers, photographing them at 2800mm/f10 with my Edge11 & T5i. Clear skies!

[@billvinson7859]

Great to hear you are getting the EOS Ra. I got mine for Christmas. I have the 60Da also. The Ra has great low noise. I am so excited to use it this spring and summer after they open the parks in Washington state.

[@robinhoward6447]

Awesome! I always used to feel that I was alone in this hobby. Keep going with this channel. Regards from Europe!

[@astronorthwet636]

I feel your pain. You do make it look easy. Have several scopes I put on my CEM60 for different purposes and it really is like starting from scratch to get back focus find all the quirks of the new system. Going from my RASA 8" to my W/O FLT132 is challenging. I had to come up with a wiring scheme that works for those plus my old dr-forked Meade 10" LX200 OTA. Anyway, kudos for all you do for us out here. You are an inspiration, along with Dillan and Chuck and Stace... Keep it up!

[@urhcotman8483]

That look when you try to justify a purchase of new astronomy camera 😄

[@AstroBackyard]

"I'll use it for the next 10 years" 😄

[@robsbackyardastrophotograp8885]

@@AstroBackyard "That's what you said about the one you bought two months ago"

[@scarpography]

@@robsbackyardastrophotograp8885 lmao

[@ytismylife7057]

This video made my night.

[@burnout2125]

Thank you for pointing out that book, it's answered my planning query I emailed you. Cheers!

[@professork7590]

Very nice photo... Im waiting for my Celestron 9.25 Edge and can't wait to feel the frustration...lol... thank-you for all the work you do. Makes learning easier.

[@AstroBackyard]

Whatever I can do to help! 😄

[@astro_douglas]

Oh man, this is amazing too 👏🏻 Trevor! I liked very very very 🔥

[@imwhiteFTW69]

Hey trevor, you've been a huge inspiration for me to start astrophotography. Currently I'm starting out with the basics like the moon,which by the way got my first shot of last night and was amazed by the detail, however I am struggling with my manual equatorial mount some nights I get so frustrated cause of it being manual it messes with my images. I shouldnt ve complaining cause I got a 1000mm focal length dobsonian on letgo for 60 bucks including the mount. I guess what I'm trying to ask is do you have any suggestions for me about maybe either making the manual mount more sturdy or any pointers on how yo image with one of these. Thanks again and thanks for listening to my little ramble. Ps some of your images legit leave me breathless and in awe

[@GalacticConquerer]

Yeah man! Stepping up big time! Now you playing with the big boy setups!

[@AstroLaVista]

Always a pleasure to hear you talk so passionately about astro. Have you thought about using an off axis guider with that beast? It might help get around any mirror flop issues despite the mirror locks, and your focal length for guiding will be better matched.

[@astrophotonz]

Another great video. 👏👏👏

[@Astrodent1]

Thanks man, rich information

[@dmratcliffe]

Great efforts Trevor and love this new journey. When I got my Edge HD it took 3 months to get things working! I'd updated the software and turned out there was a new update 2 days later that took me 2 months to discover. Why would I look again so soon! I just updated it. Turns out there was a bug - caused the scope was pointing at the ground half the time - smiled when you said yours did that. Turns out such struggles are normal :-) Look forward to your next target. Go for M61 - supernova!

[@gerardo5243]

Great video. Greetings and Clear Skies!

[@nelsonrivera6575]

Thanks T. as always a great video and lesson , if you had to choose between an 11" and a 14" hd edge? i see you have the 11" , but i havent seen anybody ,yet, doing reviews on hd 14",thank T.

[@CitizenSniiiips]

Chin up Trevor! Adapting to new equipment is a challenge for all of us. Recently roswell astronomy has been dealing with issues that come with the big huge scope has been using so you're not alone. For me, just last week I had the inside of my field flattener fog up, first time ever and I couldn't figure out what was wrong until I realised in the morning. Lost many hours because of it. 2000mm is serious focal length and demands perfection, I don't think anyone coud get that beast working properly out of the gate. Who cares what the resulting image looks like, as long as you're happy with it!

[@tim_peaky]

this video is right on! needed it ;-)

[@avt_astro206]

Awesome Results With your Scope. M13 Looks Awesome at 2000 Focal Length 👍👍

[@emanuelacostagutierrez2255]

Great job!

[@jinxedtech5005]

This just makes me so hyped to get my telescope

[@rodneyhendrickson5094]

Wow that is So cool Thank's man Great Video

[@steveperry814]

Trevor, I tried the Starsense two times on my Rasa 11. Finally gave up and through it back into my junk closet. Think I will try it once more "your way" with an upgrade. Thanks again for all you do. Steve Perry

[@feezotolegacy5603]

Amazing. Im in love in astrophotography since i was 10. but cant afford even to look by using a telescope. When i watch ur video, i remember the time when i was young. thanks for this video. u r amazing!

[@steveweintraub1113]

Great image considering the little amount of data you had to work with. I had to laugh regarding StarSense going bonkers. I have one also ion my Edge HD 11 also and it works amazing. Yes, checking for firmware updates periodically really reduces the stress level and saves time and frustration. Love your videos, you do make it look easy but there are learning curves. It’s like hitting a golf ball straight, once you do that, you’re encouraged and get even more excited. Same with what we do with our Astro photography. Clear skies.

[@jeffvoight6586]

"When was the last time you updated the firmware?" Everybody already knows that the answer is "Never ago."

[@sjgonline]

Hey Trevor, I have a C11 Edge, it’s a wonderful beast but very difficult to master, focus is complex as it changes with temperature, also with the slew the mirror might shift. I recommend you get a Feather Touch focuser and use FWHM to focus. Good luck! Looking forward to more on the C11!

[@Scdouglas]

Always wanted a Celestron auto align, then I started plate solving. Pretty much the free version of that. I know you've talked about it before but it's so easy to use and so much more accurate you really just have to try it sometime, I think APT has something built in but NINA is very user friendly and quick to setup.

[@AF29007]

I use APT's platesolving on the regular for my imaging. Works fantastic

[@realmcerono]

Agreed, starsense is just great for visual observing. Place your sct anywhere on an alt/az mount, let starsense do its thing and watch. No laptop nothing. But for AP it is kind of useless. Btw. No chance of getting decent guiding with that tiny guidescope on a 11" sct, oag or a really big guidescope is a must with these monsters.

[@foxglovemead]

You opened the (good) book (I have it) and it said "buy the Ra", on the next page it said "your future proofed" and at the end of the chapter "what to buy next". One of your best educational videos - really looking forward to the next 1100 one... StarSense Firmware - not uncommon for the firmware to be very out of date (made in a batch ages ago).

[@777muzzy]

Nicely done Trevor! The SCT's are tough but their results can be unreal. I'm doing some learning as well with my CGX, asi533mc and 8" SCT. Switched to an OAG and that helped. I was checking the CCD Calculator and I'm going to try binning 2x2. It puts the camera in the "good" range for imaging. Looking forward to your next pic man! PS, where's that image of M101 you were working on in your "Select and Mask" video? That looked amazing! Lol...and congrats on the new Canon. Take care, stay safe and clear skies.

[@mikemcwhorter5298]

Great job T.

[@louisrosner7902]

Loved the video. Appreciate the agony and frustration of increased focal length. Then you release yourself from the guidescope and go OAG. Then the agony logarithmically expands. Keep up the great work. I always think of all the other fellow backyarders are out there cussing with their rigs at the exact same moment in time and that always helps.

[@jasonaaronwilson0]

Thanks for advice on updating. I will give that a try. If I use the star sense and put on the camera, is that all I need for > 3 second exposures or is there some kind of feedback loop with tour laptop to avoid star trails?

[@markstanford2315]

I use the 0.7 focal reducer on my c14 at 2737mm and it is difficult to find small objects and get good long exposure photography. Once in a while when everything is clicking it does a good job.

[@donovand.6704]

Hey Trevor! Just checking in to say hi! Yes beginning astrophotography was a sh*t show lol but those little victories really got me on my feet! I messaged you last year telling you how you inspired me to buy my first legitimate telescope. It was the 8" orion skyview pro reflector. Which now I also understand why you push beginners to refractors haha. But after about a year of star hopping and pushing the scope around, I finally pulled the trigger in February and got everything I needed to start imaging. Since then I have about 18 different objects imaged! Ty for the continued help and cheers to your continued success!

[@Usercehdbf]

I love your videos man,i recently bought a Panasonic lumix fz2000,not full frame,and none of my astrophotography pics are good.Buts its really fun,one day i wanna save up enough for a full frame and telescope and take pics like you!

[@astronomicaltalk5708]

Can’t wait to see how you get on with the EOS RA. I’ve been considering it too, I think it’s great for widefield panoramics but not so sure about putting it onto the back of my 107mm scope with it not being cooled. That said the EOS R has perform well with my Redcat.

[@markblanken9973]

Ha ha! Ashley's reaction! I feel you! My wife reactes the same way!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice work. I am a beginner and in addition to learning to use the scope and learning to use the camera and learning to use the processing software, I have had to learn a bit of engineering since things break, fall part go out of alignment and I often forget to remove the dust cap when I have finished taking darks. Fun, just the same.

[@astronorthwet636]

I hear ya on the difficulties of new equipment. Literally not one piece of my system worked when I it all together and tried to use it. Its been three months of trouble shooting, replacing equipment, loading firmware updates, replacing cables, and trying different software until I pulled iut whats left of ny hair. Tonight I'm going to give it a try and hopefully that last tunbler will drop into place and everything will work. Fingers crossed!

[@KornerCommand]

that telescope is awesome. just got my space cat, now to wait on some clear skies!

[@erbalumkan369]

Nice piece of equipment! Just subbed. Looking forward to the RA. Who is the music by?

[@johnadastra1754]

Highly recommend an autofocuser for this size setup. The inline Moonlite CHL works great with my C925 Edge. The Celestron knob-turning focuser is not nearly as smooth. You will see focus drift hour to hour with the temperature changes. Good luck!

[@ragrabau]

First, great shot of M13. I can't wait until you post your next video with the Edge 11, keep up the good work. Second, I see that there is a spacer between the focal reducer and the camera - how long is that and where did you get it?

[@Cielosboreales]

Cloudy spring in Spain too. So since we have to stay at home for the pandemic we use our expensive equipment at home, with our wives, during the clear nights, through the window, in the city. That is a real challenge😁

[@antoineparrella8402]

Trevor, looks great! You did well ! We could all feel your emotions inside of this video! Can You list your equipment please, thanks!

[@blackmambalim]

Great video ! Hey man I'm thinking of getting a telescope for visual and maybe taking some pictures with galaxy s20 ultra with a phone mount ,I am a total newbie I have around $1500 to spend on it , what should I get? I'm seeing the celestron 8se and the SkyWatcher 10" collapsible Dobsonian, I really need some guidance on the other stuff too eyepiece, lenses and filters Thank you in advance.

[@christianvulpescu1398]

I did M13 the last night though patches of clouds. I had a bright smile on my face as you told about the things that can go wrong in astrophotography. It reminded me on a bunch of nights, I spent 1-2 hours in the middle of the night to get the sequence running again and had to get up the next morning to go to work. As you said, what a whired hobby did we choos?!😄 CS Christian