Innovations have REVOLUTIONIZED astrophotography - Beginner Rigs in 2024

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

My Patreon: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek My Merch Store: cuiv.myspreadshop.com/ ---------------------------------------------- The New & Lazy Smart Telescopes! ---------------------------------------------- Dwarf III (tiny and cheap): bit.ly/3SyChXu Seestar S50 (cheap): bit.ly/49mQhLJ (Agena) or tinyurl.com/43r5pd6y (ZWO) Vaonis Vespera II (high end): bit.ly/4e0haaA Celestron Origin (psychopathic): bit.ly/3XDMxC2 ---------------------------------------------- The Oldie - Camera + lens ---------------------------------------------- Rokinon 135mm: amzn.to/4cZmKIU Canon 200mm f2.8 amzn.to/3Xn1fMB Lukomatico Universal Bahtinov mask: www.etsy.com/listing/1762622415/universal-fit-telescope-bahtinov-focus Sample cheap DSLR: amzn.to/4efZzLy Review of that DSLR for astro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIjTY2NvqdaXbtE Star Adventurer 2i: amzn.to/4dVUqsb or bit.ly/3TmKBLK Move Shoot Move Tracker: bit.ly/47ih8s9 StarAdventurer GTi GoTo Mount: bit.ly/3UKLpLJ Control center if you go for GoTo: bit.ly/3OiGlv5 or tinyurl.com/2526tajc ---------------------------------------------- The Classic with a Twist Quintessential Beginner Rig ---------------------------------------------- UMi 17 Lite Mount: www.proxisky.com/ ZWO AM3 Mount: tinyurl.com/mtyctrzb (ZWO) or bit.ly/3QVCEMf (Agena) ZWO ASI2600MC Air smart camera: tinyurl.com/tr2r3esn (ZWO) or bit.ly/3SV04Co (Agena,) or bit.ly/3SZARXx (HPS) RedCat51: bit.ly/48hyuVx (Agena) or bit.ly/48pTWXW (HPS) NEW Minicat 51: bit.ly/3MFFP8s (Agena) or bit.ly/3XjPdDE (HPS) The cheaper camera/control center/guiding combo: ZWO ASI585 MC Pro Camera: bit.ly/3Iwo6y8 (Agena) or bit.ly/4cp1Ofn (High Point Scientific) or tinyurl.com/yc2386cd (ZWO) ASIAIR Mini: bit.ly/3OiGlv5 or tinyurl.com/2526tajc ZWO GuideScope: bit.ly/4dUlyYM ASI20MM Mini guide camera: bit.ly/4cZ2xCX ---------------------------------------------- The Criminally Insane Buy Once Cry Once?? ---------------------------------------------- ZWO AM5N Mount: bit.ly/3W3TWKe or tinyurl.com/4pj56en7 Apertura CarbonStar telescope with coma corrector: bit.ly/3W7ZFiA ZWO ASI2600MC Air smart camera: tinyurl.com/tr2r3esn (ZWO) or bit.ly/3SV04Co (Agena,) or bit.ly/3SZARXx (HPS) Or with computer control: ZWO ASI2600MC Duo: bit.ly/3M8IkPS (Agena) or bit.ly/3Jti7KQ (HPS) or tinyurl.com/54nkj5n8 (ZWO) AstroPC Pro: tinyurl.com/4rshehnf Mele Quieter 4C: amzn.to/4d4kjEW ---------------------------------------------- Light Pollution Filters ---------------------------------------------- Askar C1 & C2: bit.ly/48VZGZQ SVBony SV220: amzn.to/3vqwWdI or direct from SVBony: bit.ly/3vTpMPu (if you buy more than $200 from there, use code Cuiv20 for $20 off) ---------------------------------------------- Tutorials and Reviews ---------------------------------------------- 80% of Astrophotography Basics in 20 Minutes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKurp4eVja2Fopo DSLR + Tripod Polaris Flare: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqkpqiKf5lnf80 DSLR + Tripod Andromeda Galaxy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ponGg36lrbmDjMk DSLR + Tripod Orion Nebula: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6awi3pjiN53ebc ZWO ASI2600MC Air Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3itcoSBmdx7e8U UMi 17 Lite review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5PEaIKLhsmEnbM ZWO AM5N Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4LcqqSMn9ySaMk CarbonStar 150 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH_EppWQftqfgck ZWO 2600MC Duo Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYG2hGt5naqNn6M ZWO ASI585MC Pro Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJrFhGqArrCXrZo Seestar S50 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKWVapKhfbtkfMk Amazon affiliate: amzn.to/49XTx01 Agena affiliate: bit.ly/3Om0hNG High Point Scientific affiliate: bit.ly/3lReu8R First Light Optics affiliate: tinyurl.com/yxd2jkr2 All-Star Telescope affiliate: bit.ly/3SCgVbV Astroshop eu Affiliate: tinyurl.com/2vafkax8

[@lukomatico]

This is a heck of a video mate, what a detailed break-down & explanation of available options!! :-) Thanks so much for the mention of my masks by the way!! :-D That was really kind of you! Clear skies!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Luke! Thanks for dropping by mate! You have a great mask, it's really super convenient!! Clear skies!

[@paddledogs]

the 'if you have the money' is an under appreciated point. Great summary, I'm just missing the money part.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yeah, that's often a problem...

[@gazer63]

Thanks Cuiv! I’m not a beginner, but watching this helps me for when I talk to beginners about starting in astrophotography. 🙏

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for this feedback! I'm so glad this can be useful even with a degree of separation like that.

[@mreddick786]

You are so good about giving credit to other content creators and i love seeing it. I love your videos as well as @backyard astrophotography and @nebula photos.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Trevor's astrophotography basics video is a marvel, and so are Nico's in depth tutorials - just amazing! :)

[@marvinwhisman3333]

You're going to need a bigger balcony soon. Thanks for another great video. Hope ZWO will let you test a SeeStar 30 soon.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahaha thank you so much Yes I need to get a bigger house or something :)

[@luboinchina3013]

Are you sure it's 30 and not 80? 😏

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@luboinchina3013 Unfortunately....!

[@SamsAstro]

2:35 is so true xD Started out about 8 months ago with a dslr, cheap telescope that my dad had, and an alt-az mount, then about 2 months later, I got the heq5, then after another month, the 533 mc and some filters, and just purchased the carbonstar 150 last night! Huge thanks to you, your videos have been very helpful to me, especially on the equipment side of things! Keep up the good work!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahahaha that's awesome! Looks like you've been bitten by the bug of the hobby! Hope you enjoy your CS150!

[@astrotennessee]

Nikon's 300mm 2.8 af-s ii is an outstanding lens for astro. It is sharp across the frame wide open and has no CA or LoCA. It can be found used now for under $1k in good condition. It has aperture control, is lighter than the later VR models, but has the same optical formula. You can use it with a Nikon, Sony, or Canon DSLR, or with a dedicated astro camera like a 2600MC Pro. I can't think of a better beginner optic for astrophotography. As an added advantage, you then have a great lens for daylight use.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That sounds awesome! What's the back focus distance on Nikon lenses?

[@astrotennessee]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek 46.5mm

[@amp2amp800]

Aged 12 I bought a 60mm refractor with money from my paper round , and when I was 17 the local club lent me a 4" f/12 newt, and I added a Zenit-B SLR with earnings from shelf-stocking in the local supermarket. The air cadets had a darkroom I could use. Got some great shots of lunar eclipse on 50ASA Ilford PAN-F 1/5sec at prime focus using elastic bands to mount the camera, focussing by moving the secondary spider, and using sheet of card as a shutter to avoid shake. I graduated BSc astrophysics, and in mid-life was an amateur visual amateur using club instruments, and had my own observatory for a while with a 5" f16 refractor that I later put on an EQ6 which stayed with me until recently. Now retired in the city (Bortle 7) I got back into AP in a big way. I have an FF80 (reduced) AM3 2600Duo wide field grab and go, and an Orion 130ED AM5 533mc/462mc for close-in deep sky moon and planets. The Orion (like Murphy's knife) is *exactly* the same telescope as my 5" f/16... I just a replaced the OTA, and the mount (twice) and added a bunch of eyepieces, a couple of cameras a power saddle and an asiair 😉.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I love this story and this progression, thanks for sharing!

[@bobbymckenzie3202]

I started out a few years ago with a pawnshop canon t6 for 250 dollars and a stationary tripod...I'm now at least 6k in with a 80ed refractor, dedicated osc asi camera, a few filters, a celestron tracking mount, dew heaters, laptop, polemaster, guide scope, guide camera...so on and so on. It's a money pit if you allow it to become one.... but it's fantastic

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

" It's a money pit if you allow it to become one.... but it's fantastic" - one of the best descriptions of the hobby I have seen :)

[@TL1000S97]

Thanks!

[@The-Chaos-Shack]

Brilliant Cuiv. Superb explanation for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks!!

[@abbreviateTome]

Thank you for all you do and the replies to everyone. 💙 I’m about to buy the warpAstron WD-20 as a beginner in astrophotography. Am I making a mistake or need to look out for anything before i do? Your videos are very helpful and entertaining. Keep up the good work and clear skies. 🌟

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh wow, thank you for your support! I think the WD20 is great and it is indeed quite silent - its main weakness (and strength) is OnStep, but that can be worked around.

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

Hey Cuiv! Fantastic video for beginners, this one! Cuiv I'll never forget the rush of excitement I felt when I got my first ever DSO sub, specifically ( you guessed it! lol ) M42 Orion Nebula! Seeing that pinkish red hydrogen cloud on my DSLR screen for the first ever time was magical!! 🤩 Thanks always for another great video Cuiv! Clear Skies from Wes in Liverpool, England.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks so much Wesley! The magical feeling is insane indeed :)

[@django1364]

Hey Cuiv, great content as always, very informative on astrophotography beginners' startup, It was you who pushed me into the rabbit hole after watching your tutorial "From DSLR to smart telescope" video, I started off with a Canon DSLR then added MSM, ALZ-GT, OrionStartBlastEQ4.5 and now I am at Dwarf2 soon the D3. I do want to have a very excellent rig something like your RedCat setup but my imagination is way ahead of my pocket lol

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I LOVE this, glad I could push you down that very slippery slope haha :) Enjoy the upcoming D3!

[@shadowOrgon]

Got started with this hobby beginning of 2024, not sure how I came across it tbh, but was a random video (might have been yours) about the seestar S50. Watched a bunch more videos about it, and the hobby in general. Have always been a huge space fan, but never knew how relatively easy it was to image some of these objects. Bought a seestar and its gotten me hooked. Nearly a year later, and I already got a parts list for my first actual rig. Scope purchased (askar FMA180) and funds put together, just waiting on any potential sales on things. Got my eye on that Umi 17 lite, if it ever goes on a sale. In the mean time, trying my hand at 3D printing my own harmonic drive mount from plans I found online (Keen-one) powered by onstep. Got all the parts printed, and will start assembly soon. Here's hoping it works decently. I doubt it will beat these metal commercial ones, but I'm hoping it will be a nice alternative for a bit of time (see if harmonic drive prices drop over time). I hear for very wide field super good tracking itsnt really needed. Planning on FMA180 with an IMX585 camera. Think you mentioned you have a 3D printer? Can't recall, but if you do, would love to hear if you ever tried 3D printing your own mount. Or, if you had the time, try printing one now and and do a video on your impressions. Since I haven't see too many videos/reviews of 3D printed mounts, harmonic or just belts/gears.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Dang, that's quite the journey, going in the deep end printing your own SWG drive haha! I do have a 3D printer, but I use it far more casually (Baht masks, etc.)... I don't think I'd have the skill or the patience to use it to make such a complex object

[@mreddick786]

A great community to be a part of. Everyone is always so friendly

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Absolutely agree!

[@txdave2]

Thanks for another informative and entertaining video. My current "beginner's" rig cost me just a hair over $1000 USD. I have a Sky-Watcher AZ GTe mount with the EQ mod, the SVBony 80mm refractor and field flattener, the ASI662MC OSC planetary camera, and the ASIAir Mini. I am learning a lot and having fun with this portable rig. I figure I can use this camera as a guide camera when I upgrade to a cooled camera sometime in the future. I plan to purchase a more advanced mount next year.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's such a great way to get started! Every piece you have can be reused!

[@Jcorban08]

Thank you, Cuiv, I enjoyed watching your video!! Perhaps we are living in the golden age of astrophotography with all the great options out there

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I fully agree, this hobby gets more amazing by the day!

[@mulgabill4308]

YOU. ARE. A. GENIUS. Absolutely LOVE your channel. And your enthusiasm! You are the best resource for beginners. Especially super dumb ones, like me!! We thank you!

[@WRX2001]

I’ve got the Skywatcher star adventurer gti with a skywatcher evolux 62ED telescope, connected with the ASIAIR plus, a great little setup. I have also the dwarf 2 smart telescope which is also great and easy to use.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That sounds like a great combo, it's good the mount is working well for you as well!

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

For me the real gamechanger was NINA as it helped speed up my start up time to get imaging, as much as I'd love a strainwave mount for portability I just don't have the budget right now so I'm still lugging big heavy German equatorial mounts, guess they're good for workouts though ha ha

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Can confirm, GEMs are EXCELLENT for workouts hahaha

[@nigelking1536]

Agree , whilst Id like the convenience of the strain wave mount, I can’t seen the justification or replacing my expensive GEM mount with a more expensive strain wave drive that does not have the weight capacity of my GEM. In this hobby you need to choose where you prioritise your spend. Of course if you haven’t yet made the investment, Cuiv is on point with the buy once cry once approach, and strainwave will minimise the weightlifting

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

@@nigelking1536 My GEM mount is probably over 15 years of age in the observatory & since I fitted the ONSTEP kit to it as spares are really difficult & expensive to buy for it, the mount performs really really well so it wont be getting changed any time soon.

[@waynewheaton3210]

Cuiv, another good video. I did / tried some astrophotography back in the late 80s with a film camera. I'm getting back into the hobby. I have a cem40g, GTI, C6, Apertura ad8, ASIAir, guide scope, and a few DSLRs. Once I get proficient I'll move up to a dedicated astro camera. A Hyperstar for the C6 might be nice, or a small refractor. Of course a C9.25 would be nice. I'll be forwarding this video to a few ppl interested in the hobby.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thank you! It does sound like you do have a great setup already, will be fun to see how it evolves :)

[@fievelnole]

Thanks for the vid! I can attest to the "buy once, cry once" motto. I started out with a dslr/lens with a Star Adventurer GTI. I added an Askar 71f along with an AsiAir mini and guide system. I'm still under the weight limit of the Star Adventurer, but balancing is a pain. The 2 included weights won't balance and so I have to add a little extra weight. It seems to effect my guiding a bit. I plan on just getting the AM5 and wish I woulda done that from the start.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep - with mounts these days going with something like the AM5N is one of the best "buy once cry once" moves that can be done!

[@Alex000113]

Nice overview ! Currently getting initiated with a used Pentax with Astrotracer and lenses. Im close to getting a Dwarf3, hope to use it more than the ETX90 that has sat in the basement for years because I found it difficult to set up and collect images.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Pentax Astrotracer is a great way to get started! It's such a cool tech :)

[@flappah]

I got into the hobby more or less by accident. I've always been into (landscape) photography and now with the solar eclipses in Spain coming up I was preparing gear. So it hit me I could use some of my gear to do astro photography and I tried that (1,5 years ago). Obviously I failed but on the other hand got some interesting results that stimulated me to do some upgrading. Now 1,5 years later I'm still using Nikon cameras (D780 and D7000) but upgraded to an AM5 mount, 220 mini guide camera and Asiair plus. In about two months I'm going completely in and replacing the Nikon D780 (and Sigma 150-600mm) with a ZWO FF80 and cooled camera (still on the fence whether to buy the 585MC-pro or 533MC-pro. Still haven't decided).

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahaha I LOVE how you pulled yourself into the hobby! This sounds like it's going to be a killer setup!

[@sianikolaou5440]

Excellent overview, Cuiv!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thank you!

[@lostmypicks]

Great video man. The see star was a total gateway drug to astrophotography. I'm currently saving up for the buy once cry once set up. More the zwo route. But yeah I'm planning on the am5n with the askar 103apo. And all the other stuff of course. So glad you keep up the videos

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks so much mate! The Seestar is amazing to get started (and hoovered into the hobby). The AM5N + Askar 103 will be a GREAT combo!

[@OSCOCAT]

I just drug my telescope out of basement storage for the first time since I was 16 years old... 34 years ago! It's a Meade 8" 2080 LX6 with the f6.3 wide field. I never had any luck imaging with it, but it was so much more difficult then, using high iso 35mm film. I'm amazed at how far home astronomy has come since then! I plan to defork it and put it on an AM5N mount soon and get the StellarMate Pro along with some kind of cooled color camera and filter wheel as well as a tracking camera. I just gotta decide which cameras to get. I still haven't figured out how to know why some scopes can use large sensor cameras while some can only use small sensor... thus, I'm not sure of what to get for mine. But I'm thinking I'm gonna need to get something like a Redcat 71 soon too. Now that you can use multiple OTAs swapped out at will with one mount, I see no reason not to have multiple tubes. Can't wait to give this another shot with actual successful results!

[@BelgianTex]

Thank you Very educational and going through your other videos Currently shooting wide angle Milky Way panoramas, nightscapes, etc…. Use an MSM tracker with a Nikon Z5 and slowly moving towards constellations, nebulae, etc….. Plan is to first get a AM5N (cry once) and ASI Air Plus Add a refractor (Askar 71F looks interesting) and guide scope Then add a dedicated Astro camera As with most things, I’ve learned doing things step-by-step, mastering it and then adding the next step seems to work for me Thanks for your excellent videos

[@mercury7]

Great video… just wanted to mention on the robotic side, the dwarf 3 is turning out to be a great scope, very impressed so far

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep! Didn't have it yet when I filmed this, but really amazing little scope!

[@jesusalbertoponcedeleon7124]

It is amazing how much you put into these videos. More amazing the quality of your images considering that Tokyo, like Hong Kong, have this frequent permanent haze that last for days. Not to mention rainy days (this week in HKG rained everyday Sunday to Wednesday. Congrats.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks so much! Yeah it's a lot of work, but it's absolutely worth it!

[@judd_s5643]

This was a particularly useful video, very informative and relevant. I think you do a very good job of distilling this high complex hobby into something a lay person (of reasonable intelligence) can understand. Thank you!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Glad this is useful! I try my best to make relevant videos :)

[@crm114.]

I’ve being doing astrophotography for 3 years now, my latest purchase being an Edge HD11. Imaging at 2800mm has its complications.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh wow, that is for sure!! I've images at 1400mm and 2000mm before and it wasn't exactly pleasant especially in Tokyo's poor seeing...!

[@crm114.]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Indeed, I’m amazed at some of the results you get. I’m at Bortle 4

[@vincentvdb3151]

Hey Cuiv, you got yourself a new subscriber :-). Just bought myself an all new shiny William Optics GT72 II and now ready to pull the trigger on an astro camera (ASI2600MC Pro) en guide camera (ASI120MM mono) with indeed later a harmonic mount (either the Sky-Watcher 150i or the ZWO AM5N). I sure have a steep lurning curve ahead but totally ready for it, ready for a new challenge.

[@georgebottarini1788]

Thank you Cuvier. Your vids are a great resource and helpful.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thank you, always a pleasure!

[@drunk_astronomy]

Even though I know everything you went over on this video I really enjoyed watching it with my morning coffee. Love the channel btw because of your review I got the Astro gadget Astro PC that you reviewed and I love it. Also I think that they listened to you because the bright green power light is gone, mine came with a nice dim red one.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks so much and glad you like the channel and the Astro pc :) I'm still using mine, even though I destroyed the antennas haha. And it's really nice to hear it seems they've listened to my feedback!

[@clarencemumphrey]

I wish I had this video when I bought my equipment. I could have saved over $1000. Of course, most of the improvements happened after I started. Fantastic, Cuiv!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I hope this video can help others now :)

[@clarencemumphrey]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Trust me, it will help!!

[@chriscarrozza1820]

Thank you so much for this video. It really helped out. I do need a little more guidance. I am in a city and I already have a good camera and lenses. I want to take photos of planets and stars/nebulas. What do you recommend? Do I go more with a telescope or more down the refractor. I feel like I fall into a weird in between space. I am also new to astronomy photography. I do normal photography as a hobby where I am photograph wildlife.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's a tough one, planets and deep sky objects imaging are two completely different disciplines that require different software and usually different telescopes. I would recommend a small refractor (SQA55 for instance, check my recent review) for deep space, and something like a Celestron Nextstar 8SE (or a C11 on an equatorial mount) for planetary imaging - the larger the better, really.

[@chriscarrozza1820]

@ thank you for the information and I checked out the video. I think I will start with a refractor first then work into planets later. That looks like an amazing choice. Would it be better to get the refractor first or the tracking mount? What else do you think I need to get my rig ready for inner city shooting?

[@ianenting2260]

Great video, even though I sort of knew most of it. Have been using seestar s50, exploring what makes good targets and imaging comet c2023 A3 as it came in. Now, thanks to earlier Cuiv video, I am exploring using Siril to process the 16-bit images that the seestar keeps internally.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Awesome, glad the Siril tutorial was helpful :)

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Great video Cuiv but you forgot to add the warning that this hobby can become highly addictive. I always say well I'll just sell this bit of gear so I can buy something else, but I never do, I just keep the gear I have and buy some more gear anyway. So now I have a Star adventurer and the GTi version, an EQ6-R Pro and a wave 100i and of course various scopes/ cameras to go with them plus the mini PC's to control them and then of course there is the ever expanding filter collection and....... All because I took some images of the moon with a compact camera with a built in zoom lens and a tripod around ten years ago. We are very lucky these days though because there is some very good gear available to suit most budgets. I think the smart scopes will eventually evolve into something more versatile, being able to change the imaging sensor for instance or having an equatorial mode and increased exposure length might be something that could be added to the design.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Absolutely right! I should have added that warning!

[@TL1000S97]

Where do you get the energy from Cuiv?! You're just an incredible "asset" for the AstroPhotography community. 😍😍😍

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks so much for your support!!! The energy comes naturally from this amazing hobby ;)

[@PeterIldefonso-cp5mq]

So I've done some basic astro using a camera and tripod, hundreds of short pictures. Looking to add tracker but I also have added problem of not being able to see polaris from the location I would like to use for imaging. My current thinking is the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 (using Nikon D850 with 70-200 2.8 lens), with later addition of a guiding system.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That does sounds like a great option, and down the line with an ASIAir or NINA you can do polar alignment without Polaris visibility!

[@tibbs4gaming]

Great one.. I'm currently thinking about saving up for an AM5N. The EQ6R-Pro is great for my 150 mm Newtonian, but it's also quite heavy, so setting it up and taking it down every time and redoing the polar alignment every time is quite annoying (at least for me).

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

The AM5N is still amazing for me - of course it remains to be seen how well it will stand the test of time!

[@jonbeargenx]

I just started this week when we had a few hours of relativ clear skies. (20-30% cloud layer). I only used my phone on a tripod, moved it for every 100 frames and took a total of 276 framed of the last section of sky, Pleiads. But the results are, we'll not great. I have a lot to learn when setting up the stacking. I did take bias and dark frames. Unfortunately the software for editing is to me very expensive and also it seems to be fairly complex. I'll be looking into getting my old dslr working and trying that the next time. Thanks for your advice :) /Jon

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Kudos on getting started, and having fun doing it - you're taking the right approach, although the hardware seems to indeed be holding you back! It is what it is! PixInsight is complex and expensive (but I have a great 3 hours tutorial about it) but you can also check my tutorial using Siril with the Seestar S50! That one would work well for other setups as well, and Siril is free!

[@jeffmarston8586]

Cuiv. Do you ever get out of Tokyo to do imaging? I can tell a difference between bortle 2 and a bortle 4. something, places I travel to as far as noise goes. I gave up imaging in my neighborhood a long time ago and I am sure it isn’t as bright as where you are. I have to really admire how well do with your images.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I try! Usually the weather works against me!

[@pdesser2]

Informative video. There's also one *very* large "smart telescope", the Vaonis Hyperia, a 150mm refractor with a 61 Mpxl sensor that retails for $45,000.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahaha yes, I don't think they'd let me use it though :p

[@ManOfKent1066]

Love the Redcat 51 setup, but it's going to be the Seestar s50 for me - when I have saved up my pennies!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

The Seestar S50 is a great way to get started for sure!

[@Spaced_Out_Bill]

😮 My wife just upgraded my phone to a Pixel 9 pro. I had no idea it had an Astro mode! Thanks Cuiv! I'm playing with the camera app now, it has a 30X zoom that is very impressive! The zoom might not be good for Astrophotography but it works great for insects.😂 I haven't seen any KZbin videos covering smart phone astrophotography, hint hint. I love your videos Cuiv.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That sounds awesome! I'm currently using an old Pixel 4a 5G so I will need to upgrade first, but all phones seem to be too large and heavy these days...! Thanks so much for your support and for your suggestion :)

[@donaldrudge8039]

I currently use a skywatcher 80ed ds-pro plus .8 reducer, with a zwo585 (non cooled) camera. 120mm guide camera on a 240mm guide scope. Mounted to a skywatcher heq5 r pro, and zwo eaf. All run with an Asiair Plus. I'm looking at buying the founder optics Draco 62. Mounted on a modded eq5. But unsure of the camera to buy. Will get another 120 mini with the guide scope, another eaf. How would the asi533 marry up to this setup? Also would like to be able to use a similar device to the AsiAir but open my camera options. Thanks

[@sylviedc889]

After having discovered your channel 15 days ago, I have order a Dwarf3 smart telescope for a Christmasspresent for my son and I have bought the SeeStar S50 for me. I hust got the S50 yesterday from the shop. As I cannot handle heavy equiment, I am not sure I will move toward more professional-amateur equipment. Anyway it is interesting to know what is the state of the art for astro-photography.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That is so nice to hear! You'll have the full package with the Dwarf III on one side and the Seestar on the other :) These are excellent compromises to get into the hooby :)

[@schakravarthi]

What is the advantage of the strain wave mount if you are setting up in your balcony. You can leave your HEQ6 safely outside and not have to polar align after. These strainwave mounts aren’t more accurate..

[@longhornastro]

Another excellent video.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thank you!

[@conradcardano1305]

Hi, I enjoyed the video. No matter what kind of telescope/camera you use, the real story is the post-processing. Amateurs are taking ordinary images and making them look incredible with the post-processing software.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I agree that the processing is important (which is why I have that three hours long video tutorial on how to get from zero to hero on PixInsight) but I would argue the real story is still the capture! No amount of processing is going to make a 10 hour image with poor tracking look like a similar image with better collimated optics and tracking for instance!

[@conradcardano1305]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek THANKS!

[@ARNFL13]

"smart telescopes as a gateway drug" so true 😂 I never would've gotten this into astronomy / physics if I hadn't gotten my Seestar

[@abbreviateTome]

WOW, so much effort was put into this. hats off. I really appreciated this video as I'm starting out. I'm about to buy my first mount. and as you said, buy once, cry once😭😂. Would you still recommend the WarpAstron WD-20 over the AM5n ?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Glad you're finding this helpful! I would recommend for a beginner that doesn't have a need for a high payload the AM5N as it is cheaper and also very reliable as far as I can tell!

[@abbreviateTome]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek I’m ok on money for now. My top priority is it being absolutely quiet 🥷. I wonder if the AM5n is now more quiet than the Am5. Anyways much appreciated

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@abbreviateTome oh if quietness is what you need, the AM5N isn't that - it's pretty much the same as the AM5. The WD20 and EM31 Pro were both very quiet

[@aldisberzins5710]

Cuiv - great comparison of systems for astrophotography - thanks - I learned a lot - you say if you do not have “deep pockets” and are a beginner - go with the Smart SeeStar for $500 or so…However - I am a beginner - but I like to tinker - want to have options to swap things out and upgrade - so the Seestar system you recommend is not for me. Is there something between the $500 Smart Seestar and $4000 plus beginner quintessential system - for a tinkerer like me? I am Apple based, would like a Newtonian reflector, want to learn to collimate … What system would you put together - based on your reviews and experience - that is like the one you put around the Apertura Carbon Star Newtonian - that will work with minimum frustration - and is in the $2000 budget range? Is there such a system? The system does not have to be great - just good - and fun to learn with

[@ARNFL13]

Hey Cuiv! I would love a video where you talk about the new celestron orgin and your thoughts on it... I know the hefty price isn't very friendly, so maybe not a full in depth product review, but rather just a "my thoughts on this scope and its potential" video. I am very interested in the celestron origin as my first "big telescope" but I am still deciding whether or not I really want to get it. In my personal eyes, it seems like my Seestar but with faster light gathering, better resolution, and more versatility (filter drawer / interchangeable cameras) so for me, it almost sounds like a dream scope. I am still relatively new however, only having my Seestar about a year now. Thank you for all the great and helpful videos and I would love to know your thoughts / opinion on the Celestron Origin and its possible future potential. Also, sidenote, did you see ZWO tease the new Seestar model? No specs released yet, but still exciting!

[@alltagswelten2024]

By the way - is that a flower pot as replacement of a lens hood on top of the newton telescope at the left side? 😛

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Another great tutorial, Cuiv.... I've followed the "more" approach, starting with a Seestar and progressing to complete ZWO gear. Question please: I have a Svbony SV220 filter for my ASI533MC Pro and Bortle 8 sky. Now, there's an SV240 filter that is said to add galaxies. Can you recommend also buying the 240? Thanks, Michael

[@MrRobby1]

Hi. I like your videos on the dwarf 3. When do you think you will have a total review of it? You got me very interested in the hobby and I like what you did with the dwarf 3. Can you do a comparison between the dwarf 3 and the seastar? Since they're both about the same price I'd like to have a better understanding of what they both do. You said you're going to France soon so I'm really looking forward to what you can do in a really clear sky. When will you be going to France?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hello - I'm unable to say when exactly I'll be in France, but I can say the forecast doesn't look great where I'll be! I'm planning on making a full review and comparison later on, but I can't say when yet, very busy these days :)

[@alltagswelten2024]

I really ordered one an delivery time shall be in december 2024...

[@KitHein]

I probably missed this but where did you find the dew shield you're using on the Carbonstar 150?

[@Garmy1]

you forgot clouds I live in Faroe Island,yeah I did buy a SeeStar and it takes realy good images

[@crm114.]

Excellent overview. What was the main reason you abandoned monochrome the second time?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

One of the reasons was that my EFW started behaving randomly, and I decided I could do everything I wanted with OSC with less hassle, although at the cost of slightly worse results!

[@dougms9790]

I'm the newest of the new to astronomy so take my comments with that caveat To me, I see the smart scopes maybe, taking over the hobby. The traditional equipment and methodology has such an extremely steep learning curve and price that I'm not willing to pay.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

They're not taking over as much as introducing new people to the hobby imo!

[@alltagswelten2024]

Yeah! Order now! For some equipment you have to wait month for delivery! 😖 A simple adapter - 2 month The Dwarf III - December!!!11 Well, at least I have time to make some more space music about the objects I can not take pictures of untill delivery time. 😕

[@noahwinslow2692]

Why don’t the smart telescopes have a sensor rotator that can rotate and eliminate field rotation? I feel like that’s a simple thing. Rotate the sensor slightly every time an exposure is take.

[@oliverpeters7721]

I differentiate between gear that improves the quality and gear that improves comfort, in context of the price you have to pay for it. If I would start today again, I would have saved a lot of money.

[@Phil1603]

I couldn't agree more!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Absolutely, I agree 100%

[@terrygreen9745]

Have a pmc8 iexos 100 2 in my cart on amazon for under $350 right now and trying to decide to get it or wait till i can spend more. Thoughts?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I've never tested this mount so honestly can't say - if you intend to put a small refractor on it it should work well, but again I can't really say for sure...

[@marekkroplewski6760]

Serious question: which one would be best to capture UAP's?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Probably wide field better for that, so maybe Dwarf III?

[@marekkroplewski6760]

​@@CuivTheLazyGeek Very cool. Thank you for the hint!

[@JonnyBravo0311]

Saw the thumbnail... criminally insane... yeah, that about describes it :D

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep! :)

[@sonicsound84]

Where is the list of Nico's videos?

[@parkofile1173]

Thank you.

[@oldpicker6315]

Cuiv, are you okay? You eyes looks a bit swollen. Right eye specifically. I love your videos so dang much. They are the best because you are a good teacher!!! And you are a character 😂🤣

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I was having severe insomnia - better now! Thanks for asking!

[@Chiclets1]

How about the Seestar S30? 😉

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Ha! It hadn't been announced when I filmed this video :)

[@ArtNeergaard]

Why are most rigs refractors - Seems to me a Newtonian gets you a lot more square inches of primary to gather light. Also, if I build my own astrophotography rig using a parabolic mirror, why use a diagonal mirror? Why not just mount the camera at the focal point? The camera isn't much bigger than the diagonal, so you are not losing that much light, and if you use ribbon cable for wires, you can use one of the legs of the spider to do your cabling.

[@ArtNeergaard]

Granted, a coaxial camera needs a new focus system.

[@philshorten3221]

Why are digital astro cameras so "fat"? Given advances in mobile phone electronics, is there a reason you don't get "long thin" cameras with all the electronics arranged inside the sensor array footprint? If you could do that, then placing the camera where the secondary mirror sits could potentially reduce the amount of obstruction, and make collimation much easier???

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It's simply an efficient shape to dissipate the heat created by one side of the Peltier cooling element! It's not so much of an issue, the central obstruction on the RASA8 for instance is already quite large (and larger than the cameras than it supports)

[@Gosss111]

Bonjour du Canada

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Bonjour bonjour!

[@deep_space_dave]

So much new tech has come out since I first started astrophotography. Just amazing what you can buy now for your money! Smart telescopes are becoming more advanced and soon you won't need to go through the frustration of buying a lot of equipment just to take one photo! Thanks for making this video as it will help a lot of new and experienced people in the hobby decide on what equipment they need to accomplish the task! Thanks and CS!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Interesting.

[@deltacx1059]

1:03 not that most people can afford those let alone a beginner.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

There's this misconception that astrophoto beginners are on a budget - but I've seen many, many beginners in the hobby with a large budget!

[@deltacx1059]

@CuivTheLazyGeek I think there is a distinction though, I certainly couldn't justify that much as a beginner and I've asked my friends their opinion and they agree. I've done just enough to realize I actually like doing it so I'm probably just going to do the "buy once cry once " thing and just get a heq6 or something.

[@antn8387]

I hate those messy, big ol astro-rig behemoths. Wireless smart telescopes are better.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

They're very nice - but they do have their limitations :)

[@rashie]

👍👍

[@philshorten3221]

"Smart telescopes.... it's amazing what THEY can do" .... so why not just download images from the Internet that someone or something else has taken 🤔🤔🤔 it's amazing what THEY can do and you don't even have to buy a telescope or get up off your couch it's absolutely amazing 😂😂😂

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I see what you mean, I get that argument all the time, I'm a bit tired of answering it, but long story short, I disagree :)

[@anata5127]

In reality, only processing revolutionized astrophotography. All your gears are inferior to that old Vixen setup. They are more lazy, but inferior.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I don't really agree to be honest. I'm getting guiding that is just as consistent (if not better) with those mounts - I don't really care whether they are technically inferior, or less well machined, etc. That said, it will be interesting to see if they pass the test of time!