How I Got Started In Deep Sky Astrophotography

Deep Sky Astrophotography, Celestron Omni XLT 150, Celestron CG4 Mount, Long Exposure Astrophotography

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I bought a Celestron - Omni XLT 150 Newtonian Reflector Telescope with the CG-4 mount, like yours four months ago ($699) and watched this video. I did not have a camera, at that time. I have added an SVBony SV405CC cooled camera using a IMX294 chip ($799) and a EQStar-EQ3 motorized go to conversion kit ($269), an Astromania 90 degree 9x50 finder scope ($79) and have started taking deep space photos. I also purchased a Bresser Messier AR-102xs/460 ED Telescope ($344) for wide angle work. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

[@virginiamiller1006]

I'm very proud of you, Steve. You are concise, organized, your sense of humor shows through, and you have survived learning all of this. Stay on your journey, Sky Walker!

[@enteringintospace4685]

aww....thanks mom!

[@NiazDokrat]

Just a note to you or anyone else using this scope. the 2-inch nose piece isn't necessary. if you unscrew the 1.25 eyepiece holder, there are external threads that the t-ring attaches to directly and puts the sensor close enough to allow for prime focus.

[@Intheskyes1]

Great video! I tuned in because I'm expecting a delivery of the Cg-4 mount for a 6” Newtonian reflector. This was super informative and so glad you took the time to upload it for the rest of us. The pictures...are ’out of this world’. 😆 Thanks again

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey! That's awesome to hear! You'll enjoy it, it was a great scope to start with and as you can see I used the ota long after I upgraded the mount. Good luck and update me on you astro journey!

[@charlessands6933]

From 2001- 2006, I had Celestron's THEN version of this scope, the C150HD. It had an axillary lens housed with the secondary, making it a version of a Byrd-Jones that everyone seems to hate. This lens extended the effective focal ratio from f/5 to f/7 (1000mm). It also had only a 1.25" focuser, not 2" as with the Omni. I always had wonderful views from it though, including my best-ever view of Mars on August 3, 2003, just before the great opposition that year. This was a wonderful video without you talking too fast or jumping around from one thing to the other without full explanations.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Wow...this is cool to know such a scope existed. My first scope was a meade 4"reflector I got in 96, Then i got a 10"LX50 in 97 and was using it to take short film astro photos. Still wonder what I was thinking back then...ha! A 20 break led me to the current stage astro imaging. Thinking about doing a video on shooting the moon with this set up. Thanks for watching!

[@Johnnyboy_584]

Great video, thank you very much! I appreciated getting your detailed feedback. I personally have the omni 127 xtl package a d just decided to motorize the CG-4 mount. Clear skies.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey appreciate that! I've really liked my begging set up. Guiding and plate solving and goto are great but i kinda miss hunting and finding deep sky targets never seen before.

[@Lykos_Fegari]

I JUST GOT THE SAME ONE THIS WEEK SO GLAD TO RUN INTO YOUR CHANNEL 💪🏽💪🏽

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey very cool!! It's a great setup and I'm still using the ota!

[@adriellind1931]

I’m considering getting into the hobby but, the last part of the video was a big DON’T DO IT!!! sign. LOL!! 😂😂😂

[@Jack-Wall]

Enjoyed the humor and the info. I'm at the 'watching youtube, reading reviews and generally neck deep in questions stage" ... I guess you remember that. Video's like yours are great references. I've a DSLR and the tripod only atm and I'm having great craic trying to capture that Milky when the lump of cheese is not out ..... Salut for Eire!

[@enteringintospace4685]

Lol....yeah cheese has been extra smelly the past few nights! It's been tough shooting even will aggressive filters. Anyway...dont hesitate to ask any questions you have. I'm a solid believer in paying it forward! Clear skies and thanks for watching!

[@Rando3-75]

Surprisedly found a store with 2 of these in stock today. This video allowed me to pull the trigger on one with confidence. Thanks for the vid and you now have a new subscriber

[@enteringintospace4685]

Very cool!! Follow up and let me know how it works out for you!

[@e.jaxs82]

Omg you are hilarious. I love you so much. Break checks in the road 😂😂😂

[@kokotack]

I can not breathe ....... just is woderful ... pic.

[@clemensvorbauer1183]

Congratulations, these are very beautiful pictures, espacially for this kind of equipment and your level of experience! And I like the video too! Greetings from vienna/austria

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey! Thanks for watching!!

[@calebbautista7243]

That o-ring that’s around the finder scope mount is supposed to go onto the finder scope btw

[@supranomicon]

super video, really helpful , thanks!

[@enteringintospace4685]

That's great....thanks!

[@e.jaxs82]

This video is amazing too. You are a professional now. Ekkk. What camera did you use for video? It’s like listening to my dad. Love this

[@TheUrbanAstronomer]

Nice review of the setup 👍

[@enteringintospace4685]

Thanks!

[@Roaddog-hu2nn]

Good video. What eyepieces do you use when you're not using the camera?

[@daviddenson3324]

I thought the Telrad replaced the finder but you have both. AND you have an upgraded finder at that - in addition to the telrad

[@thinkdeep8806]

Been looking at this scope, wanted something that was relatively cheap that i could add to if i decide to take astronomy more seriously and start taking longer exposures with a DSLR, i was really interested in all the modifications you can do to the scope to such as adding a motor to the EQ mount, thanks for posting, fantastic video :)

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey very cool! I personally think it was a great scope to start with. I started out star hopping which really taught me alot about the night sky and where things were. You can can gather some pretty good detail with lots of 60 sec exposures any many targets. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

[@thinkdeep8806]

@@enteringintospace4685 Yeah I had a small refractor when I was younger, used it quiet frequently but never once polar aligned it haha, getting older now so want to take things a little more seriously, thanks again :)

[@kylehiggins3097]

Hey Steve, do you have a gallery of photos you've taken with this mount & scope combo?

[@danielviquez3341]

Great video! I am trying t get in astrophotography as I already do visual. Have the same mount and same tube and that thing is a beauty. Its wide, fast, super easy to colimate, bright and great quality. The only thing I am considering is the dual axis motors... I haven't been sure about finally getting them.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey thats cool! I would say if your looking to start taking some long exposure images they are a must along with the polar alingment scope. With the motors I was able to start take 30 sec to even 60 sec exposures. What camera do you have?

[@danielviquez3341]

@@enteringintospace4685 I'm trying to acquire as Canon T7i or Nikon D5600 as I want to improve in other types of photgraphy. How much does the battery last? The other isue is that I usually can't polar align precisely becaus Im 10º N and usually its blocked. But I think that it could be a very good upgrade.

[@enteringintospace4685]

@@danielviquez3341 hey! I have the Canon t4i and it worked great. The battery would last mist if the night. I did buy an ac adapter battery from Amazon that worked great and I never had to worry about charging batteries. If you're do 30 to 60 sec exposures getting your mount pointed due north and at the right latititude pitch will get you close enough if you can't see Polaris.

[@danielviquez3341]

@@enteringintospace4685 Thank you! That's great news for me... I have been wondering that same thing. I think I don't need longer exposure time, since longer exposure would requier equipmente that I don't have. But with the motors and camera this is a good place to start. The motors accept AC adapters? Didn't knew that.

[@richardwhite8091]

I have the same Celestron omni XLT 150 that you used to have. Really enjoy your videos. The angle iron frame that you use on both your 6 and 8 inch newtonians, can you give me some info and how you made this? Thanks Rich

[@enteringintospace4685]

Cool! Yeah is a peice of 2x2x1/8 alm angle from lowes that's cut to 2" longer than the ota arm brackets. Then I drill 2 1/2" holes that match the bracket bolts. Works well to provide lots of flat space for mount accessories.

[@charlessands6933]

Since you have the Telrad, why not starhop with that? The circles are already in most of the software programs.

[@whoe_whate8487]

Im a beginner, and Ive settled on the Omni XLT 150 for my second scope. I want not only a better scope with larger aperture, but also something that can track objects (through accessories ofc)

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey sorry for the late response. Their great scopes and hold collimation well. Couple it with a good 30lb cap go to mount and a 50mm Guide Scope and you'll be set!

[@santosvision]

Hi, im looking to buy this scope. how has it treated you on the past few months of use? have you shoot any astrophotos? Also, what would you advice me to keep in mind when using this scope? this would be my first telescope ever and it looks a little bit intimidating, but I'm getting it for $250 and fairly used.

[@CVObservatory]

Hey Steve. Finally got to use my Celestron OTA on a Atlas mount the first time the other night for about three hours before the clouds rolled back in. I got a few images of NGC 7331. Didn't have enough data for a decent image. Are you still using your Atlas mount?

[@enteringintospace4685]

Sure am! Going to do a gear video on that set up as well and the software i use to control it. Cant wait to see some of your images!

[@mikmo8597]

I'm thinking of getting this setup. Is there an AC adapter for the dual axis motor?

[@enteringintospace4685]

Cool! Unfortunately I never could find one. The motor drives used very little power each time out. I could go a whole week of imaging before I had to recharge.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

This morning, I bought a Celestron - Omni XLT 150 Newtonian Reflector Telescope, like yours. Wanted to learn to take deep space pictures. While watching your nice video, I purchased all the accessories you suggested, except the camera. Don't want to spend $400+ on a camera. I know nothing about cameras, having never owned one. Any one know of a cheaper kind of camera?

[@AquaGeek]

What is that bar on top for? Just a handle? I don't recall seeing that in the box, I have the same scope.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Ha! Yeah I should have explained better that is a part I made as a handle or hold my guide scope. Great scope....still use it!

[@apollo6795]

I also have a celestron- omni xlt 150 its pretty much the same but I dont have cords and wires just a crap load of filters and eyepiece and a phone.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Cool! Definitely grab that motor set. You'll be able to start taking short exposures!

[@apollo6795]

I'll see if I can get them I'm gonna be busy this summer with things so I probobly will get the time August.

[@williamwesley5078]

I wish you would of showed your exposure times and how many were stacked...other then that it's an awesome photos.....I'm a newbie, I've been working my way up through this new hobby which is definetly my favorite now....I've been getting equipment here and there and TODAY I get the last thing I've been saving for A STAR TRACKER, so now I'll be able to do nice good exposures.... CLEAR SKIES EVERYONE!!!!!!!

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey welcome to the club! I'll take that advise on my next video. Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@tylerjohnson8252]

Hey bud I just got this telescope, landed on Jupiter just a few minutes ago, put my 6mm in and all Jupiter is is a ball of light. I have a clear image of it but I thought there’d be more detail with this telescope especially if you can see the Orion Nebula with it. Any chance you can point me in the right direction for the experience I’m looking for?

[@enteringintospace4685]

Wow....at 6mm you should be seeing details. Dumb question are you looking at Jupiter or Venus? The only other thing I can think is there is high hays above you....this would rob Jupiter of its details. If you can shoot a 10 sec exposure of the sky with your cell phone that will reveal any high clouds

[@johntanedo9682]

Man I got the same Telescope where can I buy the motorized tracker and what camera do you recommend I should buy? Im a complete beginner

[@enteringintospace4685]

Right on!! i got the Celestron dual motor drive on amazon. I had to buy the batteries and the charger separate. That totally made long exposure astrophotography possible. If your cg4 mount didn't come with the polar finder scope, definitely get one of those too. Polar alignment is critical to keeping the target centered during long exposures. As far as camera to start, i would go on Amazon and look for a used Canon T3i-T5i, you should be able to pick up a good refurb one for under $300.00. If they give a shutter count anything under 20k is good. Hope this helps! Clear skies...

[@johntanedo9682]

@@enteringintospace4685 Thanks astrobrother! will definitely check that out.

[@outlawgeek420]

@@enteringintospace4685 hey man what do I need for my camera to connect ? a t-ring adapter? not sure what exactly is the brand and model.

[@Roaddog-hu2nn]

Do you remember the name for your polar alignment scope??

[@enteringintospace4685]

It was from Amazon and a celestron brand, sorry thats as much as I remember.

[@aldolopez3755]

Someone can help me because the latitude on this mount I can't set up the litutude 14.52° grades I don't what to do someone can help me with that problem and I live in Guatemala. Help me

[@enteringintospace4685]

Hey that's pretty low. What kind of mount do you have? You may need to rotate the tripod so that 2 legs are pointing north

[@peterghamandi3364]

Hi, how were you able to manage focusing stars? I am having a hard time. I have a T-ring and adapter for my dslr but still I am not able to focus properly on the stars or moon.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Whats your set up? Do you have a bahtoniv mask, that's what i use to achieve the best focus.

[@peterghamandi3364]

@@enteringintospace4685 I have Omni 150 XLT with cg4 mount. When I attach my dslr with the OTA with the T-ring and try to focus Moon , the focuser is all out before I get the moon in focus. Is there any extension you are using? I read about this problem online and I saw that people are using extension to get the moon and stars in focus. Also I wanted to ask you that you have Dual axis motor drive on your cg4. How did it perform? I have the exact same setup as yours in this video and am torn between buying the dual axis motor drive ($180) or buy a used CGEM goto mount ($1000) Thank you...

[@enteringintospace4685]

@@peterghamandi3364 Hey great scope and will getting it back out under the stars for galxy season. Are you using an 1.25 nose piece or 2". Not sure what kind of camera you have as well could make a focusing difference due to sensor size. I would recommend purchase a baader coma corrector and introducing that into your imaging train. With the 1.25 lock ring removed from the focuser you'll be able to mount coma c/ 2" nose piece to your dslr and slide it into the focuser. That adjust-ability may be all you need. On the motors....good PA will get your up to 60 sec subs which will be a good start on brighter targets. You cant beat goto though so if you have the opportunity to purchase the cgm i definitely would. I personally went with the orion atlas as i really like the synscan system. Clear skies and thanks for watching!

[@peterghamandi3364]

@@enteringintospace4685 Thank you. I have watched your fie processing videos and really liked it. learnt a lot about processing from those videos.

[@enteringintospace4685]

@@peterghamandi3364 hey that's great to hear. Thanks for letting me know!

[@lornaz1975]

Did not get my CG-4. B&H Photo ripped me off and did not send it or refund my money. They sent me the wrong item and never sent me the CG-4 when I sent the wrong item back.

[@enteringintospace4685]

Bummer man! Whats you next move!?

[@lornaz1975]

@@enteringintospace4685 Currently trying to resolve it through PayPal. I get the feeling it won't happen though.

[@TAadventure]

1.000s and 1,000s lol yep that's about right

[@enteringintospace4685]

LOL...Ever 1 of them was worth it!