$5000 Deep Sky Imaging Rig (Askar 103 + 2600MC Duo + Mount)

In this video, we build an astrophotography system on a budget of around $5000. This includes the Askar 103 telescope, paired with ZWO’s new ASI2600MC Duo camera. This camera is special in that it eliminates the need for a separate guiding telescope.
“I’d Start Here” video:
• Starting BIG - With a ...
Affiliate Links:
Setup as shown:
Askcar 103 Telescope: usa.all-starte...
Askar 0.8x flattener/reducer: usa.all-starte...
ZWO ASI2600MC Duo: usa.all-starte...
EQ6-R Pro Mount: usa.all-starte...
ASIair Mini (Note: does NOT have USB 3.0): usa.all-starte...
ASIair plus (Supports USB 3.0): usa.all-starte...
L-eNhance Light Pollution Filter 2": usa.all-starte...
Alternative Mounts:
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Mount: usa.all-starte...
AM3 Mount: usa.all-starte...
Tripod for AM3 Mount: usa.all-starte...
Wide Field Setup:
Sharpstar 61 Telescope: usa.all-starte...
Sharpstar 61 Focal Reducer: usa.all-starte...
ZWO 294MC pro Camera: usa.all-starte...
Star Adventurer Mount (Better alternative to the AZ-GTi): usa.all-starte...
Guide Telescope: usa.all-starte...
Guide Camera: usa.all-starte...
Battery: usa.all-starte...
Other Accessories (not affiliate links):
Motomaster Power Supply: www.canadianti...
USB Dew Heater: www.amazon.com...
Camera Screw (to connect ASIair to mount): www.amazon.com...
Light Panel: www.amazon.com...

[@alandyer910]

Good summary! Just a tip on filter insertion - the extension tube you dropped the filter into has a thin end ring on it that screws off. The filter can then be screwed onto it easily without having to drop the filter in and tighten it with tweezers or whatever. But all those components can bind, so it’s advisable to apply a little anti-seizure lubricant to all the threads.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good tip about the lubricant, Alan! Would you recommend a filter drawer like this one? astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-new-2-filter-drawer/

[@mark2220]

​@@LearnToStargaze 100% the drawer made my life so much easier as a one shot color user. I use the SV226 from Svbony, it was like 40 bucks and has 2 drawers that each hold 2" and came with 1 adapter to fit a 1.25" filter in it if you needed it form whatever reason. It's metal, magnetically held in and zero light leaks

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@mark2220 Just ordered, thanks!

[@ianlauerastro]

What a beast of a setup!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup! That mount is far to large to safely carry across icy ground! AM3 is on my Christmas list!

[@davidhoskin6144]

Great video John. I have been looking at the Askar 120.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks David! These scopes are very solid, I bet the 120 would be awesome!

[@Si-fp2ij]

@@LearnToStargaze I’ve had it for a month now and it’s great I love it

[@aymanghanai4111]

Great video as always John!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks Ayman!

[@MountainFisher]

What I did to process a photo to where I thought it should be was to look at a Hubble photo of my pic and got a good idea of where I wanted to go. It helps.

[@richmohelski8188]

Great video. I found the image processing very helpful. Your method seemed so much simpler than many vids I have watched. I have similar setup except a SW Esprit 100 ED that I found used for a steal. Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Glad you enjoyed the processing section! I can never tell if my methods are more or less effective than others.

[@amp2amp800]

Excellent advice John! 5G?! Huge THANKS for that tip. Now I know as well. I've been assuming it was the ASIair mini, and living with it for a year 🤣. That said, its only been annoying when taking flats and short exposures. Tip: ZWO have an M54 filter drawer for this camera. The duo is a great camera! If you want to 1sec guiding (through the filter) you do need to use high gain though. I find 2-3 sec exposures avoids chasing the seeing most nights, and that lets you drop the gain if you want to. Also at 1sec its harder to maintain a lock on the guide star when the targets get low in the sky. I'm actually using 5 sec on the main camera for autofocus and (for me) that's a lot more of a drag than the delay in wifi image transfer. Alas the light pollution filters are needed in Bortle 7 and this is the price you pay. From my latitude at this time of year all the best targets I can get to from my balcony are very low south west. I'm getting maybe 20-40 mins usable data each night, but it all adds up if you can get a few sessions in. I have a similar setup for my grab and go rig: an FF80+reducer (clone of Askar 80 PHQ) on an AM3+PE160+TC40 with a 2600DUO. Its lightweight at 16kg all-up (excl. battery) and I can easily carry it fully assembled. The clean OTA (without a guidescope) slips easily into soft luggage too. Just three bags (OTA, Tripod, Mount) plus a Jackery 500 make it a dream to transport. I also use a pegasus pocket powerbox micro (attached to the tube ring near the saddle) to help with cable management, power distribution and dew control. So only 3 plugs need to be disconnected to dismount the tube assembly. The dewstraps, PPBmicro, ASIairMini, 2600DUO & EAF all stay attached when packing. I use Alex tech sleeves tie wraps and tape to bundle and tidy all the OTA wiring semi-permanently - the reduced wear and tear on the plugs adds to reliability. In contrast, my big rig (EON 130APO) needs a top of the range camping cart, and on the AM5 mount weighs 35kg (this was 70kg when it was still on the EQ6). Its too big for the balcony and needs set up every time on the (communal) roof terrace. That's nearly an hour of work. Part of the reason I went small.

[@Astronomer118]

I've been waiting for this ❤ Also congrats on 30k subs

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@tornadoknut]

Thanks for that really quick unboxing 🙂Great informations 😀

[@LearnToStargaze]

It came out of the box! Not much more to say ;-)

[@Si-fp2ij]

Nice review John I’ve had the Askar 120 for a month now and love it. Great scope for the price point I also have the EAF focused which is a bit easier than the bhatinov mask method IMO

[@LearnToStargaze]

Agreed! I guess I was either too lazy to pull the EAF off my Sharpstar, but also trying hard to keep the budget below $5000. I’ll probably add an EAF soon.

[@DMGinc77]

I love your vids. Very informative and easy to digest. I found this video extremely fun, even though im a visual astronomer.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wow, that’s very meaningful feedback! Thanks!

[@Anik_cosmos]

Hey! I love your videos and your telescope reviews and tips for beginners is awesome! I just wanted you to give a f70076 newtonian reflector telescope review, Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

That would not be fun to test or review. Poor finder, poor shaky mount, poor optics design.

[@Anik_cosmos]

I actually have it as my first telescope, wanted a few tips but now I’m thinking to upgrade after a few months

[@Astrokhels]

Thanks for the honest review. Seems like a good all rounder portable scope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Absolutely!

[@Astrokhels]

@@LearnToStargazewould be nice if you include a corner to corner stars on variable reducers video in the future. There’s not much videos out there for this 103 APO. Being it a budget filed refractor that might be considerable.

[@Erniej270]

Great video. Maybe the L-enhance filter is the reason gain had to be increased on the guide camera. Would be easy to test when you get to a dark sky site. You can remove the filter and see if there’s a difference. Clear skies.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good point!!!! I should have realized that!

[@markstanford2315]

Great job John. Very informative. I like the reference to Trevor Jones level shoveling. I am considering that camera.

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s quite impressive!

[@markstanford2315]

@@LearnToStargaze you might remember me from the carolina skygazers

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@markstanford2315oh hi Mark! Yes of course!

[@markstanford2315]

Please keep up the good work John. Looking forward to more videos.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@markstanford2315 Thanks, Mark!

[@samwarfelphotos]

Really hoping to see a test of this scope with broadband OSC sometime!

[@microreniassance2929]

Great Video! And especially helpful as I just purchased the Askar 103 and will use it on my EQ-G mount (rebranded HEQ5). However, you opted for the really nice ASI2600 duo instead of the ASI294MC pro which is what I'll be using. I hope the noise problems you had with the 294 don't haunt me with mine! I also bought a 32mm guide scope to use with this setup. I think that will work, won't it? Anyway, great video and very educational... and apt!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! With the 294 make sure you get good flats, darks and bias frames, and always dither and that should minimize the noise at least.

[@Noob.astronomer]

Hi. I just got an explore scientific go to mount and it came with a handbox controller. On startup it asks for lat and longitude along with time zone - default being E08. What should i enter in this. My time zone being UTC+ 5:30

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! I tried googling this, but came up dry. I was supposed to get one of these mounts from Explore Scientific, but they never sent it. Apparently you can call them (Ask for Ken) at 866-252-3811 and they can help you.

[@TheHelicapt]

I really want to buy this exact setup. I wish it was in stock.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s to bad that it’s out of stock!

[@mr.f.9672]

Hi, which additional spacer is required to achieve I guess 55+? = ?mm backfocus if I want to use M54 thread lnstead of M48 of the 0.8 reducer? Is this additional M54 spacer included in the reducer or flattener package as I see no length measurings in their specification drawings?

[@JoepsAstronomy]

I'd stay away from the Celestron AVX mount, it's inferior to the Skywatcher mounts. The EQ6 for sure is overkill for this setup, so you can save 500 on a lighter mount, also saves your back when moving things around. No need to go for a 2000 dollar camera, you can also go for the 533MC which is about half the price and will match just as great with this scope. It will frame many objects nicely and the sensor pixel size and sensitivity is the same as the 2600.

[@Adarsh-k9s]

Hi there! I'm venturing into stargazing and astrophotography as a hobby and I'm on the hunt for my first telescope. My budget is capped at $300, although I could stretch it to $500 if it's really worth it. I've narrowed down my options to three: the Nat Geo (as you suggested), the Orion Observer 134mm (thanks to Ed tings recommendation), or perhaps the SeeStar S50 for potentially striking photos. However, there's a catch. If I opt for the Nat Geo or Orion, I'll need to invest in a planetary camera as well. I'm eyeing the SV305, priced at $115. I'm really aiming for the best photography capabilities within my budget, but I'm somewhat torn between these choices. Could you lend some advice on which telescope would offer the most impressive photography results without breaking the bank? I'm a bit stuck and would greatly appreciate your insight!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sounds like you’re just into astrophotography. The Seestar can do planets as well. Besides that a StarAdventurer GTi would be the first component to get for a very basic telescope setup.

[@Adarsh-k9s]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for the helpful advice!

[@MountainFisher]

My son bought me that Carbon Fiber 102mm Explore Scientific Apo triplet, but it was on sale for $1900 is what he said. I asked for the Astro-Tech 102 ED doublet and he bought me the ES 102 triplet instead for Christmas. Okay fine by me.😅 They go on sale every once in a while so keep an eye out.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, I’ve had four 102mm from Explore Scientific! All found on sale :-)

[@cobalt9754]

What is the brand of the panel you used for flats?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Added this to the description. Thanks for reminding me! (It was a generic a4 panel from amazon Canada). Nowadays they have internal batteries, which is awesome.

[@larrycable984]

curious why you used the flattener with the reducer?

[@LearnToStargaze]

What do you mean with the reducer?

[@michaelnixon6672]

How do you add a barlow to the ASI duo?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Barlows are for visual astronomy, not for photography, I’m not even sure that would work.

[@MickyMouseLimited]

Can you please explain to the less enlighten where is the challenge when the computer does everything for you?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Where is this astrophotography system where the computer does everything for you? Even the Seestar has a learning curve.

[@malanstecker]

What do your guide stars look like with the 2600MC Duo? Mine are irregular, not round. If I use a guide scope with a different guide camera (ASI662MC) the stars are round and I get much better guiding. How do I get good guide stars with the Duo?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Not sure, it just worked.

[@ShreshthGahlaut]

THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have good enough equipment for astrophotography like a starsense 102dx and a sony a7c ii i can tackle chromatic abberations with filters. I just need a good mount can you suggest one under $1200 which can carry the above mentioned equipment nicely. right now without a mount i do planetary photography and the photo of jupiter in my profile pic was taken by me with a nikon d5200 and a celestron astromaster 130eq and i am quite satisfied with my results and i want to get started with deep sky so please suggest a good mount.also congrats on 30k subs, wish you reach 100k in no time. thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! I would get the HEQ5 mentioned in the video. Anything else that I can think of (like the Sky Adventurer GTi) would be too small for the 102mm scopes.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

Interesting video. 2:15 how heavey is that setup ? I was thinking of buying the Skywatcher Adventurer tripod for a 4 KG refractor but on some sites that tripod is listed for a maximum of 3 kg.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think it’s around 12 lbs. But a Star Adventurer GTi would handle it just fine.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for your answer and greetings from Romania!

[@YUN-hm8zo]

Hi. Where did you get the counterweight mounted to AZ-GTi? I'm looking for like the bottom one.

[@LearnToStargaze]

www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00XX646MG, with an m8 to m13 adapter

[@YUN-hm8zo]

@@LearnToStargazethank you for your reply. What about the big one?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@YUN-hm8zo big one what?

[@YUN-hm8zo]

I mean the bottom one of the attached two counterweights.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@YUN-hm8zoI just borrowed that from another scope. I think it’s just a generic 2kg weight.

[@Xindian_mapping_n_Edits]

Hey sir, I have a query that. I want to make 6" telescope. But i don't know what to keep the Focal length. Could u plz help. I mainly want it for both Deep sky and planetary image. The mirror's focal length is 900mm. So, I was thinking that should I keep the focal length 900mm or less. I have one more doubt. Does keeping 900mm focal length will effect the image's quality. I asked one KZbinr he said that I should keep 750mm focal length and keeping 900mm focal length will means less good image and darker the image. Is he correct? If yes buy how much % it would effect my view What will happen if I purchase a long secondary mirror like 50mm long. By that can I increase my focal length or not. (Without using barlows)

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think you may need to do more research to get a better understanding of optics. There is a lot to unpack here. I recommend reading a book on the topic as your next step: www.amazon.com/Making-Telescope-Dover-Books-Astronomy/dp/0486428834/

[@AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

Expensive.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, unlike stargazing, Astrophotography is a far more expensive hobby.

[@redstonecommander5190]

16:05 now this is one spectacle that you can’t see with your normal I am we’re only require your equipment and special software. Your eyes deceive you this I fear some celestial bodies aren’t as they appear

[@jtepsr]

You did not include the cost of the asi air and a filter wheel, so you have exceeded $5,000.

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s still under $5000 with the ASIair and the HEQ5. You would not use a filter wheel with the camera.

[@captaincook6666]

I just read an article by Jones and he admits he doesn't know how much faster f/2 is compared to f/4...expert!?😮

[@LearnToStargaze]

Trevor Jones? Pretty sure this is a similar formula as the aperture ratio, F1^2 / F2^2. In other words, 4^2 / 2^2=16/4=4. That said, it’s been a while since I took Observation Astronomy at university.

[@armandotorres-iy1cw]

Any bats near you...i have bats in my neighborhood...theyre creepy lol

[@LearnToStargaze]

I don't think so.

[@Astronomer118]

4 usb cords huh Take notes Apple

[@frankw7266]

I love photography & astronomy, but every time I get the inkling to dip my toe into astrophotography, I see videos like this with all the associated problems, and it just reinforces the "nope". If I buy a lens for a Nikon, I know it's going to fit my Nikon... just knowing what to need out of 283 available adaptors alone would put me through the roof. If these companies would get together and standardize some of this stuff, reducing some of the frustration, they'd probably have quite a few more customers.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s what ZWO has done.

[@fellpower]

Watched 5 sec - heard:" weve been sent..." - okay, bye bye

[@LearnToStargaze]

I bought this telescope from them. I get sent telescopes to test. Why is this surprising.

[@quantumjeel]

SeeStar 50s =500$ can do same job in 3 minute setup and 30 min light gathering, NOT KIDDING.

[@LearnToStargaze]

ZWO sent me the SeeStar too, I use it all the time and have tested it extensively. I had originally included a comparison in this video, but it was too long. Side by side, it’s night and day. The SeeStar is still several years away from producing comparable images. It needs a much larger sensor, and more aperture.