Starting BIG - With a Small Scope (I'd start here)

[@RamblinPhoenix]

When I get to that point, that is the mount I am going to get. Keeping it small but solid!

[@Nottsboy24]

I own the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25", It's a fantastic telescope 👌 Here are some of my Astronomy videos......Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37Vfpqferd0eZI celestron unboxing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGQoamGia1li7M Mercury transit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7Vg6SlmbJ2sJI planet Venus kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoSTfJeEq7uiZ6c planet Jupiter kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162paigf8-IbdU Solar observations kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWlaqyBqbSYh9U

[@rubymoonbeams]

Great stuff. I have been sitting in on Paul Owen’s Monday Night astrophotography hangout (an awesome time, by the way,) to better understand and be able to appreciate what goes into making these beautiful images. My hats off to all who dive in!

[@tacomaastro7462]

As for guide scopes, the ZWO mini would be a good fit for the setup @ $99.

[@barrymak421]

Great video! Telling people to start small is the most important thing when getting into astrophotography. I cant tell you how many times I see newbies go whole hog on a rig, only to give up after a couple times in frustration. In regards to your question about the Sharpstar and a star tracker, my grab and go rig is the sharpstar, skyguider pro, dslr(modified ofcourse) and manfrotto tripod. I have had no issues with this rig, and with proper polar alignment you can shoot 1 min subs without breaking a sweat. It does push the weight limit, but as long as you balance a little east heavy errors are very minimal. The other plus to the skyguider is it has an st-4 port so if you want to throw on a ASIair pro/plus, and a little 120 guide cam 5-10 min subs are well within your reach.

[@User1dentification]

I would recommend a Bathinov Mask (10 - 20 $) ... they are not that expensive but help alot in terms of focusing.

[@stuartriley]

I thank you for the introductory video. I bought the book 110 Things to See with a Telescope from Amazon and gave it to my wife for a present. "We" now have a common basis for viewing the night sky and hopefully will be doing more research for future sessions. After I get some money from savings and selling some of my older astro-gear, I will attempt to modernize my astrophotography to mimic what you have done. Again, thank you for your videos and sharing your experiences.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hope she enjoys the book!!!

[@chriswilliams455]

Brilliant explanation and very nice image I will get everything you specify in due course starting in April thank you Chris

[@Nottsboy24]

I own the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25", It's a fantastic telescope 👌 Here are some of my Astronomy videos......Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37Vfpqferd0eZI celestron unboxing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGQoamGia1li7M Mercury transit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7Vg6SlmbJ2sJI planet Venus kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoSTfJeEq7uiZ6c planet Jupiter kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162paigf8-IbdU Solar observations kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWlaqyBqbSYh9U

[@blackice5649]

Hello - just getting around to watching this video as I've (just for fun) been playing around with my SharpStar 61EDPH III and the Star Adventurer tracker. The kit includes the telescope with field flattener, ASIAir Plus, ASI f4/30mm guide scope, ASI 120mm guide camera, ZWO EAF and ASI183MC-PRO cooled camera. Yes - it totals almost 9 pounds. I've been having trouble getting the guide configuration to complete. It may be related to backlash on the tracker, step configuration, bad ST4 cable, or I realized after a bit of research, that I had DEC mode set to auto instead of off. I have some work to do to figure this out but have to wait for a clear night. Just thought I'd share since you asked if anyone had tried this setup. I know I'm pushing the limit here, but just want to know what I can get away with :-). Oh, just one more thing - the setup is rather long, I wonder if that has anything to do with the problem I'm having. I', contemplating the purchase of a RedCat 51 as it might be about 1 or 2 pounds lighter.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Have been using my Sky-Watcher GTi mount, but just bought a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi. Have 11 optical tubes and two astronomical cameras. Am using unguided SharpCap. I found that my Celestron 6" SCT, a Hyperstar 6 v4 and an Svbony 405cc (asi294) gives me the broadest field of view and runs at f/2. Have been having fun since August 2023, when I decided to buy my first telescope.

[@AnalogMonoxide]

Ty, M8 bolt it is (I was just putting the GTI on the wedge and noticed I have an issue there).

[@DavidMFChapman]

This should be required watching for people who say they want to get into astrophotography but don’t know what lies ahead. There’s such a steep learning curve!

[@barrymak421]

True, but like I always say, anything in life worth doing is hard.

[@Nottsboy24]

Very true 🔭

[@veeretsy7528]

you can also use the william optics z61 with field flatter and uni guide 32 mm to get good astrophotos

[@ericwilkes1840]

Great and incredibly useful video, thanks heaps. Any chance of sharing a link to the light panel you used for flats?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good catch! I've added it to the description, but here it is as well: www.amazon.com/Ultra-thin-Brightness-Sketching-Stencilling-X-rayViewing/dp/B01M26S3VY

[@veeretsy7528]

I think you can do deep sky with the 12 inch dob using a equatorial tracking platform and a 294mc pro.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That would be for very advanced users.

[@veeretsy7528]

@@LearnToStargaze yup not for a basic astrophoto

[@veerastro7969]

Here since 14k subs Good to see it double ! 👍

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for sticking around :-)

[@lordl6651]

i would love to start like this!

[@crgamingison8718]

Nice Can you make a video on best APO refractor telescopes?

[@Nottsboy24]

Cool.......I own the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25", It's a fantastic telescope 👌 Here are some of my Astronomy videos......Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37Vfpqferd0eZI celestron unboxing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGQoamGia1li7M Mercury transit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7Vg6SlmbJ2sJI planet Venus kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoSTfJeEq7uiZ6c planet Jupiter kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162paigf8-IbdU Solar observations kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWlaqyBqbSYh9U

[@barrymak421]

The "best" is subject to personal opinion. When looking for an apo refractor there really is only one term you are looking for and it's FPL53 glass. As long as you have that, the rest is just personal preference.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That would be more in AstroBackyard’s wheelhouse.

[@crgamingison8718]

@@LearnToStargaze Oh.. I see

[@CosmicSandcastles]

lol I'm 1 minute in and love it!!! How have I not heard about you. I just started my Astrophotography channel Journey 2 months ago. I'll be sure to watch more of your videos

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianfromsyr]

Thank you for the video. It was very informative and enjoyable.

[@bowrudder899]

It's not new, but would you do a review of the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi in its alt-az mode? Also, I watched a Sky-Watcher video, and you can use the GTi either as a righthanded or lefthanded mount. You just need to upload some software and change it.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I sort of covered this in my C90 video a long time ago.

[@bowrudder899]

@@LearnToStargaze I rewatched it and it did not break down how to use it, the alt-az mount.

[@bowrudder899]

@@LearnToStargaze Also, I learned somewhere (I think on a Sky Watcher video) that you can use it with the finder scope on top. You just have to go through some further steps. It required changing the settings or uploading some software, something like that.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@bowrudder899 Good to know. I may do another video on it.

[@mazsa97]

I already have an AZGTI mount and a Panasonic Lumix GX80 camera. If i would buy everything except the ZWOASI294MC mentioned in the video could i use this rig somethin like this (I am a total newbie)?: Could i polar align, guide with the guide scope and capture manually with my camera or i must have a zwo camera on my primary telescope? Thanks for the help!

[@LearnToStargaze]

If the ASIair supports that camera, then yes. You may need to do some intensive googling to find out.

[@pierpaologiacomoni6846]

How you can follow the stars with a dobsonian in order to get a good photo? As a beginner, I was thinking only equatorial mounts are suitable for photography. Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

You don’t, you just keep the exposures super short. Great for planets and the Moon.

[@mostlymessingabout]

can the Az Gti be used without the the autoguider camera? using the internal database or just RA rotation?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Maybe, but I you’d probably be limited to 1 minute exposures.

[@alandyer910]

Or … and I’ll play Devil’s Advocate here … you could for a similar ballpark figure, just buy a turn-key Unistellar eVscope and be getting images onto your phone within minutes of setting it up and turning it on. No assembling of bits and pieces from disparate suppliers, no using a mount never designed for astrophotography, no need to be an IT guru to get it all talking to each other, no polar alignment - it just works, or so friends who own them say! The images are good enough to thrill most beginners. The images just won’t ever get much better. But by the time you realize that, you’ve either given up the hobby … or are ready to buy a proper setup with a better mount designed for astrophotography like the EQ6R. Which you then realize you should have bought in the first place! But I’d buy a Sky-Watcher EQM-35 as a starter or portable mount. In fact, I did. Much, much easier to get going, more solid, and not much bigger than the AZ-GTi. In astrophotography, the first priority is the mount. After that it’s the mount! Cheers! I enjoy your channel!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good points! Speaking of the eVscope, I introduced Dr. Sian Proctor to Tim Russ, Tim helped Sian her her own eVscope. Sian and I will be partnering at the 2022 Analog astronaut conference, at Biosphere 2, where she'll be using the eVscope and I'll be using the SharpStar. I'm excited to see how the systems compare side by side!

[@waynewheaton3210]

Good video and recomendations. It appears the link to the ZWO ASI120MM Mini is incorrect. Also there wasn't a link to the filter (FYI) - no big deal. If I get to this point I'd be tempted to get a Sky-Watcher EQM-35. I'm assuming the cameras are wired via USB to the ASIair? Thanks for the video - it really helps!

[@LearnToStargaze]

The nice thing about the AZGTi is that it fits in my backpack, with the telescope and cameras, and even books and a laptop. And still gets 0.5 arcsecond precision guiding. I guess if you’re moving up to a larger telescope, or if you have a more permanent set up the EQM-35 would be good. I have a similar mount, the Celestron AVX, but these days I only use it for visual observations in the backyard, I definitely don’t take it in airplanes like I do with the AZGTi.

[@waynewheaton3210]

@@LearnToStargaze Is there an advantage of the AZ-TGI over the Star Adventurer?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@waynewheaton3210 the AZGTi is a go-to telescope mount. The advantage is that is can be used for stargazing too. It can find things in the sky on its own using the SynScan app.

[@Nottsboy24]

Nice upload 👌 greetings from the UK 🔭

[@mostlymessingabout]

does the counterweight increase the payload from the default 5kg (11lbs)

[@LearnToStargaze]

No, but I had the evolux 80 on the mount while imaging (with guidescope etc) and didn’t have any issues.

[@markgoodsmith7229]

Would this scope be a good way to go with beginning visual use, with down the road plans to learn how to take photos?

[@LearnToStargaze]

It would be okay. It’s a bit small for visual and expensive at the same time. A better option would be to get the Omni 102 AZ at your local Costco. If you’re in the USA I hear it’s only $219 right now.

[@blackice5649]

Just curious - what is the weight of your setup that is sitting on the mount?

[@LearnToStargaze]

9 or 10 lbs I think. I’ve put FAR more weight on this mount (see my EvoLux video) and have had no issues with tracking etc.

[@blackice5649]

@@LearnToStargaze - Thanks for the reply! Do you think my incorrect DEC mode setting (should be off - I had it set to AUTO) would make a difference?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@blackice5649 I think I'm set to auto. I do need to calibrate sometimes, I found that works, and shutting it on and off again.

[@Doomdog308]

Hi just wondering what your guide settings are because I'm struggling with mine

[@LearnToStargaze]

As far as I know they’re still on default. I’ve found that issues with guiding usually stem from elsewhere, balance, Polar alignment, focus, etc.

[@pmillsoh]

I am just getting into the hobby using this kind of path. I am debating however whether to purchase a Color Camera (e.g. your ASI294MC Pro) or a Mono Camera since it seems like serious folks seem to use mono cameras, and at some point I am guessing you would want to graduate to using filters? So the $1000+ camera gets obsoleted?

[@LearnToStargaze]

This is an area where camera improvements are occurring rapidly. I think many have upgraded from the 294 to the 2600.. I use the color camera because I don’t want to process the images on my computer, that doesn’t interest me.

[@rajendragaming4943]

Can you suggest me which telescope is better for deepsky One with large focal length and magnification or one with big aperture and short focal length with less magnification.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That depends on if your goal is close up images of galaxies or large nebulae. Galaxies typically require a long focal length (like an SCT) and high aperture. These days, most folks who image nebula use a low aperture, short focal length APO refractor.

[@rajendragaming4943]

@@LearnToStargaze well I am from India and today we all indian are celebrating a festival named diwali and happy diwali to you☺️☺️☺️.may your Life get filled with lights and happiness 😉.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@rajendragaming4943 thanks!!! To you as well!

[@karanvora6391]

can you use everything else without the ZWO ASI294MC? rather use a DSLR for the photography? I don't understand a lot of this just starting out

[@LearnToStargaze]

I started with a DSLR, but never got very good results. The astronomy cameras integrate much better with software (like the ASIAir app), and the cameras are designed to take images of very dim objects (they don't block IR light, and they cool themselves down to reduce the noise in the image). That said, it is possible to connect the DSLR, this is what Trevor Jones (Astrobackyard) did with his Radian Raptor (basically the same telescope).

[@karanvora6391]

@@LearnToStargaze thank for getting back to me, I really appreciate it

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@karanvora6391 Of course!

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

Great video ! That’s my Dilemma at the moment . Have a chance to get an skywatcher esprit apo triplet 120 mm almost half price and the gentleman who purchased it last year new never used it . At the same time I realize the more realistic sweet spot is wider field scopes like the sharpstar , or redcat51 or an askar . Smaller scopes mean a lighter mount . Also if you’re going to do Astro properly you need all the gear in the video . Would you pass on the esprit 120 mm triplet at almost half price and just be happy with the wider field scope or jump on the 120mm triplet because you won’t get the chance to grab it at that price often ? Thanks 😊

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’d grab it! That’s an amazing scope. It’s almost better to have two setups. One for wide field, and another for deep field. Objects like the bubble nebula or the wizard nebula look far better at higher resolution / longer focal lengths.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@LearnToStargaze sadly I lost the chance :-( I think I’ll just go with a more portable wide field scope like a redcat 51 or 71 , unless you have any others in that rage that are competitive for quality vs price ? With a portable rig I could even step down to a eq 5 mount where I would have been obligated to get a eq 6 . Not sure if there is any advantages to to eq 6 over the 5 besides payload ? Thanks for any advice you can share :-)

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@michaelmalodrums9674 A redcat is so small it would fit on a star tracker. The ASIair can control a star tracker as well (like the star adventurer pro). I actually get better performance from my small mount (AZGTi) than the EQ6R-Pro. The nice thing about the EQ6R-Pro is that it connects to the ASIair with USB. The AZGTi connects via wifi, which has to be setup every time.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@LearnToStargaze probably a smart way to go but a lot of those items like the mounts are back order from most Canadian stores , I’ll just have to be patient 🤣

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@michaelmalodrums9674 have you tried All-Star in Edmonton? all-startelescope.com/products/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-2i-pro-pack-s20512

[@stewartlife]

When will your book for southern hemisphere be out?

[@LearnToStargaze]

This one? : www.amazon.com.au/50-Things-See-Telescope-Hemisphere/dp/177745171X

[@stewartlife]

@@LearnToStargaze ah I couldn’t find it before, thank you!

[@sudzyplayz516]

Sweet video! 😀

[@Nottsboy24]

Sure is 👌 I own the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25", It's a fantastic telescope 👌 Here are some of my Astronomy videos......Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37Vfpqferd0eZI celestron unboxing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGQoamGia1li7M Mercury transit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7Vg6SlmbJ2sJI planet Venus kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoSTfJeEq7uiZ6c planet Jupiter kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162paigf8-IbdU Solar observations kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWlaqyBqbSYh9U

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is a better mount. This mount takes a lot of tinkering to get it to work.

[@Oxizee]

Because SA GTI has everything build in it to make it easier for you. But if you got this stuff already, and doesnt make the SA GTI not a better scope than the AZ GTI. Lazy? Go SA GTI, Pro? Go AZ GTI and save some money for bigger mount in the future.

[@crgamingison8718]

Hey, if we use moon filter on other celestial objects like galaxies, nebulas, planets will it be harmful and will it improve the quality or decrease the quality or will remain the same?

[@LearnToStargaze]

These objects will look dimmer with the Moon filter.

[@crgamingison8718]

@@LearnToStargaze :o

[@niolss]

Thanks for a great video. I want to take away a zero from that number. Do you think this one could do it BRESSER Automatik 80/400 Telescope with GoTo

[@LearnToStargaze]

That scope is not designed to be used for photography of any type, nore do I believe it could possibly be modified to do so.

[@ceaflowers6309]

What is the flat light you put over the telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Light box: www.amazon.com/Ultra-thin-Brightness-Sketching-Stencilling-X-rayViewing/dp/B01M26S3VY

[@ceaflowers6309]

@@LearnToStargaze Did you have any issues with Chromatic Abberation? I'm seeing a lot of people talk about this issue.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@ceaflowers6309 subjectively. Looking close at a few images I’ve noticed a bit of red-haloing around stars, but only in some photos. Could just as well have been temperature messing with the focus or dew on the lens. I took a 1 hour exposure of the Rosette Nebula from Arizona last week (it was pretty low in the sky) no CA in the image at all.

[@ceaflowers6309]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for the feedback. I'm pretty much with this build in the video with a few addons. Half of it is on backorder or sold out!

[@mfaison]

I think Trevor's "beginner" OPT kit is too expensive, honestly. I really like the Orion SkyView Pro (same as Celestron CG-4) as a beginner astrophotography mount. Great value! As for a telescope, I think Nebula photos recently did a video on how a 6-inch Newtonian is better value than a APO refractor. I'll buy your Celestron AVX, if you don't want it anymore!

[@jml7916]

In some ways it is but a 6” newt requires a 30-40lb capable mount and is affected by wind much more. It is also easy to buy a Newt that won’t work for astrophotography. Then there is the focal length, 600mm or 750mm is long especially paired with a crop sensor and very demanding on guiding. A 60-80mm refractor is a better first scope. More tolerant of guiding or going unguided even, no collimation, wider view, smaller, lighter etc. I think the 6” Newt is the perfect budget second scope after your first rig is sorted. Hopefully you listened to everyone’s advice and bought a better mount at the start. I didn’t, but that’s OK. Now I get 2 rigs to play with at the same time.

[@ssadams]

🐱🐱👶👶🔭🔭 great video 🍻

[@divyanshchaudhary7063]

where can I buy this ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

All the links are in the description.

[@ARMadillo18]

I have 50 things to see in the night sky and I think it’s a great book. Sorry for missing that error 🤦‍♂️. I have 50 things to see in with a telescope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That a knock-off of my book series, haha. I’m 50 Things to See With a Telescope. (I also have that book too, it’s okay).

[@phadeezz]

NEED MORE ASTROKZbinRS!

[@mikeleahy5283]

How do you focus your rig,

[@LearnToStargaze]

There’s a built in focus tool in the ASIair app, but sometimes I use a focusing mask on the lens.

[@peacocksquirrel9665]

Thanks for the video. Have you checked out Chuck's Astrophotography channel?

[@Nottsboy24]

I watch chuck's videos 🔭

[@entropytango5348]

Lots of enthusiasm below. My easy beginners scope is a Sharpstar 65Q. Lots of comments below with prices. The BIG wake up call is weight and not price. Why would you get a 450gr 50mm finder when a 30mm at 300gr does the same job. I can see lots of theoretical astronomers out there. Its only when you are out there actually doing it, rather than watching vids of others.

[@jarradwilliams9701]

Would you like to buy another ASI Pro for 200 is brand new I don't know how to work it and I'm getting rid of a telescope to Celestron 130slt for 300 I can send you all the receipts

[@Nottsboy24]

It's a shame you don't know how to work it.......anyways I own the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25", It's a fantastic telescope 👌 Here are some of my Astronomy videos......Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37Vfpqferd0eZI celestron unboxing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/goGQoamGia1li7M Mercury transit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7Vg6SlmbJ2sJI planet Venus kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoSTfJeEq7uiZ6c planet Jupiter kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162paigf8-IbdU Solar observations kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWlaqyBqbSYh9U

[@davestephens9463]

Im going to have to go to school for networking to figure all that out. lol

[@LearnToStargaze]

Did I miss a step in the video?

[@brewjitsu429]

Me watching this video.. "I work at an observatory" *shows twitter interface*. Oh hey, that looks like SMU. Oh wait, that IS SMU. Small world!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Did you go to SMU?

[@brewjitsu429]

@@LearnToStargaze No, but I have family that do / did. We're local and I also have an account with the telescope - been getting into astronomy this year. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150p and ASI585MC here.

[@revolting887]

Who is this "Clive the lazy geek" you speak of? Is he the brother of Cuiv the lazy geek? ;-) (I believe he pronounces his name as "kwiv")

[@Phillyo118]

Who is 'Clive' the lazy geek? lol You mean Cuiv?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup.

[@dmlkmonks8630]

9 likes now 😜

[@geosobservations9496]

Lol I want to get the station mostly to get the trolls hot 🔥 😅😁

[@geosobservations9496]

Thank you for this 😃

[@geosobservations9496]

I was going to get that mount but bought a used 127slt which is a lot of fun... I'd love to get a nice astrophotography shot... someday 😃

[@geosobservations9496]

SUPER COOL VIDEO

[@davidwiniger3799]

All that camera setup is what drives people away...sadly/

[@barrymak421]

Lol yeah it can get pretty complex if you let it, but it doesnt have to. I've seen some amazing images come out of nothing more than a star tracker, dslr and a nifty 50. I saw one recently of the entire Orion constellation, but it was exposed, and processed so well you could make out...(deep breath) Barnard's loop, m78, the flame nebula, the horse head nebula, the running man nebula, the great orion nebula(m42), and even the witch head nebula. My point is, some of the most stunning images I have seen come with very little set up.

[@Nottsboy24]

David Winiger....he should have mentioned using a Astro Modified DSLR camera attached to the telescope is a lot easier to use, manage for Astrophotography 🔭 I use my DSLR all the time 👓🎓

[@russianspy-]

this vid is exactly 1 year old

[@Oxizee]

I bought an AZ GTI, with the new Evolux 62ED DS Pro, ZWO 30mm guidescope and ZWO ASI120MM-S (not mini) and my Canon 60D (ML Astro Modded). Bought the Evolux last week. I am so happy with it. I dont have the money YET for an Flatterner because its verry hard to save money in The Netherlands atm duo all energy bills and taxes. > i.imgur.com/tB2JOXN.jpg . And i cant get either in focus with the Canon 60D duo the big sensor. Need like a 10mm spacer on the 2" inch camera adapter to get in focus.

[@LearnToStargaze]

An ASIair to keep it all together?

[@Oxizee]

@@LearnToStargaze No thats a Raspberry PI with Stellarmate. ASAIR is to expensive for me atm, since i already owned an RPI.