The Best $2,000 Astrophotography Kit

Want to get started in deep sky astrophotography from scratch? I've put together a lightweight, but powerful kit for $2,000. This video covers what's included, how to use it, and processing the photo in Siril and Photoshop. Purchase links for this kit here: kit.co/nebulaphotos/the-best-...
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Supporting this channel:
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Modification service at Astrogear.net: www.astrogear.net/?ref=nebula...
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Affiliate programs disclosure:
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I am a member of the High Point Scientific, Astrobin, OPT, AgenaAstro, eBay, and Amazon affiliate programs. Product links in my video descriptions are typically affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I will make a commission if you click them and purchase something. I also have working relationships with the following companies/brands to receive products to test: High Point Scientific, QHYCCD, WOBoyz, SmallRig, Venus Optics, Astrogear.net, Night Sky Camera, Hunt's Photo & Video. I do not review products for money and any brand deals will be fully disclosed. If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch.

[@NebulaPhotos]

IMPORTANT: If you see a comment that looks like me asking you to text or whatsapp a phone number to claim the giveaway prize, that is NOT me! It's a scammer. I am trying to delete these comments as soon as I see them, but it may take me hours if I'm away from my computer or sleeping. The only way to enter/win the giveaway is through the instructions on my website: nebulaphotos.com/giveaway and I will contact the winner by email, and will never ask anyone to pay me anything. ~Nico

[@kevinwolfenden4685]

wow, I just got that message. I reported it as misinformation. Thanks. :( thought I'd won for a minute...

[@henningwilhelmi]

Same for here. I reported it as spam

[@XtremeGoD9]

same I was about to ask you about it! thanks reported.

[@arifmumtaz1062]

Oh… just got a message that I have been shortlisted

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Yeah I got an email with a phone number to call and they are asking me to pay shipping

[@GregK8625]

I don't comment often, but I feel I have to now. I am constantly amazed by your honesty and generosity. You are almost the only astro youtuber whose reviews I actually believe in. You always state where you got your kits from and in what form they were sponsored (a rare occurrence these days). Please keep this approach even when you hit 200k subscibers and more! I cannot think of another astro youtuber better deserving the popularity.

[@kevingumfory]

If you are getting rdy to spend money on gear this guy is The GOTO Astrophotographer ! Every other yoytuber I've watched is a walking commercial.

[@tridinh1011]

@@kevingumfory there's one dude that says he uses only a 200$ body, says it on the thumbnail and title. then uses like a 2000%+ guided setup

[@PetraKann]

So everyone else in the KZbin Astrophotography caper is a liar? Is that the implication you are trying to make Kovacs? If it is my friend, then an apology is due

[@rishigaming9708]

@@kevingumforyNo pun intended

[@Erpty05]

you are so extremely generous with your information!!! i love how comprehensive your videos are!

[@SachithWithana]

Your videos inspired me yo go out there and take astro photos. It’s a bit bad so far. But not giving up. Your M31 full video including post processing is the best video I watched on this topic period. Thanks!

[@XtremeGoD9]

I have been outside almost every clear night and one of my passions is to get better at Astrophotography! You have been truly a inspiration on my journey! Thanks Nico!

[@alanyarwood5369]

Totally new to all this, been watching you for a few weeks, love your clarity and easy going manner. Good pace of learning easy to follow. I'm learning lots before I go out and purchase anything. Very instructive video. Thank you from the UK Fingers crossed. Merry Christmas Santa.

[@kernicterus1233]

Wow, I love the 'theory to practice' concept, how long has your patience lasted? I've watched 2 vids and already my Amazon basket is going to result in my wife giving me a very hard stare!! I just wanna buy it, I neeeeed it!!! All the best from Derbyshire.

[@treysimpson1309]

Your channel is the single biggest reason behind my astrophotography hobby start-up. with all the in-depth videos and cool visuals, I had to get into it. This year (only about 10 days ago) I got My first clear, stacked image of Orions Nebula. thanks for the help! it's starting to pay off!

[@jonathanpearceff]

Brilliant video as ever. Full of very useful information, tricks and tips. Thanks Nico!!!

[@musiclibrary7018]

Thank you. One of best videos i have seen so far.

[@astrophotographyuk]

As usual very informative and easily explained for us mere mortals. Thanks Nico 😁👍

[@Wheeljack678]

Another great video from you Nico! Something I wanted to add: I can also vouch for Night Sky Camera. I bought a used and refurbished ha-modified camera from them and the service I got was extraordinary.

[@raid2533]

One of my favorite channels for astrophotography!

[@lukomatico]

Awesome effort putting this all together Nico, Great job!! :-)

[@henningwilhelmi]

I have tried wide field night sky photography for a while, but your channel definitly helped me to elevate my game. I am really tempted to save a full frame camera now and a good lens for it.

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Amazing what you can do with just a simple camera, tracker and lens. Great job.

[@msngk1]

Another great video from you. I really enjoy in your simple as possible and usefull presentation of astrophotography. Thx.

[@andreib3221]

Great video! Loved it!

[@AstrophotographyQuest]

Awesome video Nico! I used to have the Rokinon 135mm camera lens and it worked out great. Keep up the good work!

[@kenbridgeman8590]

Been looking for exactly this topic.

[@lathenphoto]

Your videos have helped me get started with stacking programs, doing photoshop better. I can't thank you enough for the videos you have been putting out. And now with some equipment tips, it will help since I'm starting on a low budget. Shooting with a Canon 60d with different prime or zoom lens, shutter release, still I can't say Thank you Thank you Thank you enough.

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

Many congrats on 100,000 +!!! Love your content and appreciate all you share! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity from southern Az!

[@user-yd1zl1tv8x]

Nico, fantastic video!!! Thank you. It is very informative, clear, and complete. It's also great that you start with a modest DSLR .... Most of us have one of those already. Kind regards! Great video.

[@mikorist1804]

you're the king man

[@jacobbanz6798]

I really enjoy watching your videos. If it wasn't for you and Trevor I wouldn't have gotten into this amazing hobby.

[@rodden420]

Thank you for posting this Video. This is my exact setup except I have a Cannon Rebel T3i. Looking forward to giving it a go.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Great video Nico!

[@planecrazy242]

Really nice. There’s a lot to this. Pretty intimidating to get started.

[@kingdipdip]

Fingers crossed! Your guidance allowed me to really get into the hobby. Thank you :)

[@71janas]

Congratulations Nico 100.000 💪

[@danielnorman8595]

Dude that was quite the class. Your videos are so instructive. Thank you so much. Don't really wanna pay for Photoshop but I have luminar 4. I'll have to try this with that editing software. Thanks again

[@prodrafibrg]

Your channel and tutorials really hooked me onto astrophotography and even though I only use my dad's 15 year old DSLR I can still take some cool photos (at least for me).

[@xl447]

As someone who hasnt grown up with photo processing, your knowledge Nico is appreciated very much. Pretty happy with my planetary efforts, now making a DSO outfit. Cheers buddy, clear skies

[@robertsipes7391]

Thanks Nico for turning me on to Siril, I got on the ride at version 1.0.3!

[@arifmumtaz1062]

what an amazing work you are doing

[@RainbowCamel]

Thank you for the knowledge!

[@darthdadious6142]

The photo processing part just blew my mind... wow

[@waltstevesphotography7128]

Wow Just wow. I tried using my Nikon z50 but now I realize there is so much more to this. Fingers crossed. Learned a lot from this. Did get some cool moon photos but this is another level.

[@denissantana2589]

Great videos and well oriented for beginners!

[@nickreecy4229]

Astrophotography seemed so intimidating before I found your channel. Thanks so much!

[@1701c14]

Another good tutorial Nico and its pleasing to see that you use a real microphone for sound quality.

[@Slider617]

Oh hecka yes I'm entering this. It's been nearly impossible to find that tracker in stock and under $700 CAN. That would be so rad to win, thanks for making this possible. Clear skies to you too mate!

[@arthursawyer8991]

This set looks amazing, I’m just getting into Astro and would love to get those amazing colour shots of nebula

[@THansenite]

I'm in the same boat. Taking pictures through a used telescope with an old point and shoot. I hope this kit goes to a beginner just getting into the hobby so we can put these fantastic videos into practice.

[@astroadventures3559]

Hey man great advice for people wanting to start out in astrophotography! Wish I had seen this in the beginning of my adventure.

[@phoenix3717]

You've helped me immensely, thank you.

[@mytech3464]

Great Job and great explanation ! Thank you!

[@InDustWeTrust19]

I just ordered an H-alpha modded Nikon D5300 from night sky cameras! Very excited for it to arrive, it's my first serious foray into astrophotography and I appreciate the suggestions for the rest of the setup to go with it!

[@soufyanekerbiche8845]

brilliant nico!

[@piffoto]

Thanks for your tutorial. Is very good. I like this kit and I want this kit. Success! You are doing a very good job.

[@alneid2707]

Another great video, and WOW, generous giveaway!

[@shvian]

After watching your videos, I started with the Canon T7 kit with a Bogen tripod, ballhead, intervalometer, and dew heater and got hooked taking pictures of Orion and Andromeda. It wasn't long before I had ordered a Star Adventurer Pro, Canon 50mm f1.8 and a Samyang 135mm f2 and have been loving it. A "2.5mm-C1 Camera Remote Control Shutter Release Cable" goes from the Star Adventurer snap port to the Canon T7 and allows me to use the SA Console app on my phone for my intervalometer. I just use the standalone intervalometer for calibration frames at this point. My brain tells me to complete a full year of widefield to get a better feel for the night sky before getting a setup for more distant imaging but we will see how that goes. Capturing widefield with this setup while also capturing higher focal length targets at the same time sounds like a great way to maximize the amount of clear nights... Thank you for the introduction to this amazing hobby!

[@gjjhg6683]

hi nico, perfect video, i was searching for this kind of kit !

[@NebulaPhotos]

Maybe it wasn't working right in the chat. Try this: www.nebulaphotos.com/giveaway/

[@gjjhg6683]

@@NebulaPhotos It works !!!

[@lesalterman]

Thanx for the awesome video 🔥 Interesting technique with star removal tool 🧐

[@jbg9866]

Awesome! Love my 6in dobsonion but astrophotography is drawing me in 💯.

[@mikej9564]

Amazing. This has been very helpful, thanks. I would like to have seen the trapezium stars. Maybe I’ll download and try myself.

[@wtodd2020]

I enjoy your videos about astrophotography. I've been thinking about getting into the hobby. I wish I could afford the items that you use. I live pay check to pay check. I'm teaching my six year old son about space objects. One day I'll get a setup and be able to take photos like these. Keep up the good work!

[@zbnmth]

try an Omegon Minitrack and use any digital camera, before saving up and spending $2000! Or join a local astronomy club and see if you can borrow some gear (I know my club has a small inventory of gear for use by any member, including motorised mounts and DSLR's). Good luck teaching your son!

[@lednewstudio]

That was an hour of pure awesomeness.

[@petersmith5395]

Thank you for this easy to follow guide and explanation of how to use Siril software.

[@BrennanKoontz]

Best Astro channel on the internet

[@ITSstudios10]

This is amazing! I just started astrophotography a month ago and this kit seems perfect for someone like me. Your videos have been a huge help for me and watching your videos is always so informative and interesting.

[@Aapoplayz]

omg who dis boi

[@tompage8674]

Just catching up on this. Great as always.

[@dmintz88]

This video rules! Love the vibe in the intro with the music and the microphone. Super thorough, detailed, and easy to follow tutorial of the entire deep sky imaging process! Keep it up, Nico!

[@MacM545]

Interesting video. I've heard of various camera modification services, but when watching your video I heard about the camera modification service for the first time. Will be watching the entire video when I get the chance!

[@brianbell2176]

Just found your channel. Great info to get started!

[@michal.vokolek]

Thanx Nico for your work in this hobby. It's inspiring for a lot of people. For me also. :-)

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Thank you for this video! Last night was my best astro location east of San Diego, CA. This time I took your guidance and made flats and bias shots along with darks. Today I'm going to see how it all comes out. Cheers!

[@jasonwall2861]

Man, I feel like I had to make this setup all on my own over the last few months haha. Still glad to get some confirmation that he ideas on what’s good for astrophotography matched up well. Still saving!

[@AlexGonzalez-bi6mv]

I am so glad this is essentially the same kit I went for before this video came out haha. I’m just starting out and decided to go this route and I didn’t know if I was getting all the wrong stuff. I still haven’t gone out and used it but I’m feeling really validated now. I cannot wait to get started in my astrophotography journey! Thanks for all the knowledge Nico!

[@Gefbcddhhvx]

This is awesome

[@NebulaPhotos]

Thanks Billy!

[@Milarbkh]

I've always been interested in astrophotography & plan on buying a beginners setup soon, it's all just a bit intimidating since I pretty much have 0 knowledge on the subject. All I've ever really done is basic wildlife photography. These videos help a lot though!

[@petegeanacopulos1582]

Great video 100%

[@kevinashley478]

I have entered....hope I won't the star tracker! Congratulations on hitting 100k subscribers! I am sure you will get another 100k soon!

[@JimOutLoud]

Your videos are amazing! I have yet to make it out to shoot but building knowledge. Thank you!

[@PaniczJaszczur]

The amount of work you put into these videos is tremendous. I'm watching 8 hours video for probably over a week now. Therefore I think it's immoral to not sign up to your Patreon which I'm humbly doing right now ;)

[@wirauswien]

😜Watching him since 2 months now, hundreds of hours😂😂 And yes, I also thinking about patreon him some money👍👍 Nicos infos are totally worth it👌👍👍👍

[@user-yu5lm1vb8i]

finally I found this guide video and how to use star adventurer!

[@johnmansfield5970]

Great video as always. Maybe do one on your computer setup, specs etc.

[@stardust265]

great video on the kit pretty extensive

[@wesleyhughes6267]

I love this beginners set up! Nice value and portable. Would love to win it!

[@TtoTheOmarse]

For a good budget tripod, I can also recommend the official Star Adventurer legs. Really simple design with a platform that matches the base of the wedge and has stabilising shelf too. I think mine was £60 a couple of years ago.

[@robb7342]

Nico, this is another well done A-Z presentation for people at all levels. I think many will appreciate that you used Siril for processing as its certainly an option to consider. I’m in total awe at how many invaluable tutorials that you have put out thus far and the amount of time you dedicate to helping people like myself get started. It's been an incredible journey for me and I have you to thank for helping me get to where I am thus far. You truly represent what is best about humanity!

[@brettjames9088]

You're brilliant in Photoshop, very high level skills. You should watch a handful of artistic painting composition vids to help your cropping selection.

[@douglasbradshaw9553]

Finally a astrophotography video that I understand

[@bradleysandoval1385]

Imagine being the winner!? What an awesome giveaway!

[@justinthehedgehog3388]

Thanks very much for this. I'm looking into trying some astrophotography again; the last time I tried was back in 2000 with a Meade ETX 90 and a Pentax ME. Although of very limited means I have the patience to save for for these parts, I already have a Nikon D610 which I know is excellent, I may try to use my vintage Sigma MiniWide II for some wide field photography.

[@keeplookingup911]

You offer best and free tutorial to new 🐝's 😊☺️🙂

[@jiffijoff9780]

Just wonderful Nico. Thanks for setting it all up and sharing it. Really appreciated 🙏👍

[@HelenasAstrophotography]

Brilliant Nico!!

[@NebulaPhotos]

Thanks Helena!

[@grubbypaws3566]

Wow Nico , I have always been impressed with your pictures, but being new to this I just thought you stacked them and bingo done, omg the amount of processing exceeds the actual ‘picture’ time, blown away. Really enjoyed the blog and opened my eyes, I still love it though, all the best from the UK. 👍🇬🇧

[@NebulaPhotos]

Yes, the processing can get pretty crazy! Some of the steps I showed are optional, but I just like to show my approach and encourage people to experiment with it! I've been experimenting with the different software packages for a few years now to develop my approaches to processing.

[@andysummersthxcinemaandmyc7748]

@@NebulaPhotos i just restated to do astronomy with nextstar 8se , but the way you're yelling at the video at the start , depresses me and i suffer from mental illness bipolar and have a head injury and you make me depressed that i want to smash my expensive telescope up

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

@@andysummersthxcinemaandmyc7748 Nico‘s voice is basically unintentional ASMR…so smooth and calm. No offense, but there was definitely no yelling in this video and if there was anything that irritated you, it’s not Nico‘s fault.

[@GediAstro]

Nice walkthrough, thanks and congrats on 100k! 🍾🎉👏🏻👏🏻

[@Scott-pl4wb]

Such a informative video as all ur utube are but for me this one has helped me the most. bought a dobsonian in feb loved it so bought a skywatcher 130 eq2 just a cpl weeks ago the wife loves it im just using a phone and mount atm and manual tracking. i would never get rid of them now but after watching this do i go camera and mount or the holy grail eq5

[@sarathappu1890]

Nice bro

[@nw6866]

Thanks for taking so much to explain and give us options. I'm debating on what I want to buy and this helps me greatly. As a newbie the whole process is intimidating, but you are a great teacher!

[@sirschanzelot]

Thanks to your tutorials I started astrophotography a few weeks ago. Perfect for the start of galaxy season haha But I train the basics, like focusing and navigation in the night sky until finally in summer the next step goes towards wide angle milky way shots. Thank you man!

[@kylecoker664]

Nice video. I received my Polaris mount almost a month ago but had not had the time to try it out. I will try tonight and see how it goes. I just wanted to suggest that this might be the ultimate eclipse chaser mount. I took a Star Adventurer to Wyoming in 2017 using a Tak 60C with 2X extender and Canon 5DMk2 and Pomote intervalometer. There was no problem with that payload so I imagine the Polaris will have no problem either. The only Issue I had with the Sky Adventurer was trying to get it polar aligned in the daytime using a compass and inclinometer. I had to keep tweeting the camera every 10 minutes. If I can have good polar alignment by syncing on the sun and then disconnect so I can use the Promote to bracket the exposures that would be ideal. I would like to see an optional solar and lunar tracking rate added.

[@jasonpressler7111]

Remember kids, once you try the astro.... you will be wanting more.....trying astro once will make you an addict for life.

[@AKohler_Photo]

Thanks for another great video Nico! As I'm totally new to astrophotography, your videos are such a great resource to learn this complex and amazing hobby. I'm using my phone to take 1sec exposures through my newtonian telescope and stack them with SIRIL. I always have extreme uneven background and have a hard time to eliminate it. Your tutorial was extremely helpful and I will try to reprocess some data today with the methods you showed! And congrats to another fantastic image :)

[@Astronurd]

Thanks for another instructional and educational video Nico. I follow everything perfectly up until the later stages of your Photoshop editing. I’ll have to watch it a few more times to grasp it all. Clear skies 👋

[@gfk53]

What a great video done by big efforts to explain the most complex hobby at easy as it can be. Also your clear English is easy to understand by a non English native speaker like me. One question I do have. Can I use my Nikon 70-200/2.8 tele zoom lens instead of the mentioned fix focus length lens? I now the inside structure of a tele zoom lens is different of a fix focus lens. Thats why I'm asking. Thanks again and greetings from Germany!!

[@NebulaPhotos]

Hi Georg, yes, you can use that lens for astrophotography. Clear skies, Nico

[@adrianflo6481]

Am i starting work early in the morning within 6 hours? well yes i am. thanks for keeping me awake

[@Riveda1972]

Thanks again for this video. I actually lack of lenses, as I've the stock 18-55 and a 55-200mm nikon zooms + a couple of cheap catadrioprtic lenses (500 f/6.3, 900 f/8). Unfortunately as I managed to find a Star Adventurer kit at a decent price, bad weather started, then I got flu, then family issues... in a word, the end of winter passed (and the easiest subjects did pass too) and now I'm looking for new subjects to shoot at :D ps: I would add in your kit a nice ball head to be mounted between the camera and the star tracker. It helps a lot, once the polar alignment is done, to point almost whatever you need to and their weight doesn't really compromise the balance of the star tracker :)

[@kevinwisdom7578]

Great beginners tutorial, Nico! Could those circular gradients your dealing with be the reported concentric rings that now and again plague some Nikons?