The Best $2,000 Astrophotography Kit

[@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...

[@BouncingCow]

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

[@bangzhengsun8959]

Now that I'm going through all Nico's videos before. Seriously, as someone already mentioned previously, Nico's reviews are the only ones that I can trust now. I was wondering how a video introducing a $2000 astrophotography kit (to me it's entry level now) could last over an hour. But this is the real thing that any new amateur needs - no advertisements, no meaningless recommendations. Thinking about Nico's other videos such as astrophotography without a tracker, he's the only, really the only one, who is this responsible to us. Skill is over everything. This kind of long videos indeed help a lot of people getting their real skills better, not the equipments. Nobody can handle a 10-inch Newtonian at the beginning.

[@raid2533]

One of my favorite channels for astrophotography!

[@musiclibrary7018]

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

[@BrennanKoontz]

Best Astro channel on the internet

[@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!

[@robertsipes7391]

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

[@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!

[@Jim_Mundy]

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

[@dakzer55]

This a brilliant full tutorial on astrophotography. I have just subscribed to your channel. Has inspired me to use my current photography gear with Siril to try and process night sky photos 😊 thank you

[@TreySimpsonn]

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!

[@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

[@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.

[@darthdadious6142]

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

[@BouncingCow]

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.

[@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.

[@1701c14]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Erpty05]

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

[@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

[@nickreecy4229]

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

[@71janas]

Congratulations Nico 100.000 💪

[@mikorist1804]

you're the king man

[@yervantparnagian5999]

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

[@kenbridgeman8590]

Been looking for exactly this topic.

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@andreib3221]

Great video! Loved it!

[@mikej9564]

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

[@Rotceh-r4g]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 !!!

[@johnmansfield5970]

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

[@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!

[@msngk1]

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

[@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.

[@petersmith5395]

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

[@arifmumtaz1062]

what an amazing work you are doing

[@jbg9866]

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

[@ursidaestudio]

That was an hour of pure awesomeness.

[@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).

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Great video Nico!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@astrophotographyuk]

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

[@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!

[@rcuevasvidea]

Hello Nico, great video for us the new in this hobbie. There is something that I cant understand, it is about the modified cameras. Why the people put in front of the len an IR cut filter if before of the modification the camera already has an IR/UV cut filter? Why do I modify a camera if later I will put a filter similar to the one I have removed?

[@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!

[@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👌👍👍👍

[@lesalterman]

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

[@mytech3464]

Great Job and great explanation ! Thank you!

[@phoenix3717]

You've helped me immensely, thank you.

[@alneid2707]

Another great video, and WOW, generous giveaway!

[@kevinwisdom7578]

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

[@denissantana2589]

Great videos and well oriented for beginners!

[@donbarlow6435]

Great video. You mentioned the use of an IR cut filter that passes H alpha. Are you using a Kolari Vision filter? Which one did you use? Thank you and have a nice day.

[@papasito984]

I am also trying to figure out what filter he used. No luck yet

[@RainbowCamel]

Thank you for the knowledge!

[@backgammonbacon]

Short flats get messed up on a DSLR because they catch the physical shutter moving, I find it easier to lower the ISO and take dark flats to match those settings. Alternatively use a EL panel instead of LED as they are fainter.

[@NebulaPhotos]

Ah, yes, could be that too! I think you are right it may have been that in the demo I showed, but at a slightly longer flat you get banding from the PWM on the LED panel

[@backgammonbacon]

@@NebulaPhotos I thought the longer exposure removed the PWM from LED's, they are flickering thousands of times a second so it shouldn't really matter what the exposure is as long as its not too low. The important thing is to not blow out the whole frame and catch the vignetting and dust.

[@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!

[@brianbell2176]

Just found your channel. Great info to get started!

[@planecrazy242]

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

[@alanglover9117]

Excellent video and good equipment choice, especially as I have a D5600 already. Did you know the 5300 and 5600 have built in interval shooting? Is this good enough to remove the need for the intervalometer?

[@NebulaPhotos]

Yes, if exposures are 30s or under, it works well. I don't think bulb timing can be combined with the built-in intervalometer, so it may not replace the need for an external one, if your desired exposures are longer than 30s (common with slower lenses, telescopes, esp. from darker skies).

[@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

[@jonathanpearceff]

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

[@jacobbanz6798]

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

[@soufyanekerbiche8845]

brilliant nico!

[@lukomatico]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@bradleysandoval1385]

Imagine being the winner!? What an awesome giveaway!

[@AstrophotographyQuest]

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

[@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.

[@kingdipdip]

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

[@wesleyhughes6267]

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

[@ringod123]

I have the Star Adventurer, which I got hypertuned, it's able to do 4min guided subs at 400mm with a total load of 4.8kg (including the counter-weight) and I love it, however, in hindsight I wish I had of gone for the AZ-GTi and used it in EQ mode. Skywatcher have also just announced the Star Adventurer GTi which has Dec and RA motors and full goto just like the AZ-Gti, would definitely advise anyone wanting to get into the hobby to wait for the Star Adventurer GTi rather than grab the regular Star Adventurer as the goto function is worth its weight in gold when trying to find your target, especially at longer focal lengths!

[@draizzed2928]

Do you have to calculate the counterweights to the load capacity?

[@drkumarharaprasadmisra5562]

How you get that hypertuned?

[@ringod123]

@@drkumarharaprasadmisra5562 Almost any company that hypertunes mounts will be able to hypertune a Star Adventurer.

[@davidkennedy3050]

At 400mm you would be far better off with a HEQ5. These tracker mounts do not have the precision to do sub arc second guiding.

[@ringod123]

@@davidkennedy3050 My results speak for themselves, the equipment I used was easily capable of 3-4 min subs at 400mm. Of course i'd be "better off" with a bigger and more expensive mount, but who wouldnt? And considering this video is about cheap and capable set ups the HEQ5 isnt on topic.

[@HelenasAstrophotography]

Brilliant Nico!!

[@NebulaPhotos]

Thanks Helena!

[@stardust265]

great video on the kit pretty extensive

[@petegeanacopulos1582]

Great video 100%

[@astroadventures3559]

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

[@JonWilliamsJonnyKstudio]

That processing time was impressive. Are you able to provide some recommended specs for a computer to accomplish that speed?

[@rickybobby6605]

I asked him on a live stream, I believe he said he has a 5950X and 64GB RAM.

[@douglasbradshaw9553]

Finally a astrophotography video that I understand

[@davidletz9123]

Nico, thanks for posting this video...as a new Star Adventurer owner and newbie Astro-photographer, it has been very helpful. I am struggling with the declination bracket as far as using lenses that do not have a collar. Maybe it is just from a lack of experience. In your opinion, should I be able to frame-up any DSO with any lens using RA and the declination bracket? Also, am I right in understanding that the bracket will have to be returned back to the proper crosshair position (after setting the RA and declination) to properly polar align the tracker? Once again, thanks!

[@NebulaPhotos]

Hi David, You should be able to frame up any DSO just using the RA and declination bracket in terms of centering the object, but without a lens collar you won't have any control over field rotation which means with bigger objects or multiple objects in one field, you may not be able to get your desired framing. Some people will put a ball head on top of the declination bracket to fix this. It can work, but does make the whole rig a bit less stable. I think if you want to use the reticule (crosshair pattern) as designed it will mean rotating the RA axis until the 12 o clock on the clockface is in the up position. I often don't bother and just eyeball where Polaris should go on the circle after looking at the app. After the mount is polar aligned it doesn't matter how the Ra and Dec are positioned as long as you don't bump the mount. Hope that answers your question, let me know if not.

[@davidletz9123]

@@NebulaPhotos Nico, thanks for the quick reply. Yes, that does answer my questions. One more question, if I may: I have lenses with various filter sizes...if I get a Bahtinov mask to fit my largest filter size, e.g., 77mm, and then get reducers for smaller filter sizes, e.g. 62mm tp 77mm, will the mask still work on those smaller filter size lenses? Thanks again!

[@NebulaPhotos]

@@davidletz9123 A Bahtinov mask is most sensitive to focal length. The shorter the focal length, the finer the grid pattern should be for the mask to work well. And a longer focal length should have wider spacing. The best mask is one that has been made to work with a particular focal length. So technically there should be no problem with what you are saying, but just keep in mind your results may vary if you change lenses and the new lens is much shorter or longer than the old lens.

[@davidletz9123]

@@NebulaPhotos Good information. I had no idea there was a particular mask ideally suited for a particular focal length.

[@brianthibault5929]

Hi Nico, great video! What bullhead do you recommend?

[@NebulaPhotos]

Hi Brian, I didn't use a ballhead here. If you have the Star Adventurer, I'd suggest attaching the camera directly to the Dec bracket or even better get a ring system for the lens. With a ring system, you should be able to rotate in addition which means any composition is possible, but much more stable than a ballhead. If you are just asking generally what ballhead I recommend, I suggest the brand 'Oben' for sub-$100 and 'FLM' or Really Right Stuff for higher-end ballheads. Personally, the ballhead I use the most is this one: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1265737-REG/flm_12_32_940_cb_32_f_ball_head.html

[@이르나낭]

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

[@RahilSethi]

I have a very hard time balancing my camera with Rokinon 135 mm on RA axis. If I balance it horizontal to the ground, it gets off balanced vertically; and if I balance it vertically it gets off balanced horizontally. This was driving me nuts yesterday. I assumed horizontal balance is important and then I proceeded with 40s x 100 light frames. My stacking software was only able to use 30 of them 😞. And I think it has to do with not well balanced. I used Canon EOS RP (485g) + Rokinon 135 with SWSA using single counterweight.

[@RBNDB]

Truly amazing walk through. As someone who was looking at trying astrophotography, but i do not want to modify my only camera (sony A7rIII). Is it possible to buy a IR filter and take another set of exposures and layer them in edit with siril? Thanks and subscribed love you vids

[@NebulaPhotos]

No need to buy any filters. The modified camera is just an option for letting in more light from the red nebulae, but is by no means necessary to get started. On many deep sky objects like Andromeda, Pleiades, Orion, etc. it will make very little difference.

[@RBNDB]

Thanks mate. Will start with what I got, get addicted to astro photography and go down the rabbit hole later 😅 Will follow your m31 tutorial to start with as I just have a camera and a tripod.

[@FaustKnight]

I have a Z7ii and a 150-600 as well as a 14-30. I need to really, really, really study your videos and figure out what setup to mount it on. I live in Houston, so LP is a huge downer here.

[@michal.vokolek]

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

[@Gefbcddhhvx]

This is awesome

[@NebulaPhotos]

Thanks Billy!

[@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!

[@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!

[@jonycreed]

Hi there, great video. I was wondering, will a stock camera be ok? I was researching and saw that with no modification you lose some detail on the nebula especially, but are the results still good? I'm a day photographer, looking into trying astrophotography but i not realy in a place to modify my camara right now, as its still my day to day gear and its a rather expensive camera (D750).

[@NebulaPhotos]

Yes, definitely. For many deep sky objects a modified camera will make no difference. For example, reflection nebula (e.g. Pleiades), galaxies (e.g. Andromeda), and star clusters will all work equally well with a stock camera. The main type of objects that benefits from a modified camera are emission nebulae. These glow brightest in a deep red that gets partially blocked by a stock camera. You can still capture them, but they won't be as bright. This can make the dimmer emission nebulae (e.g. Heart Nebula, Elephant Trunk, etc.) harder to capture with a stock camera. Cheers, Nico

[@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!

[@davidmcneel1987]

Hello Nico. I have been viewing your videos recently. Thank you for your outstanding presentations and information sharing. I am new to astrophotography. I saw in one of your vids, you mentioned you had or have an Orion Atlas EQ-G mount. I just picked up a used one and I am in need of some advice, if I may. I want to cable up directly from the pc to the mount. I use the synscan controller (my second controller.. I blew the first one.. don't know how I did that so I am a little hesitant to cable up.) I would like to start using auto guiding and other features the pc softwares offer. Therefore cabling up the pc to the mount. Have you done this with your Atlas? My Atlas has the rs232 db9 port. Can you recommend a cable? I am enjoying the videos and thank you for what you do. thanks, dave

[@NebulaPhotos]

Hi David, Yes, I recommend the Shoestring Astronomy USB2EQ6 Interface Cable available here: www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_eq.htm I use mine with the Orion Atlas and the EQASCOM software.

[@davidmcneel1987]

Thank you. Nico!