Top 15 Spring Targets (w/Free Data!)

Get your deep space gear ready because galaxy season is here! In this video Mack Murdoc goes over the top 15 spring objects you can capture this season. Learn how to best capture them with tips on what focal length, telescopes, filters, and accessories to use. Before you head out to image, don’t forget to like this video for more object countdowns!
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#astrophotography #top15 #nightsky #astronomy #bestrspringobjects #opt

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Sweet! Thanks for featuring my Owl Nebula!

[@GarnettLeary]

It’s awesome.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@GarnettLeary Thanks, Garnett!

[@Westlake]

Great image Chuck! Congrats!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@Westlake Thanks Westlake!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Of course! it was such an amazing shot! Thank you for continuing to inspire the community on a daily basis

[@kingwolfjm8500]

How about a video for things to capture with 200mm or less?

[@OPTTelescopes]

Unfortunately, there really aren't many at all for springtime. Springtime is very limited in the variety of objects that are in the sky. That being said, we recommend Markarians Chain, The Pinwheel, and Bodes and Cigar galaxy for they are the biggest and brightest ones on the list besides the Like Button Galaxy ;) They will be small but you will definitely be able to see them at 200mm. Dont worry though, our summer video will have tons to shoot at 200mm. just make sure you get yourself a tracker if you don't have one already

[@southernexposure123]

@KingWolfJM This year I'm getting good data from the Flame Nebula with a 210 mm camera lens at f8, ISO 1600 and 3 minutes. I can barely detect the Horse Head in there after some post processing. I'm using the same lens on the Great Orion Nebula M42. The problem with M42 for me is it's hard to get the trapezium in focus. Oh I'm using a GH3. Hurry, though time is running out for those. I got only 3 hours a day ago.

[@bloodstone2000]

Great Video Mack! This is a perfect way to explain the targets and what can be used with them for the best results possible. .. Cant WAIT to get my Mount in a few weeks!.

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Stoked to see what magic you come up with when you get your new mount!

[@thorshammer5166]

Love the videos and the humor, great job!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you very much!

[@suimin100]

Enjoy watching your video again and again

[@brianfulda]

Honored to have some images featured in this video! I'm still chasing the elusive Like Button Galaxy though...

[@GarnettLeary]

Nice work

[@OPTTelescopes]

Of course your work is top knotch amazing and your knowledge on astrophotography is amazing, honored to have you part of the family!

[@ergio1]

Awesome video Mack! Thanks for sharing

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you so much!

[@Dannygoler]

I’m excited to give it a go!!!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thanks Danny! Excited to see what you come up with. Don't forget, you can also always shoot the sun, with the proper telescopes or filters of course! Maybe even put something in front of it... like a human... on a line. That would be a cool sillouette!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Awesome Mack! I just captured #3 the whirlpool with the Edge HD :-). Wonderful script/editing by the OPT team!

[@OPTTelescopes]

OH NICE!!!! Such a cool galaxy once one realizes what's actually going on in the image!

[@romie12321]

just found this page loving it just got the celestron 5se can't wait to see what I can observe

[@Boekoe12]

Nicely presented!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you!

[@Astroterrat]

M13 is from 22.180 lights years! Not 22 Milions years. Please correct this information. 😊

[@OPTTelescopes]

AHHH Good Catch! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You are correct!

[@Astroterrat]

@@OPTTelescopes Thanks! if you want you can use my astrophotos for sample images..in my flikr channel! ;)

[@kw8936]

A recent discovery on my part, but glad I've subscribed.

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you for being a part of the OPTeam! Welcome!

[@jjeeggaa1]

Thanks for video. I like Helix Nebula

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Nice video Mack! Looking forward to put my Ritchey Chretien telescope at work. All i need is clear sky !

[@philliphale4647]

Great video for me. I’m just starting to research what scope I would like to purchase as my first telescope. I’ve so far learned I have champagne taste with a beer budget. Thank you again.

[@cosmicmark]

I wish this was just playing as audio (minus the KZbin specific actions) while on hold over the phone with OPT. You're already half way there with the audio... BTW, I'd love to get a C8 EdgeHD for galaxy season, buuuuuut half the stars in the sky will have died out before they're in stock again.

[@OPTTelescopes]

Yea we know that Celestron has been backed up with orders. Manufacturers across the whole industry getting materials has been really rough due to strict covid regulations. So manufacturers, who also have limited staff at the moment, making products is slower than normal which means retailers like us (along with every other retailer) have longer than normal wait times, and sometimes wait times can be pushed back. Since Covid started, and people have more time, astronomy and astrophotography is a booming industry. So demand goes up, as the ability to supply goes down. Unfortunately, that's just the state the industry is in, hopefully, it will change soon. BUT what I can tell you is your best bet, is to order what you want, and be understanding and ok if things get pushed back. We try and update our site as much as we can be based on what we know. But I can promise you is, The moment your package hits our warehouse from the manufacturer, it gets sent off to you the same day (unless it's a Sunday, which in that case gets shipped Monday.) But ordering it will put you in line to receive one as soon as we get it. Hope that helps.

[@Hot_Sky_Astronomy]

LOL you think the edge being in stock is bad? The universe would've recreated itself by the time the F7 reducers are in stock.

[@TurtlesInTheSun_]

Can I still capture some of these using A dlsr (Nikon D5300) and a lens (Rokinon 135mm)?

[@johnbellisario4323]

Great selection guys! 🍔🌌🤣

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thanks Johnny B. Thanks for continuing to be an amazing member of the OPTEAM!!!

[@Dylans_astro]

Great Video! I think I might win an APOD with my image of the Like Button Galaxy!!!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Just dont forget to #opteam and we can feature it! APOD here we come!

[@Brik2246]

:O the like galaxy looks mega ...i imedeatly smashed it

[@MrJacobrezac]

I believe you meant to say 5 billion years from now, not million.

[@OPTTelescopes]

You are correct, our mistake. Thank you

[@MrJacobrezac]

@@OPTTelescopes can’t tell you how many times I’ve done that haha

[@IvanFarca]

crolling in YT and finding Mack HAHA Congrats bud

[@OPTTelescopes]

Thank you so much, Ivan! much appretiated

[@ernstmarais4945]

How about a similar list of targets for the southern hemisphere?

[@GarnettLeary]

Do you actually have any of the gear you’re advertising in stock? I’m still waiting on a mount I ordered in September. Great video tho. That just about sums up Spring. Odd you’d be promoting the Raptor in a Galaxy Season video tho.

[@OPTTelescopes]

Yea we know that manufacturers and retailers has been backed up with orders. Manufacturers across the whole industry getting materials has been really rough due to strict covid regulations. So manufacturers, who also have limited staff at the moment, making products is slower than normal which means retailers like us (along with every other retailer) have longer than normal wait times, and sometimes wait times can be pushed back. Since Covid started, and people have more time, astronomy and astrophotography is a booming industry. So demand goes up, as the ability to supply goes down. Unfortunately, that's just the state the industry is in, hopefully, it will change soon. BUT what I can tell you is your best bet, is to order what you want like you have already, and be understanding and ok if things get pushed back. We try and update our site as much as we can be based on what we know. But I can promise you is, The moment your package hits our warehouse from the manufacturer, it gets sent off to you the same day (unless it's a Sunday, which in that case gets shipped Monday.) But ordering it will put you in line to receive one as soon as we get it. Hope that helps. We hope you get your mount real soon

[@pruthuvanara1243]

Which target for a beginner with 300mm lens and untracked from Northern Hemisphere without any filters

[@OPTTelescopes]

Unfortunately, 300mm untracked is incredibly difficult even for experienced astrophotographers. That being said it's not impossible but will take a lot of work. Look up videos by Bray Falls of his untracked Orion picture and how he captured it. Don't Forget there's always the moon!

[@pruthuvanara1243]

@@OPTTelescopes thanks alot, also I am trying to make a barn door

[@javiercuellolopez5610]

Great video!!. What’s the best book about this ??

[@OPTTelescopes]

Check out the few books by Galactic Hunter. They have a few on deep space targets.

[@southbronxny5727]

Should the LPro be infront of the rgb filters?

[@OPTTelescopes]

Stacking filters is one of those things that you CAN do but it's not an ideal solution, as it can cause internal reflections and other things, at least in theory. But no real way to know until you try, and the L-Pro plus RGB filters should work nicely, in theory, to cut down light pollution for broadband targets. Though, most people just use gradient reduction tools and other methods to get around light pollution for broadband targets.

[@shatterpointgames]

Tip, make the like button Galaxy suggestion at the end after I've decided if I like the video.

[@joaomoreiraastrophotographer]

I know this vid is old, but maybe someone can help me here. I Just got a star adventurer 2i and i have a dslr 800D stock with a 75-300mm and a 18-55mm Lens. I know i can target Milky Way core, but what else i can shoot at it? I know that in the winter i have the plêiades, orion, etc... but in the spring? 😅all this Galaxy are way above 300mm and to much for my adventurer 2i

[@nicholasmichael9452]

longer nights?

[@spencerhochstetler]

“Longer nights”. Really? I kinda like the longer winter nights for astrophotography...

[@triestwildriders5922]

Maybe he's living in southern emisphere 🤔🙄

[@douweodh4146]

He meant longer nights to BBQ

[@TheHoward187]

@@triestwildriders5922 that's what I thought. But then it's fall ... no?

[@triestwildriders5922]

@@TheHoward187 yes of course 😁

[@epic_playz4283]

Especially them annoying june bugs

[@avt_astro206]

Brilliant Video !! As a Visual Astrononer im Intrested to Know If Any These Objects Are Visible to Naked eye with a Telescope or Binoculars !! Let Me Know About Some Them!! Thank You🔭

[@OPTTelescopes]

Pretty much most of these galaxies depending on which telescope you're using, We would recommend checking out the Pinwheel and Whirlpool

[@MrBengourben]

Longer nights?

[@TheHoward187]

Not sure on that calculation of distance for M13 Hercules cluster. 😉 need to remove several zeros

[@capturethephotons2078]

Im still waiting for my tripod for my star adventuer since January!!!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Yea we know that Sky-Watcher has been backed up with orders. Manufacturers across the whole industry getting materials have been really rough due to strict covid regulations. So manufacturers, who also have limited staff at the moment, making products is slower than normal which means retailers like us (along with every other retailer) have longer than normal wait times, and sometimes wait times can be pushed back. Since Covid started, and people have more time, astronomy and astrophotography is a booming industry. So demand goes up, as the ability to supply goes down. Unfortunately, that's just the state the industry is in, hopefully, it will change soon. BUT what I can tell you is your best bet, is to order what you want, and be understanding and ok if things get pushed back. We try and update our site as much as we can be based on what we know. But I can promise you is, The moment your package hits our warehouse from the manufacturer, it gets sent off to you the same day (unless it's a Sunday, which in that case gets shipped Monday.) But ordering it will put you in line to receive one as soon as we get it. Hope that helps. Once you get your Star Adventurer we cant wait to see what magic you can make it, especially since Milky- Way season starts soon!

[@douweodh4146]

@@OPTTelescopes That is a very decent reply imo ✨

[@cemoguz2786]

I correct your statement for new people we did not get in this hobie because it is cheap but we are willing to spend money to connect with universe.

[@nulzn8691]

Any good telescope to see the moon, mars in perfect details?

[@joeguetzloff4465]

If you want details of Mars you want an 11" or 14" telescope. For the moon, I get it full screen at 600mm with a Sigma lens on my Canon T6s.

[@frl8031]

you missed all the awesome Southern hemisphere objects. Yes, we Antiopodeans also shop at OPT!

[@Westlake]

Go Canada Go! 🇨🇦 @astrobackyard

[@sheilachambers6671]

In the spring it's the DAYS that get longer, NOT the nights, the nights become SHORTER! In about 5 BILLION years, not "million" our sun will become a red giant & we, if "we" still exist, will be toast.

[@OPTTelescopes]

You are correct. It was our mistake. Thank you

[@sasanders72]

So basically none of these are for entry level astro photographers :( All i have is a redcat51. Itll be a bit before I'm ready to upgrade

[@martrich1098]

I've got the same scope, but I'm going to try Markarian's chain, it looks worthwhile in the Stellarium image frame preview. It's not a great time of year for us widefield folks!

[@OPTTelescopes]

Unfortunately during galaxy season, there are not any big and bright nebulas that are great for beginners. That being said we would recommend you try the Pinwheel Galaxy and Markarians Chain. some of the galaxies in this list will be small, but just seeing a galaxy shows up is an accomplishment in itself and worth a shot anyways with what ever gear you may already have

[@joeguetzloff4465]

You left out the Croc's Eye Galaxy (M94). Just a sneeze away from the Whirlpool Galaxy.

[@lainevince]

M13, Hercules Cluster, is not 22-million light years distant. It is approximately 22-thousand light years away.

[@Tim_the_Astronurd]

m13 is 22,000 light years away. still in the milky way

[@technocore1591]

Wait... Are you the Mack Murdock that posts insane light painting images on IG?

[@OPTTelescopes]

Yup! Sure is!

[@parvinsrecipesbangla7357]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Mistr_A]

Never any southern targets bit of a shame we don't seem to exist

[@epic_playz4283]

Mine telescope is 650mm fl

[@jimpoop]

*cries in 250mm redcat..

[@MrMuchoscojones]

7:00 Off by 3 orders of magnitude, More like 5 Billion

[@alanhat26]

Hello

[@samuraidog1510]

*cries in 4 inch aperture*

[@grandmasteryoda9893]

aperture realy dont matter over all when you have long shuter times

[@I_Spaced_Out]

You know, these kinds of videos are now obsolete because of the new Icarus filter you guys invented!

[@michaelhettrick8479]

Uhm ... no. Nights are not longer when going from winter to spring ... to the contrary.

[@jdmatthew]

"Free" raw data now $20. Unfortunate.

[@TheAstrocast]

Great video, awesome info...think you might be reaching for the wrong audience with the whole "smash the like button" nonsense 3x in one video though. Ease up on it a bit...Kinda comes off desperate