Planet Photographers

Rocket

Rocket

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Tony
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Hi.
I have just purchased a Skywatcher reflector telescope for my son, we also purchased the accessories for attaching his D80 to the telescope + MC-DC1.

What i would like is some basics from some one who is or has used this method, any tips or links would be great.
Thanks....
 
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Planets are relatively bright and so don't require 'that' long exposures compared to DSOs, which sort of negates the need for tracking. Problem with taking short exposures is that you don't often get that much detail, so what people tend to do is take a lot of them then stack them in something like Registax. And another thing, i assume you're connecting it to the scope via a T thread adapter? I have heard quite a few stories of people finding it difficult/impossible to focus DSLRs using this method due to the focuser not having enough inward travel, the only way around this is to use a barlow. Other than that i'd suggest having a go at the moon first to get a feel for it, tons of detail to be had there. Oh, and planetary imaging seems to work in seasons, in the UK at least the 'Saturn' season is just coming to an end which means that conditions for seeing Jupiter are going to be getting better... doesn't help that it doesn't actually get dark any more, but you know.

I haven't seen that many astrophotographers on here, so in terms of links i would suggest you have a look at the Stargazers Lounge forum, they should be a lot more helpful than me considering a lot of them have actually done it so will be able to explain stuff that i don't understand yet (flats, focusing masks etc.) :)
 
Thank you for the below, this is a new world for him so it will take some time, having said that your consructive advise does help, the moon is a first.
The T mount does have me scratcing my head as there does not seem to be to much control over focusing. Barlow ? not sure what that is, but will have to do some research.
Also many thanks for the link, will check that out..
regards.

Superewza said:
Planets are relatively bright and so don't require 'that' long exposures compared to DSOs, which sort of negates the need for tracking. Problem with taking short exposures is that you don't often get that much detail, so what people tend to do is take a lot of them then stack them in something like Registax. And another thing, i assume you're connecting it to the scope via a T thread adapter? I have heard quite a few stories of people finding it difficult/impossible to focus DSLRs using this method due to the focuser not having enough inward travel, the only way around this is to use a barlow. Other than that i'd suggest having a go at the moon first to get a feel for it, tons of detail to be had there. Oh, and planetary imaging seems to work in seasons, in the UK at least the 'Saturn' season is just coming to an end which means that conditions for seeing Jupiter are going to be getting better... doesn't help that it doesn't actually get dark any more, but you know.

I haven't seen that many astrophotographers on here, so in terms of links i would suggest you have a look at the Stargazers Lounge forum, they should be a lot more helpful than me considering a lot of them have actually done it so will be able to explain stuff that i don't understand yet (flats, focusing masks etc.) :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the link, seems to be a good place to start. regards.

It refers to a different telescope, but Mike Weasner's ETX Site has a wealth of information on Astrophotography for the home user
Click to expand...
 
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