My intermediate level AP rig...

[ScopeJunkie]

I’ve enjoyed amateur astrophotography for about 5 years now. I started with a cgem, stock dslr (that I already owned), and an EdgeHD 8 (I was fortunate enough to already own that too, because I’d been into observational astronomy for a couple of years before I tried AP). Many, many people start with far less.
Back then I enjoyed imaging the moon, planets, and milky way and managed to take some nice images. The first year was spent learning the absolute basics Of the hobby. Polar alignment, tracking, software, camera settings, dark frames, bias frames, etc. I had joined a local astronomy club where I imet other people who were eager to share their experience and advice, I highly recommend joining a local astronomy club, whether you’re interested in Astrophotography or observational astronomy. You’ll meet lots of great people and you’ll have a wonderful resource for advice, education, and friendship.
Over the next few years I was constantly doing equipment research and upgrades. I was looking for the next “bigger and better” (without spending too much money ). I should have just saved my money and worked on improving my skill at using the equipment I had rather than buying subpar equipment and hoping it would be good enough.
Fast forward to today...
I now believe my current AP rig would qualify as “intermediate”. I finally feel comfortable saying that I am no longer a beginner/novice (though I’m definitely no professional). I have 2 “imaging rigs” I use depending on what my target is. My “wide field/EAA rig” consists of a Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ed mounted on a Losmandy G11g, ZWO ASI294MC primary camera, ZWO ASI174MM guide camera on a 60mm guide scope, a Sesto Senso 2 autofocuser, 2 inch filter wheel (w/loads of different filters), an astro-modified dslr w/ a 14mm f2.8 wide angle lens piggybacking the refractor, polemaster (polar alignment camera), Pegasus Astro Powerbox, and a dedicated AP laptop filled with all sorts of AP related software.
My “Deep Sky rig” consists of an EdgeHD 11 (w/reducer) on the same G11g, Same primary/guide cameras attached to a Celestron OAG, same autofocuser, etc. (you get the idea).
I never meant to ramble on this long. My original intention was to just post details on my new AP setup, but as I started typing, I began to think about the mistakes I made getting to where I am now in this hobby and some things I wish I had done differently.
This is an awesome pass time that can be incredibly frustrating and unbelievably rewarding, but it’s challenging and time consuming (and expensive) for anyone wanting to go beyond the basics. It’s not for everyone, but I’m hooked.

Thanks!

[ScopeJunkie]

264FDA43-B198-448D-BC33-2D0E84F8FCF2.jpeg (34.79 KiB) Viewed 1931 times

[ScopeJunkie]

This is an pic of my wide field rig (minus wiring and Pegasus Powerbox.

[Juno16]

Hi ScopeJunkie and welcome to TSS!

Sounds like a nice well rounded setup!

You certainly have accumulated some really nice equipment!

I can appreciate that you like to talk about your equipment. I am sure that many AP'ers and observers alike enjoy talking about their equipment.

Thanks for sharing! Please post some of your work. We all appreciate it!

[ScopeJunkie]

Thanks Juno16!

I noticed that you use startools and Photoshop. I just started using Startools , but haven’t made the leap to Photoshop yet. How do you like them? How does Startools compare to Photoshop in your opinion?

[Juno16]

Thanks Juno16!

I noticed that you use startools and Photoshop. I just started using Startools , but haven’t made the leap to Photoshop yet. How do you like them? How does Startools compare to Photoshop in your opinion?

Both Startools and Photoshop are both fine processing tools and really compliment each other.

I usually use Startools to “get me close” , then a few finishing touches in PS.

I just started using an OSC camera (ASI 533 mc pro) and recently shot my first targets with it.

I posted my Heart Nebula process using both ST and PS.

viewtopic.php?p=119963#p119963

The responses generally favored the ST process and I do like it. I really like the PS version (probably because it was my first full process in PS). Still have a lot to learn with PS. Startools is a great product and is constantly improving. Ivo (Startools creator) offers super support and is also a member here on TSS.

I have about two years of AP ( almost all with a dslr) and still have a ton to learn.

Thanks

[Greenman]

Hi Scopejunkie, and welcome to the board. Yup, most of us are feeding our AP habit as well as visually. There’s a ton of advice and friendship here - enjoy!

[Graeme1858]

Hello Scopejunkie.

Nice rig you have there. I have the ASI294.

All the best for the next five years!

Welcome to the forum.

Regards

Graeme

[JayTee]

Welcome to TSS.

You and I have trod very similar paths. I've been neck deep in AP since 2012 so just a few years longer but I'm pretty much at the same place as you because I've been on hold for nearly 3 years.

Don't hesitate to show us your work. We love pretty pictures.

Cheers,
JT