DSLR or Astro Camera?

[DanW]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new camera and seeking advice. I'm planning a trip to the desert southwest next year (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico) and I'd like to try my hand at some nightscape/milky way photos. Budget is a concern. I'm leaning toward a Nikon D750 with maybe a NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G lens or a more budget oriented Rokinon 14mm f/2.8.

But, I'm also wondering if I should maybe go to something like a QHY168C with an adapter and similar lens. I'm currently without a camera to hang on my C8 and I'm thinking of adding a refractor to my equipment list so either camera would see use there.

I don't do a whole lot of terrestrial photography so there's no points for the DSLR in that respect. The D750 does have a larger imager which is a plus for the nightscapes, not so much for prime focus (a full frame QHY or similar is outside the budget). On the other hand, the QHY would pickup H-Alpha better than an unmodified D750...

So... Anyone have thoughts on the subject?

Thanks in advance,
:Dan

[JayTee]

If you are out in the field taking nightscape images then the only way to go is with a DSLR. If you get the QHY camera you will need to drag a whole lot of other stuff out there with you, namely cables and a laptop at a minimum and most likely something to place the laptop on. Then there will be the need for extra batteries because you're going to be doing it for longer than an hour and your laptop will not only need to power itself, but also it will need to power the camera.

Cheers,
JT

[DanW]

If you are out in the field taking nightscape images then the only way to go is with a DSLR. If you get the QHY camera you will need to drag a whole lot of other stuff out there with you, namely cables and a laptop at a minimum and most likely something to place the laptop on. Then there will be the need for extra batteries because you're going to be doing it for longer than an hour and your laptop will not only need to power itself, but also it will need to power the camera.

Cheers,
JT

I should add that I have a slide in truck camper and plan to operate out of that. It can take me to remote enough areas that I can run a cord to the camper so power isn't an issue. At least that's the plan. Once there if I find a short hike from where I'm parked gives me better composition, I can see the advantages of a DSLR would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the input. I hadn't give much thought to that scenario.

:Dan

[JayTee]

Yeah, hiking with the QHY and all its associated gear may be a bit problematic.

JT

[SkyHiker]

Just as important, get a stable tripod so you can shoot the entire sky in sections. Stitch with ICE. That will give you mind blowing nightscapes of the entire MW with background.