Using a DSLR instead of telescope
- Bearcatrp
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Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Considering selling my equipment and going the DSLR route. The DSLR can be dual purposes vs a telescope. Don’t use my telescope much this past year. Been looking on the forum at folks with a DSLR posting to get a feel for it. Am still a newbie at this which is why I posted here. For those using a DSLR , what is the furthest planet you have been able to capture besides the moon. Thanks.
Meade StarNavigator NG 125mm Maksutov Telescope
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Not quite what you're asking, but it's possible to detect exoplanet transits with just a DSLR , no telescope! As well as capturing images with the DSLR , you can collect data of surprisingly good quality.
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Folks that are using a DSLR to capture planets are using the DSLR attached to a telescope.
Greg M.~ "Ad Astra per Aspera"
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
The furthest planet with a DSLR that doesn't look like dots is Earth.
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Hi and welcome to the forum!
What lens will/are you using?
Essentially, you will need a BIG lens attached to adslr to image a planet (and see something besides a dot).
Actually, you need a rather large telescope to do planets justice.
With big scopes/lenses, you’ll need a capable mount to handle the weight.
I would love to image planets, but it’s way too much for my pocket book.
Good luck!
What lens will/are you using?
Essentially, you will need a BIG lens attached to a
Actually, you need a rather large telescope to do planets justice.
With big scopes/lenses, you’ll need a capable mount to handle the weight.
I would love to image planets, but it’s way too much for my pocket book.
Good luck!
Jim
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
While the answers above are correct, one thing you might want to consider if you want to capture the night skies is to try "Nightscape" photography.
You can find examples here: viewforum.php?f=68
You can find examples here: viewforum.php?f=68
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Thanks for the replies. No camera yet, just considering this option. Wanted to get opinions from you pro’s before charging ahead. This was my 1st stop before going forward on more research on cameras and those large lenses. I know a few photographers I could talk to to get more insight on cameras. Been awhile since owning a DSLR so am sure things have changed in the last 20 years. Thanks again folks.
Meade StarNavigator NG 125mm Maksutov Telescope
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
If you are thinking about large lenses with long focal length you will still need an accurate tracking mount. General purpose large lenses will not perform as well forBearcatrp wrote: ↑Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:13 am Thanks for the replies. No camera yet, just considering this option. Wanted to get opinions from you pro’s before charging ahead. This was my 1st stop before going forward on more research on cameras and those large lenses. I know a few photographers I could talk to to get more insight on cameras. Been awhile since owning a DSLR so am sure things have changed in the last 20 years. Thanks again folks.
Also, you were talking about planetary
If you want to do large lens
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Hope you have not been swayed by those on the web who recommend the Nikon P1000 for all things astro, as that stuff is all bunk. Real excellent planetary astrophotography is done by only a handful of dedicated amateurs in the world, most here can name them. Scopes used are 12 inch and up 14-16 is preferable and focal lengths of 4000mm minimum.
In addition to all the mount requirements, years of practice, software and a very favorable location with smooth air is needed. Ready to move to the seaside in the Philippines?
I have the scope and the cameras, but am no good at planetary imaging, mostly lack of talent.
Steve
In addition to all the mount requirements, years of practice, software and a very favorable location with smooth air is needed. Ready to move to the seaside in the Philippines?
I have the scope and the cameras, but am no good at planetary imaging, mostly lack of talent.
Steve
Scopes; Meade 16 LX200, AT80LE, plus bunch just sitting around gathering dust
Cameras; Atik 460ex mono, Zwo ASI1600MC-cool, QHY5L-II color and mono
Cameras; Atik 460ex mono, Zwo ASI1600MC-cool, QHY5L-II color and mono
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
I like my DSLR for nightscapes, star trails, time exposures, etc. With my 400 mm lens I can get a feel for the phase of Venus and identify Jupiter's moons. I can get some detail in lunar pictures on the scale of a full moon (not tight shots). That is about all. Those nightscapes, etc. are among my favorite type of photography. I am happy with them.
HOWEVER, SkyHiker's post is correct. To get anything more requires a tracking mount. My 400 mm lens is almost on the edge of being a small telescope, and it is severely limited. For planetary work it is just enough to want more, but not quite enough to satisfy. For planetary work I think I would soon get bored and either give up or start buying my telescope equipment again.
HOWEVER, SkyHiker's post is correct. To get anything more requires a tracking mount. My 400 mm lens is almost on the edge of being a small telescope, and it is severely limited. For planetary work it is just enough to want more, but not quite enough to satisfy. For planetary work I think I would soon get bored and either give up or start buying my telescope equipment again.
Rob
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Those who follow my blog will know that I've spent a lot of time experimenting with a DSLR at focal lengths from 18mm to 300mm.
In order of frequency and ease of use, I have done the following without using a telescope:
Lunar detail at full disc
Sunspots
Phases of Venus
Jupiter's Moons
Titan
Phases of Mercury
Cloud belts of Jupiter (just 2 main ones)
Saturn's Rings
Albedo features on Mars
The last 5 are far from everyday occurrences and I have far more failed attempts than successful ones. The key is focus and it is very hard with aDSLR and autofocus just doesn't work on my camera.
I have had better results attaching myDSLR to my 127mm Maksutov. Webcam/electronic eyepiece imagers give better results on planets and lunar and solar close-ups but are much more difficult to use.
I don't have a big budget but here is what I do:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/philippughastronomer/
In order of frequency and ease of use, I have done the following without using a telescope:
Lunar detail at full disc
Sunspots
Phases of Venus
Jupiter's Moons
Titan
Phases of Mercury
Cloud belts of Jupiter (just 2 main ones)
Saturn's Rings
The last 5 are far from everyday occurrences and I have far more failed attempts than successful ones. The key is focus and it is very hard with a
I have had better results attaching my
I don't have a big budget but here is what I do:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/philippughastronomer/
- modelsbynight
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
I would keep the telescope, depending on the mount that could also be very useful for Astro PhotographyBearcatrp wrote: ↑Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:18 am Considering selling my equipment and going the DSLR route. The DSLR can be dual purposes vs a telescope. Don’t use my telescope much this past year. Been looking on the forum at folks with a DSLR posting to get a feel for it. Am still a newbie at this which is why I posted here. For those using a DSLR, what is the furthest planet you have been able to capture besides the moon. Thanks.
I had a 4.5" Reflector Newtonian , and prior to that a 3" Mirror. I did not use them much and got rid of them. I now kinda wish I had kept the 4.5"
Now I am getting back into more series Astronomy again. so got a new Mount EQM35 and plan to use it with my Nikon Mirrorless and 85mm
Photographer and Astrophile, Love the Ant on the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn and all time fav Andromeda
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
For visual a Maksutov is a great choice, views can be equivalent of a apochromatic refractor.
The only drawback is the Maksutov design has the smallest TFOV of any telescope design.
Af/ 7 or faster refractor will give good results or a Schmidt Cassagrien using a f/ 6.3 reducer can collect more light.
Personal choice of course, we all do things our own way.
The only drawback is the Maksutov design has the smallest TFOV of any telescope design.
A
Personal choice of course, we all do things our own way.
Gabrielle
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See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110)
The only culture I have is from yogurt
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
Many of the larger DSOs , like the Hyades are better suited to DSLRs and a focal length in the 50-100mm range. I find there's loads I can photograph without going down the driven mount route.
I am getting a new "electronic eyepiece" which will hopefully get some decent lunar and solar close-ups.
I am getting a new "electronic eyepiece" which will hopefully get some decent lunar and solar close-ups.
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Re: Using a DSLR instead of telescope
In case it helps you with your DSLR setup, here's mine:
I haven't captured any planets with it. I'm mainly focusing on much larger targets.
Here are some of my photos: https://unsplash.com/@astrorover
I haven't captured any planets with it. I'm mainly focusing on much larger targets.
Here are some of my photos: https://unsplash.com/@astrorover
Last edited by AstroRover on Sat Apr 22, 2023 8:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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