What camera setup is best for deep-sky astrophotography with a Skywatcher 127 telescope?
Asked 6/13/2013
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I have a Skywatcher 127 telescope and want to photograph deep-sky objects such as globular clusters. I’ve seen webcam recommendations for planetary imaging, but I’m not sure whether a webcam is suitable for deep-sky work too. What type of camera and accessories are typically recommended for this telescope, and does the mount matter?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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What you want to do is head over to cloudynights.com, get an account, and start reading FAQs.
A webcam isn't going to cut for DSO (deep space objects) but a decent DSLR will. However, without removing the infrared filter from your DSLR you'll not get the deep reds that you're used to seeing in other astrophotography photos. (See Happ Griffin's page for more info, he does the mods but so do others and you can also do it yourself. Note, once you've done it you can't go back.)
You're also going to want a decent mount for the telescope, I'm not sure what you're mounted on, but a Celestron CG-5 class is about the bare minimum you'll want. The CG-5 can give great images but it can also be difficult to setup correct. If you buy one used, make sure you have upgradable firmware, which so you can get the awesome polar alignment code.
Then you'll need stacking software... Once you get all your gear together you'll be able to turn out shots like this:
That was taken with a Canon 40D with the infrared filter removed, attached to a Burgess 1278 refractor mounted on a Celestron ASGT mount. It is a stack of 9 exposure, each 2 minutes long. There was significant post processing.
Astrophotography is a lot of fun but it is also a lot of work, you're heading down a wonderful path that is full of joy and full of curses and can really empty your pocketbook. Keep your goals simple and you'll be fine.
Originally by user7310. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7310
13y ago
0
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For deep-sky objects, a webcam is generally not the best choice. Webcams work well for bright targets like the Moon and planets because you can record short videos and stack the frames, but deep-sky imaging usually needs longer exposures and better sensitivity.
A DSLR is the more typical starting point for deep-sky astrophotography. With the right T-ring and telescope adapter, your telescope effectively becomes a long lens for the camera. A DSLR will usually give much better deep-sky results than a webcam.
The mount matters a lot. For deep-sky imaging, a solid tracking equatorial mount is at least as important as the camera, because long exposures require accurate tracking. Without a capable mount, deep-sky results will be limited.
One note: a standard DSLR can work well, but an unmodified camera may be less sensitive to the deep red hydrogen-alpha light seen in some nebula images. That matters less for targets like globular clusters than for emission nebulae.
So: webcam for planets and Moon; DSLR plus T-ring/adapter and a good tracking mount for deep-sky objects.
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