Astrophotography is an amazing hobby that lets you capture the stunning beauty of the night sky. But if you're just starting out, all the gear options can be pretty overwhelming. Don't stress! This guide will break down the must-have astrophotography equipment you need to get started, so you can focus on snapping those breathtaking celestial shots.
Before we dive in, we should mention that there is a shortcut to astrophotography. With the growing advancements of smart telescopes, much of the equipment below has been condensed into one powerful device. You can read more about one of the smart telescope industry-leaders, Unistellar, here.
Cameras
When it comes to astrophotography, choosing the right camera is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of preferred options for beginners:
DSLR Cameras
DSLRs are a popular choice for beginner astrophotographers due to their manual settings and interchangeable lenses. These cameras offer the flexibility to experiment with different exposures and compositions. Here are some excellent entry-level models:
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II: Known for its excellent low-light performance, this camera features a 26.2 MP sensor and an ISO range of 100-40,000, expandable to 102,400. It’s a budget-friendly full-frame option with a vari-angle touchscreen and 4K time-lapse capabilities.
- Nikon D780: This advanced DSLR offers a 24.5 MP sensor and excellent low-light capabilities, with an ISO range of 100-51,200. It features a weather-sealed body, making it durable for outdoor night shoots.
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are gaining popularity thanks to their lighter weight and quieter operation compared to DSLRs. They also have interchangeable lenses and can produce high-quality images. Recommended models for beginners include:
- Sony Alpha a7 III: This camera is known for its superb low-light performance and features a 24.2 MP full-frame sensor. It’s compact and offers excellent dynamic range and battery life, making it a top choice for astrophotography.
- Canon EOS R6: With a 20 MP full-frame sensor and impressive high-ISO performance, the EOS R6 is excellent for capturing detailed night sky images. It also features dual SD card slots and a durable, robust design.
Dedicated Astrophotography Cameras
For those serious about astrophotography, dedicated astrophotography cameras are worth considering. These specialized cameras are designed to capture celestial objects with high sensitivity and low noise. However, they can be expensive and have a steeper learning curve, so it's best to start with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and upgrade later if desired. Popular options include:
- ZWO ASI183MC Pro: This camera is specifically designed for deep-sky imaging, featuring a 20 MP sensor and high sensitivity. It’s capable of capturing exquisite details that other cameras might miss and is ideal for use with a telescope.
- Nikon D850: Although it’s a DSLR, the D850 is highly recommended for its high-resolution 45.7 MP sensor and exceptional dynamic range. It performs brilliantly in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for advanced astrophotographers.
Starting with a versatile DSLR or mirrorless camera allows you to learn the basics and gradually build your skills before investing in more specialized equipment.
Telescopes for Astrophotography
Selecting the right telescope can dramatically enhance your astrophotography experience, enabling you to capture detailed images of celestial objects that are difficult to photograph with a camera alone.
Refractor Telescopes
Refractor telescopes are a popular choice for astrophotography due to their simple design and excellent image quality. They use lenses to focus light, which results in sharp, high-contrast images with minimal maintenance. Here are some recommended models:
- Vixen Fluorite FL55SS: This compact refractor features high-quality fluorite glass, providing excellent color correction and sharpness. With a 55mm aperture and a focal length of 303mm, it's perfect for wide-field astrophotography. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and transport
- Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED: This telescope features an 80mm aperture and a focal length of 600mm, making it perfect for capturing crisp images of planets, the moon, and bright deep-sky objects. Its high-quality optics reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring clear and accurate colors in your photos.
- Explore Scientific ED80: Known for its exceptional build quality, this 80mm apochromatic refractor offers sharp and bright images. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up, ideal for both wide-field astrophotography and detailed shots of celestial objects.
Reflector Telescopes
Reflector telescopes use mirrors to gather and focus light, providing excellent performance for deep-sky astrophotography at an affordable price. They typically offer larger apertures compared to refractors, allowing you to capture more light and detail. Recommended models include:
- Explore FirstLight 130mm f/4.6 Newtonian: This telescope combines a 130mm aperture with a focal ratio of f/4.6, making it ideal for capturing deep-sky objects. The included iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System offers precise tracking, which is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography. This setup is excellent for beginners who want a powerful, yet affordable, system to start their astrophotography journey.
- Orion 8" f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph: This telescope is specifically designed for astrophotography, featuring a large 8-inch aperture and a fast f/3.9 focal ratio. It’s perfect for capturing detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. The dual-speed focuser ensures precise focusing, essential for long-exposure shots.
- Celestron NexStar 130SLT: An excellent entry-level reflector, this model offers a 130mm aperture and a focal length of 650mm. It includes a computerized GoTo mount, making it easy to locate and track celestial objects. Its affordability and ease of use make it a great choice for beginners.
Catadioptric Telescopes
Catadioptric telescopes combine lenses and mirrors to provide compact, versatile, and high-quality imaging. They are excellent for both planetary and deep-sky astrophotography. Some top beginner models are:
- Celestron NexStar 6SE: This popular Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope features a 6-inch aperture and a compact design. Its computerized GoTo mount helps you easily find and track objects in the sky. The NexStar 6SE’s versatility and ease of use make it ideal for beginners looking to explore a wide range of celestial objects.
- Meade LX85 8" ACF: With its 8-inch aperture and advanced coma-free optics, this telescope provides sharp, distortion-free images across the entire field of view. It’s excellent for both planetary and deep-sky photography, and its robust mount ensures stable and accurate tracking during long exposures.
- Vixen VMC200L: This telescope offers a 200mm aperture and a focal length of 1950mm, making it perfect for capturing detailed images of planets and deep-sky objects. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain design provides high-quality, crisp images with minimal aberration. The VMC200L’s compact size and lightweight build make it easy to transport and set up, ideal for both beginners and more experienced astrophotographers.
Telescope Considerations
When selecting a telescope for astrophotography, consider the following factors:
- Aperture: Larger apertures gather more light, allowing you to capture fainter objects with greater detail.
- Focal Length and Ratio: Telescopes with shorter focal lengths and faster focal ratios (lower f/numbers) are better for wide-field astrophotography, while longer focal lengths are suited for detailed planetary imaging.
- Mount Stability: A stable mount is crucial for long-exposure photography. Equatorial mounts are preferred for their tracking accuracy.
- Portability: If you plan to travel to dark-sky sites, consider the size and weight of the telescope and mount.
Telescope Accessories
To get the most out of your telescope, invest in some essential accessories:
- Field Flattener: Reduces field curvature and improves edge-to-edge sharpness in refractor telescopes.
- Autoguider: Helps maintain precise tracking over long exposures, essential for capturing detailed deep-sky images.
- Dew Shield/Heater: Prevents dew from forming on your telescope’s optics during long sessions in humid conditions.
A good telescope is a vital investment for any aspiring astrophotographer. Starting with a quality refractor, reflector, or catadioptric telescope will set you on the right path. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced models and accessories.
Connecting Your Camera to the Telescope
Connecting your camera to a telescope is a crucial step in astrophotography. It allows you to capture detailed images of celestial objects with the added magnification and clarity provided by the telescope. Here's how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Adapter
To attach your camera to the telescope, you'll need a T-ring and a T-adapter. The T-ring is specific to your camera brand and model, while the T-adapter is designed to fit the telescope.
- T-ring: This adapter connects to the camera's lens mount, allowing it to be attached to the telescope.
- T-adapter: This adapter screws into the T-ring and slides into the telescope’s focuser.
2. Remove the Camera Lens
Before attaching your camera to the telescope, remove its lens. This allows the camera sensor to directly capture the light coming through the telescope.
3. Attach the T-ring to the Camera
Mount the T-ring onto the camera body as you would a lens. Ensure it locks securely in place.
4. Connect the T-adapter to the T-ring
Screw the T-adapter onto the T-ring. This combination will now act as a bridge between your camera and the telescope.
5. Insert the T-adapter into the Telescope Focuser
Slide the T-adapter into the telescope’s focuser. Tighten any locking screws to ensure the camera is securely attached.
6. Adjust the Focus
With the camera connected, you'll need to adjust the focus to get a clear image. This can be done manually through the telescope’s focuser. Start with a bright object like the moon or a star to achieve initial focus. Use your camera’s live view feature to help fine-tune the focus.
7. Add Accessories
- Use a Remote Shutter Release: To minimize vibrations that can blur your images, use a remote shutter release or set a delay timer on your camera. This ensures the camera remains steady when you take the shot.
- Use a Barlow Lens: For additional magnification, you can insert a Barlow lens between the T-adapter and the telescope. This is particularly useful for capturing detailed images of planets and the moon.
Mounts
If you plan to take long exposure shots, consider using an equatorial mount or a star tracker to keep the telescope aligned with the Earth's rotation. This helps in avoiding star trails and capturing clearer images. Here’s a detailed look at different types of mounts and some recommended models:
Alt-Azimuth Mounts
Alt-azimuth mounts are straightforward and ideal for beginners. They allow for easy movement of the camera in both vertical and horizontal directions, making it simple to frame your shots. These mounts are perfect for casual stargazing and short-exposure photography.
Equatorial Mounts
Equatorial mounts are specifically designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which is essential for long-exposure astrophotography. They can track celestial objects as they move across the sky, significantly reducing the risk of star trails. Here are some recommended beginner models:
- Explore Scientific iEXOS-100: This mount is designed for portability and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. It features the PMC-Eight™ electronics for smooth and accurate tracking, a WiFi connection for wireless control, and an integrated polar alignment scope. With its compact design and reliable performance, it’s an excellent choice for those new to astrophotography.
- Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro: This mount is reliable and suitable for both deep-sky and solar system imaging. It offers a 44-pound payload capacity, supports autoguiding, and includes a built-in polar scope for accurate alignment. It’s a popular choice for serious astrophotographers due to its sturdy build and precise tracking.
- Celestron Advanced VX: Known for its advanced features at a reasonable price, this mount offers excellent tracking accuracy and is capable of supporting heavier equipment. It includes a built-in polar alignment scope and can be upgraded with motor drives for automated tracking. It is highly regarded for its computerized design and improved tracking motors.
- Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT: This mount offers robust performance with a 28-pound payload capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of telescopes and astrophotography equipment. It features the PMC-Eight™ GoTo system for precise tracking and control, along with a user-friendly interface for easy operation. This mount is ideal for those looking to progress in their astrophotography journey with reliable and advanced equipment.
Star Trackers
Star trackers are a great alternative to equatorial mounts for beginners. They are portable and can be easily attached to your existing tripod, allowing you to take longer exposures without star trails. Recommended models include:
- Vixen POLARIE Star Tracker: This star tracker is designed for easy portability and quick setup. It allows for precise tracking of celestial objects, reducing star trails in long-exposure photos. It is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for travel.
- Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker: An advanced version of the POLARIE Star Tracker, the POLARIE U offers enhanced features such as improved tracking accuracy and a user-friendly interface. It supports various shooting modes and can handle heavier camera setups, making it suitable for more advanced astrophotographers.
- iOptron SkyTracker Pro: This star tracker is easy to set up and use, making it perfect for beginners. It offers precise tracking and features a built-in polar scope for accurate alignment. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel, although it has a limited payload capacity of 3 kg.
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer: Known for its excellent tracking accuracy, this star tracker is versatile and user-friendly. It includes multiple tracking modes, a built-in polar scope, and can handle various camera setups. The Star Adventurer is a favorite among astrophotographers for its reliability and performance.
Strain Wave (Harmonic Drive) Mounts
These mounts offer high payload capacities in compact and lightweight designs, often without the need for counterweights:
- ZWO AM5: This mount provides an impressive maximum payload of up to 44 pounds (with counterweight) and functions in both EQ and AZ modes. It is portable, lightweight, and integrates seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR for easy control.
- Sky-Watcher Wave 150i: A newer entry in the harmonic drive mount market, this model offers a 33-pound payload (or 55 pounds with counterweight). It features built-in cable management and low backlash, making it a robust choice for serious astrophotography.
Selecting the right mount will depend on your specific needs and budget. Alt-azimuth mounts are great for beginners focusing on ease of use, while equatorial mounts and star trackers provide the precision required for long-exposure astrophotography. Harmonic drive mounts offer high performance in a portable package, suitable for advanced users. Choose a mount that suits your setup and helps you capture the night sky with clarity and detail.
Software
Using the right software can greatly enhance your astrophotography experience, from planning your shoots to editing your final images. Here’s a detailed look at some recommended options:
Editing Software
Post-processing is a crucial part of astrophotography, allowing you to enhance your images and bring out details and colors that aren’t visible straight out of the camera. Here are some recommended beginner-friendly editing software:
- Adobe Lightroom: User-friendly and powerful, Lightroom is perfect for beginners. It offers a range of tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance. Its non-destructive editing workflow allows you to make changes without altering the original file. It’s especially useful for organizing your photos and making final adjustments.
- Adobe Photoshop: Offers advanced editing capabilities, including layer-based editing, masking, and a wide array of filters and effects. Photoshop is ideal for more detailed adjustments and combining multiple exposures for high dynamic range (HDR) images. It’s highly versatile and powerful, making it a staple for serious astrophotographers.
- Affinity Photo: A cost-effective alternative to Photoshop, Affinity Photo provides many of the same powerful editing tools, including support for star trails and starry landscapes. It’s a one-time purchase with free updates, making it a great choice for those who prefer not to deal with subscriptions.
- PixInsight: This software is specialized for astrophotography with advanced features for deep-sky and planetary imaging. It offers robust tools for noise reduction, color correction, and image stacking, but has a steep learning curve. It’s best suited for experienced users who need precise control over their images.
Planning Apps
Planning your shoots is essential for successful astrophotography. Several apps can help you identify the best times and locations for capturing celestial events. Here are some brief overviews and recommendations:
- Stellarium: A free planetarium app that shows a realistic sky in 3D. It allows you to view the sky from any location on Earth at any time, making it easy to plan your shoots. It’s highly detailed and great for both beginners and advanced users looking to track specific celestial events.
- SkySafari: Offers detailed information on celestial objects and helps plan your sessions. It features a comprehensive database of stars, planets, and deep-sky objects, and provides real-time sky charts and augmented reality (AR) views to help you locate objects in the sky.
Stacking Software
For astrophotographers, stacking software is essential for reducing noise and enhancing details in your images. Here are some recommended options:
- DeepSkyStacker: A free software specifically designed for astrophotography. It simplifies the pre-processing steps of raw images, aligning and stacking multiple images to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. It’s highly recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
- StarStaX: Another free option that is user-friendly and effective for stacking images of star trails. It’s simple to use and can quickly process multiple images to create beautiful star trail photos.
By utilizing these software tools, you can effectively plan your astrophotography sessions and enhance your images to reveal the stunning beauty of the night sky.
Kickstart Your Astrophotography Adventure
Starting your astrophotography journey is both exciting and rewarding, especially with the right gear in hand. Begin with the basics and upgrade your equipment as you gain more experience and confidence. Keep in mind, the secret to stunning astrophotography is patience and practice. Clear skies and amazing photos are just around the corner!