rdm on Nostr: I guess the first question is "What sort of astrophotography?" The options include: * ...

I guess the first question is "What sort of astrophotography?"

The options include:
* Astroscapes - where you are shooting a landscape or other scene with a wide sky view as the backdrop - you can get started with a decent DSLR and a fast 35-70mm lens
* Deep Sky - Nebulae, galaxies, etc - Depends how you want to go. A cheap smart telescope like a Dwarf or Seestar will get you up and running almost instantly. Alternatively, a 100-500mm lens, DSLR, tracking mount, and a laptop running Siril or Pixinsight
* Wide field - Whole constellations or more - Same as for astroscapes, with the option the same gear as Deep Sky. Or a modern Google phone.
* Planetary - What it says on the cover, also includes the Moon - Just the moon, a Smart telescope or DSLR with a longish lens will do the trick, but everything else a decent telescope with a tracking mount and either a DSLR or a dedicated astrophotography camera
* Solar - again, what it says. A smart telescope with solar filters, the same set up as for planetary, but with solar filters, or a dedicated solar telescope like a Lundt.

What does all this cost? As much or as little as you like. If you already have a DSLR or a modern Google phone, potentially nothing. A Smart telescope can be less that USD500. Or you can spend as much as you like. I know people who have rigs worth tens of thousands of dollars and more.

Astroscapes and Wide Field are the easiest to get started in, alongside Deep Sky with a Smart telescope.

#Astrophotography