Scope Adapter

Best Telescope For Astro Photography, Under 1000$?

The title says it all. I have dealt with astronomy and photography for a while, and I am looking to get into a mix of the 2. I know about t-mounts and adapters, just need a scope.

Well, …, you’re not going to get an astrophotgraphy “ready” scope for under $1000 USD that’s all there is to it. As Geoff suggested the orion-EQ computerized goto mount is one of the the cheapest goto mounts that I’ve seen (http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Equatorial-Mounts-Tripods/Orion-Atlas-EQ-G-Computerized-GoTo-Telescope-Mount/pc/-1/c/2/sc/34/p/24338.uts). That’s just the mount and does not include the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) which could run you another $1000 or so (depending on what you want to do, of course).

If you’re looking for an SCT, then starting price is $2,599 and that doesn’t include the equatorial wedge. So you really need to be thinking as follows:

1) 8″ Goto Fork Mounted SCT: 2,599.00: http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1-600-603-979-12961&kw=&st=0
2) Equatorial Wedge: 179.00: http://www.optcorp.com/productList.aspx
3) Deep Sky Imaging Camera with Filter Wheel and autoguider: $1389.85: http://www.telescope.com/control/astrophotography/astrophotography-cameras/orion-starshoot-planetary-imager-and-autoguider.
4) 4 Astrophotography filters: 205.95: http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/telescope-and-eyepiece-filters/1*25-inch-lrgb-astrophotography-telescope-eyepiece-filter-set

So adding it up: 2,599.00 + 179.00 + 1389.85 + 205.95 = $4373.90 * 7.5 tax = ~$4701.94.

So it takes a little dough to get started but it’s do able. As someone else has already said it might be best to get into the visual end of astronomy first and then work your way up to astrophotography. BTW, the prices I’ve given, though actual, may be less if you already have some of the items so in your case it could be less. Especially if you already own a DLSR, then you don’t need to invest in an astronomy camera and will only need an autoguider which on runs about $385 (depending on which one you buy).

You might also want to pick up a copy of one of Robert Reeve’s books “Astrophotography for Webcams” or “Astrophotography for DSLR’s”. His books are full of great tips on how to be successful at astrophotogrpahy.

Watch the following video for specifications on 10″ Meade LX200 with an equatorial wedge: http://www.mycarolinatoday.com/2010/05/raleigh-astronomy-club/

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