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[nardaf]

Hi, I'm Gaby (looking to retire soon), avid hobby photographer. I would like to try my hand at astrophotography (maybe starting with lunar or planetary photography, later some deep sky photography).

I do not have any telescopes, digital imaging software for astrophotography, or any other equipment yet. Mainly because I have no idea what to purchase or what is needed.

Are there any hobby astronomomers' meetings or gatherings, possibly where I could attach my camera to a telescope to try it out? Or where I could get some advice what equipment I should purchase as a beginning astrophotographer?

Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated.

Gaby

[patrickm]

Hi Gaby.
Welcome and congrats on your impending retirement!

I don't know of anybody on here who posts regularly that specializes in AP. I do know that there is an excellent beginner AP forum at Cloudy Nights. Check it out and I am sure that there is a wealth of info already posted as well as friendly people eager to help out newbies.

I do know from reading that the best telescope for visual astronomy is frequently not the best telescope for astrophotography. They will likely recommend a refractor with a heavy mount to reduce vibration.

New member Tom Lee also recently posted in the New Member section. He is a photographer who is looking to get into astronomy. Perhaps you guys can take the journey together! You can contact him directly through IM, or for our education, we would love it if you would keep us updated on what you are learning and doing as you both progress!

Someday I hope to pursue this as well, but it is at least a year down the road for me. Maybe by then you can help me along through the expensive & likely frustrating trip into AP.

Please let us know what you find out and what gear you decide to purchase.

Best,
Patrick

[nardaf]

Oh...thank you, Patrick, for your great advice. I will follow up on it and look into other astronomy forums.

Too bad that Chicago does not offer more on this. The Adler Planetarium used to offer astronomy classes, but they do not seem to do that any more.

Thanks, again!

Gaby

[patrickm]

You should also contact the Chicago Astronomical Society. I know they will have some members to do AP as well and will be happy to help you get started! Can't believe I forgot them!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Hi Gaby,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer crew.

If you look around this site, in the Observations Imaging board:

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Observations

and the Astrophotography board:

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Astrophotraphy

You'll see some of the astrophotography possible under light polluted skies here in Chicago.

Planets, Lunar and some deep Space Objects are easily imaged with just a SLR camera.... capturing star trails, lunar phases and meteors.

A simple attachment to a non-drive telescope and a fast ISO setting, will allow you to capture mountain ranges on the Moon, rings of Saturn and Satellites of Jupiter. Using a motor driven scope and a proper camera, you can start to capture deep space objects such as nebulae, galaxies and star clusters.

I don't use any astro imaging software, other than basic clean up and nudging. I have been meaning to see what Registax and other programs will do for my pics. Also, webcam astrophotogrpahy is big with astronomers.

For my own work, I use a Canon Powershot S3 for my astrophotography with limited success, but find that I need a full fledged digital SLR for more serious work. But it's great for major objects and to document all Chicago Astronomer activites.

Now, when it get's warmer, you are welcomed to join the Chicago Astronomer crew on our observation sessions and try out some imaging.

(Next month, I'll be trying out and reviewing an iPhone attachment for telescopes...but will need those with an iPhone to help me out, as I have an Android.)

I remember using film for my astrophotography as a kid, but you never knew what the results were until you picked up the prints at the drug store. Digital is a godsend.

You can ask questions about what you are interested in and we'll offer you our opinions on the equipment.

[Paulie pchris00]

Gaby, just as the term "amateur astronomer" covers a lot of territory, "astrophotography" also has a lot of different interpretations. With a limited budget, I've only done very rudimentary imaging. I've read quite a bit about astrophotography, but I don't have a background in photography, so some of the lingo and techniques are foreign to me. However, the Calumet Astronomical Society in Northwest Indiana will be offering an 8 week course sometime this year at their observatory in Lowell, Indiana. There is a $100 fee for non-members, and all work will be done from their new telescope dedicated solely for AP work, and no equipment is required of participants. Information about dates and times hasn't been published yet, but if you're interested, and don't mind the travel time, I can forward any information once it becomes available.

And yes, I think I'm going to take advantage of this myself.

casonline.org/