Re: [APML] Getting Started

["Taras R. Hnatyshyn" <tarashnat@earthlink.net>]

Parker,

For the brighter solar system objects, a webcam seems too be the tool of
choice for many. With the right software and some patience, modest
equipment can garner very good results. With an ETX90 and a webcam I
bested my best film work of the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and
sun spots. You don't even need an equatorial mount, though it helps.
One of my first lunar mosaics was with a photo tripod-mounted ETX90
spotting scope and a SAC-IV. Sure, I had gaps in my mosaic, but the
resolution of the image I did have was very good. Plus, you don't need
dark skies for planetary or lunar work, just steady air. QCUIAG on
yahoo groups is a good place for info on this type of imaging.

Serious film photography requires a bit more investment. It can either 
be
of time or money or both. I would recommend a more modest start at 
first,
and then you could grow into the hobby, if you really enjoy it. (Or if
you become possessed by it, like many of us here have been.) You
can first start with just a camera and take star trails pictures or
build a barn door mount for the camera and take wide-field photos. In
this hobby it is easy to get into equipment envy mode, but sometimes a
low tech solution works just as well, if not better.

Before making any decisions, definitely read Covington and Reeves, as
per George's suggestion. Also, browse through the web pages of the
various different astrophotographers/astroimagers to see what they are
doing, and what interests you. Also, don't forget that most of
the photos or images are processed digitally on the computer nowadays,
so that may also be an expense, with its requisite software and hardware
peripherals (scanners, printers, software, etc.). Though much software
can be had for little of no cost that is almost as good as the 
commercial
stuff, if not sometimes better.

Taras


On Monday, September 22, 2003, at 08:24 PM, Parker Parrish wrote:

> My Name is Parker Parrish and I have been in the hobby on and off since
> I was about 12. I am now turning 18 and ready to get started again. My
> first scope was the classic 60mm refractor which was eventually 
> followed
> by an 8" Meade Star finder. Eventually my light polluted skies led me 
> to
> sell everything but my binoculars to get started in model airplanes. 
> Now
> I am ready again (with a car to get to a dark sky) and looking for a
> scope to be used for photography. I have a reasonably limited budget (
> scope & mount under $1,000 would be very nice) but I am looking at a
> CG-5 with dual axis drives and a suitable OTA. I thought about a 5"
> achromatic refractor but I am worried about the false color. Also I
> considered a 6" Newtonian but I like the idea of clear aperture and no
> mirror flop. Would I be better off in saving up for a pronto or small
> apo like the Orion 80mm, or go for aperture? My photography interest is
> mainly in deep sky but I also want some clear high contrast shots of 
> our
> solar system. I know what I want doesn't fit in my budget, I'm just
> looking
> for the biggest bang for my small buck. The LXD55 EC series looks
> tempting for either the 5" AR or the 6" Newtonian. I am open to ANY
> suggestions and advice. Thanks.
>
>
>
> Parker Parrish
>
>
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> http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo
>
>
--
                         <end of message>
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* Taras R. Hnatyshyn                     tarashnat@earthlink.net *
*    http://homepage.mac.com/tarashnat/astrophoto/welcome.html   *
*  73°59'18.4"W 40°43'37.2"N    or    74°25'24.4"W 41°40'42.0"N  *
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