[Lvas] (Astro Photography)

[Douglas Phillipson]

Phillip Krumpos wrote:
> ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Marc Levy 
>   To: lvas at lvlug.org 
>   Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:18 PM
>   Subject: [Lvas] (no subject)
>
>
>   Hi,
>
>   I am new to astronomy and would like to attend one of your next meetings. Any advice on buying a scope that has the ability to take photographs (DSLR)  budget is no more then $2,000 with all accessories.  I don’t know what we will be photographing because I am new to the hobby but I imagine it would be deep space, planets, etc.. 
>
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>   Hello Marc,
>
>   I am also interested in getting involved in astrophotography.  I would not go out and buy a telescope until you know more about astrophotography and what your interests are.  I recommend that you first buy a good book on the subject.  The book I am currently reading is Robert Reeves, Introduction to Digital Astrophotography.  It is a good nuts-and-bolts introduction to digital astro-imaging.  You can purchase the book online either through www.willbell.com or www.astrovid.com.  
>
>   I hope to see you at our next event.
>
>   Phil Krumpos  
>   
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with Phil.  There are so many aspects to Astrophotography you 
would be wasting your money   by just jumping in with both feet.  I 
would get the advice of some seasoned Astrophotographers whom have 
already learned the "expensive" lessons concerning what the best scope 
and camera is for your desired targets.  I use a Mallincam Video camera 
system for somewhat "Instant gratification".  It can shoot live video of 
objects or shoot pictures which can be "stacked" and processed.  I use 
the mallincam with a Meade LX200GPS Telescope.

You have MUCH to learn and if you just start buying "stuff" you will 
waste a bunch of money buying the wrong stuff.  I suggest you also join 
the "www.cloudynights.com" forums.  There are discussion forums for 
every aspect of astrophotography.  You can learn much from reading other 
peoples posts.  You can ask questions and get real informed answers.

Regards

Doug P