Astrophotography with Meade ETX125EC Telescope

9 years 7 months ago #399669 by The Italian Guy
I have the chance of picking up this telescope for $375 used from a local seller.  I'm wondering what all would I need to make my Nikon D600 work with this telescope for astrophotography?  


,
9 years 7 months ago #399674 by effron
Here's a good research site. There are lots of things you can do....Cha ching!!!
;)

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 7 months ago #399699 by The Italian Guy

effron wrote: Here's a good research site. There are lots of things you can do....Cha ching!!!
;)


I'm sorry, I don't follow you?  


,
9 years 7 months ago #399701 by Roblane


Photo Comments
,
9 years 7 months ago #399719 by Foggy
Will a setup like that get you close to any of the outer planets with rings?


Photo Comments
,
9 years 7 months ago #399807 by One Wish

Foggy wrote: Will a setup like that get you close to any of the outer planets with rings?



Most likely depends on where you are located and how much light pollution you have


Photo Comments
,
9 years 7 months ago #399917 by Joves

Foggy wrote: Will a setup like that get you close to any of the outer planets with rings?


That is determined by the diameter of the primary optic, and the focal length. I have an 8" f/6 Newtonian telescope, and at a 1220mm focal length at prime focus I get a magnification of 25x. I cannot remember what the EXT scopes were. They are also Cassegrain/Catoptrics which have a longer focal lengths even though they are shorter. They make a focal compressor/field flattener to be able to shoot wider, it cuts them down to f/6.
Now of you shoot Afocally, or through the eyepiece then it is at whatever the eyepiece magnifies it to. This requires a totally different setup to do that. In that case you use a 50mm, or normal view lens on your camera focused at infinity, then you focus while looking through the viewfinder. My preferred method for planetary shooting, if I am doing it.  It is more of a pain, but with a lot of patience, and practice you can get good results. I have not really done it digitally with a Dslr, I did a couple of shots with my P&S for grins&giggles of a partial eclipse a longtime ago.


,
9 years 7 months ago #399922 by Richard Taylor
I'd love to get into astrophotography, just to much light polution here.  :(


Photo Comments
,
9 years 7 months ago #399985 by [email protected]
I'm also dying to get into astrophotography. It combines two of my biggest loves. However I do live in Chicago. :| Yikes. I'd have to drive quite a bit away from the city (and suburbs) to get any sort of dark sky unfortunately. Fortunately though, outside of Chicago is corn. Lots of corn and flat fields!

Astrophotography just seems like such a daunting hobby to learn. One is learning all the mumbo jumbo Joves wrote about telescopes. And then learning what's needed to connect my camera to it. Then techniques for getting the shot....

Time to start reading (learning) more!


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

Too often, affordable online printing companies don’t meet your expectations of what a print should look like. But there are some choices that combine affordability with superb quality!

Apr 09, 2024

Self-critique is an important component of your journey to improving as a photographer. Use these simple tips about critiquing your work as a means to make faster progress with your art.

Apr 08, 2024