Astrophotography set up

7 years 8 months ago #491057 by KENT MELTON

astrodave wrote:

James F wrote: Was that a food truck that you converted to the astrovan?  Does the top spin around? 


Yes it has a dome that rotates with the telescope. You can see the other observatory to the background on the left. I think it used to be a Laundry delivery truck at one point. 

To Alex it looks pretty cool. Lots of blinky things and wires. I don't think I have an inside view. Here's a timelapse i did in the other observatory if you want to see it.


Gotta love Frank Sinatra!  Excellent choice of tunes.  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 8 months ago #491058 by astrodave
Ha! the bright light is the very cresent moon about 5 in the morning. The spikes are refractions of light from the ice crystals in the air.

Ontherocks wrote:

astrodave wrote: No it actually looks like this. This was a test shot in March to see how my new imaging system would work this summer. That's the Astrovan in the foreground. It can be driven virtually anywhere but only up to 50mph.

Eliffman wrote:

astrodave wrote: Like everything else in life there is a need to know a budget. If you have unlimited budget I have a $25k mobile observatory with everything already to go. Top of the line gear and mobile. 

If not There are trackers for $300ish that work well at under 300mm. 

Additionally one of the major issues is weight the mount can care. For some of us its the amount of weight we can care. My main astro mounts can carry 250 lbs but they weigh in at 120 lbs so they are a pain to lug about hence my observatories.

For a DLSR setup a Star Adventurer or an Astrotrac are pretty easy to use and track well up to about 15lbs. I'd recommend either of those to someone wanting to "dabble".

Just my $.02



That mobile observatory sounds so cool, is that something you tow?




Ok, this is killer shot.  Now that light looks like something out of the movie "Thor" where Thor is getting 'shot' to Earth!  Really, what is that?



Photo Comments
,
7 years 8 months ago #491061 by Trisha.M

KENT MELTON wrote:

astrodave wrote:

James F wrote: Was that a food truck that you converted to the astrovan?  Does the top spin around? 


Yes it has a dome that rotates with the telescope. You can see the other observatory to the background on the left. I think it used to be a Laundry delivery truck at one point. 

To Alex it looks pretty cool. Lots of blinky things and wires. I don't think I have an inside view. Here's a timelapse i did in the other observatory if you want to see it.


Gotta love Frank Sinatra!  Excellent choice of tunes.  


I was thinking the same thing.  Went and turned on the whole song in my iTunes.  I have a brother and neighbor who have been tempting me with getting into astrophotography.  Just concerned about being a female and all the gear to carry!  That set up you have, looks incredible.  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 8 months ago #491153 by Peter Nunez
Excellent choice for music on both accounts!  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 8 months ago #491297 by Walter Tidwell
Have any of you tried those filters for cutting down light pollution effects on the cameras sensor?  It's a round thing that snaps in place right above the mirror?


Photo Comments
,
7 years 8 months ago #491338 by Rob Cline
Hey Dave, I was just looking at your photos.  How large are these shots when you are finished with them?  


BTW have you shot in the south hemisphere?  


Photo Comments
,

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
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

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