Like the title says I just got into this and went crazy on some Black Friday deals. I’ve been watching these prices since summer and decided to pull the trigger and make some big purchases. Is there anything I’m missing? Any tips on jumping into the deep end?
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Spacecat51 Gen II ZWO ASI2600 Pro Duo ZWO ASIAIR Plus ZWO EAF Pro
My brother passed down some old filters that he said would be good but I haven’t sat down to see the brand and which models yet.
Im going to assume 2660mc? What bortle class are you in (link)?
This will really dictate what filters you might need. If you are in 5+, I would say you might want dual-narrowband filters. SV220 series or Askar C1/2 are the most budget oriented that I know of. I'm pretty sure the 2600 duo has IR glass on it, but you might want an IRcut filter as well.
I didn't see you or anybody else mention Dew Heater straps.
I’m in a Bortle 5 zone. I’m an hour away from Bortle 3/4 zones. I have the ASI2600 Pro Duo which boasted a built-in dew heater system but I also purchased one for the spacecat as well.
Perfect on the dew heater.
So the 2600 duo comes in Color and Mono. 2600MC or 2600MM. Filters needed are vastly different depending on what version you purchased.
Do you know if I’ll need the one for the spacecat since it has a built-in one? I have the MC. I was gifted some Optolong filters.
Filters are more camera/target specific not telescope specific.
The 2600MC I beleive has built in IR glass in front of the camera sensor. However you may want to get a IRcut filter if you dont already have one just to be sure. They aren't overly expensive, ~$50. You can just screw it in the imaging train for now.
The dual narrowband will help image nebulas in bortle 5 conditions and when the moon is out. Ha/Oiii filter is a great start. Adding a Sii/Oiii filter will allow you to do SHO images, which is fun.
If you do get the narrowband filters I would suggest getting a filter drawer (cheaper) or electronic fitler wheel (more expensive) at that point.
That's a good starter rig. You didn't list a tripod but I assume you have one?
Skywatcher is the tripod. I bought the GTI with the built-in tracking system
Did you get an EAF adapter for the spacecat? That has the old style helical focuser, you'll need an adapter kit for that to work.
But I'd run a few sessions without the EAF just to get your feet wet with the process before adding the EAF.
It came with an adapter, honestly not sure on the specifics. The previous owner had an EAF on it.
If this is something you have never done before, I would recommend reading a book called Deep-Sky imaging primer. This will provide you a solid foundation about how and why astrophotography is extremely challenging. It will also prepare you for incredibly frustrating moments of poor/no seeing. When there are clouds, which will be always ;) familiarize yourself with your equipment and take dark frames. You should always be taking dark frames, regardless how many you think you need. Build yourself a library across many ranges of temperatures/gain/exposure time etc. Typically they can be used for 6 months, maybe 12 if you feel lucky. Some people never retake them. It's up to you. Good luck!
I am in a similar situation, however I have not purchased a rig yet (other than a seestar s50). I am so glad I bought this book prior to making any expensive purchases! Still have not read everything yet, but even after the first chapter I realised that I did not realise how much I did not know.
Smart telescopes have come a long way. Unfortunately, they do nothing for the knowledge gap. They don't teach you the why behind the art of capturing photons on their muti-million year journey and ONLY those photons.. maybe.. It's really remarkable once you understand the process of trying to remove all the other sources of noise that look indistinguishable from photon signal.
You’re the fifth person who have mentioned that book. It’s on my wish list so hopefully I’ll get it for Christmas!
Unfortunately I’m also in a Bortle 5 zone so I’m hoping with the use of a good filter I can get some work in from home. I’ve heard with the ASI Duo version it may cause tracking issues though
For reference, I am in a bortle 6/7.. mostly LED lights. I shoot only with a UV/IR filter. Broadband targets are not an issue if you capture data above 75° minimum through the meridian. It's all about signal to noise. That's really all there is. The more signal you have, the less noise there is. Here is an example of what is possible with image acquisition time. This is about 34 hours. https://www.astrobin.com/full/iwn1kc/B/
It's all about patience and practice. In time, you will arrive at an image that blows you away.
That’s awesome! It looks really good!
I’m about 4 hours away from a Bortle 1-2 so I’ve debated about going every now and then to a spot we’re a bunch of fellow astrophotographers go but I’m still so new I’m worried about not even setting it up right. I need to get more confident I’m just worried because it was all so expensive
There's no rush. The light you are trying to capture has been traveling for millions/billions of years. ;) Take your time, set up your equipment in your living room, make sure it all works and then take it down. Do this 10-20 times until you are comfortable with the process of properly balancing and wiring it all. The ASIAIR is a wonderful piece of equipment and will simplify things greatly. That being said, it is best to troubleshoot stuff before you want to image. There should be zero questions when it comes time for a lengthy and planned imaging session. Even then, it may decide you need an update right during prime imaging time :D
The SA is not really "advanced", your other stuff is pretty good.
Agreed, but it was the only thing in my budget. I’m brand new to this area of photography so I’ve been watching a lot of videos. This set up seems like its user friendly from what I’ve read about hooking everything up to the ASIAIR
It is user friendly, the ASiair will be pretty much plug and play, just watch a couple of YouTube videos and you'll be up and running in no time. Clear Skies, Amigo.
Thanks!