Gear for Astrophotography: A Different Type of Large Format
With time off due to current events, I've had a lot more time to break out the telescope and capture the night sky. I've had several people ask about the gear I use for astrophotography so here it is!
Mount: Astrophysics Mach1GTO on and Eagle Pier
Telescope: Astrophysics 130GTX w/0.72 quad telecompressor
Camera: ATIK 383L+ Mono
Filter Wheel: ATIK EFW2 w/Astronomik Filters
Guide camera: QHY 5L-II on an off-axis guider
Focus: RoboFocus
Polar Alignment: Polemaster
Astrophotography is one of the most demanding branches of photography in the sense that you are pushing gear to the absolute limit. You are imaging very dark objects (some can't be seen even through a telescope) with very long focal lengths for hours at a time. And did I mention they're moving targets? When it all comes together though, you are able to create images that quite frankly just aren't that common. Even more than large format, there is a real sense of accomplishment when everything clicks and you create a good image.
It's certainly not the cheapest hobby to get into, and that's why I bought most of my gear used. Astronomers tend to take very good care of they're gear and if you are patient, you'll come across some deals. Looking back it feels like I practically stole my mount for what I paid for it. I mostly use astromart.com but cloudynights.com also has an excellent gear-for-sale section. I've sold old gear on both sites. The good news is you can take your time accumulating your kit...the universe isn't going anywhere!
If you are wanting to dabble in this and not sink a ton of money into it, check out the relatively new astro-tracker by Sky-Watcher (https://optcorp.com/products/skywatch.... This is a motorized equatorial mount capable of holding a DSLR and lens. It will track the night sky allowing you to capture some Milky Way shots and some widefield nebula. I don't personally own this, but I've seen photographers do amazing work with them.
https://optcorp.com/products/skywatch...