54°12.0' N; 4°25' W

                      Astrophotography Equipment

                                  What Equipment Do You Need?

Imaging Telescope

This telescope is aimed at the targeted object from which it collects photons. It is connected to the imaging camera.

Imaging Camera

This camera captures and images the targeted object.

It can be a Digital SLR, a Film SLR,  a CCD or an Image Intensifier

(the camera replaces the eyepiece).

Programmable Shutter Release

This is connected to the imaging camera. It allows programmed exposures to be taken without touching the camera and causing any unnecessary vibration or movement.

Guiding Telescope

This telescope is aimed at a nearby medium magnitude star (the tracking star). It is connected to guiding camera.

Guiding Camera

This camera collects the photons from the tracking star so the guiding unit

can keep this star in the same position throughout the exposure.

Guiding Unit

This takes the image of a star captured by a guide camera and calculates its coordinates while keeping it in the same position. This position is relayed to the motorised mount allowing for long exposures to be executed. I sometimes use a stand alone SBIG ST4 guide unit. I frequently use a Shoestring GPUSB connected to my laptop using the K3CCDTools Autoguiding Software. Guiding can also be performed manually by  looking through a guiding eyepiece, keeping a star in the same position by using the mount hand controls, however this can be long laborious process . Autoguiding is far easier and more accurate.

Motorised GEM Mount

This mounts the telescopes and moves them at the correct rate to track the targeted object.

The mount takes positioning information from the guiding unit.

Stable Tripod

This bares the entire weight of the mount, telescopes, cameras and counterweights.

It should also minimise any vibrations that can affect the captured image.

Counterweights

These balance the combined weight of the telescopes and cameras ensuring the mount can move these very smoothly.

Portable Power Pack

This provides electricity to any device that needs power like the mount, guiding camera or CCD camera.

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 Other Useful Optional Imaging Equipment to Consider

Finderscope : This can help find the targeted object by providing a wide field of view.

Laser Pointer : This can help find and align an object in the sky by pointing a laser beam upwards towards it.

Astronomers Chair : Astrophotography can be a long process, sitting comfortably while imaging is essential.

Laptop : You can use a laptop to capture the image and / or guide the mount by using purpose designed software.

Anti Vibration Pads : You can stand the tripod mount onto these pads which will help reduce any potential vibrations.

Warm Clothes :  Astrophotography is usually done during long cold nights in the Northern Hemisphere, keeping warm is essential.

Imaging Camera Spare Battery : It is always recommended to have more than one battery fully charged for your imaging camera.

Guiding Eyepiece : You can use a crosshair guiding eyepiece with the guidescope to manoeuvre the mount manually instead of using a guide unit.