Camera conversion for nebulae
Sep 11, 2018 13:53:04 #
Having difficulty in finding answers to what type of conversion works best for capturing nebulae through a telescope. I have a 102mm refractor scope, a T-mounted Canon 77D (brand new...the body cap never removed awaiting conversion) and associated accessories for documenting the night sky. I have asked around and no one can definitively tell me which is best for capturing nebulae..... Full Spectrum conversion or h-alpha/Sulphur II conversion. Any insights would be appreciated, and thank you to all willing to provide guidance.
Sep 12, 2018 06:14:40 #
Hi. When I was starting out I wanted to use my DSLR to shoot the night skies.
I quickly decided it was not going to be the best method, nor use, of my DSLR.
Oh, I have everything to mount it, and have used it attached to my telescope.
The results are considerably wide field, in comparison to a dedicated Astro Camera.
Is your telescope a triple APO?
I think Starizonia has one of the best explanations I've seen. https://starizona.com/tutorial/imaging-with-a-refractor/
I chose to gulp, buy once, cry once, and then do my best with what I got. Trouble was, my first camera was a POS, and still is to this day.
A Friend approached me with a proposition, and I transitioned to what I use now. Which actually proved itself from the first night with the first images.
There are a lot of other things to consider and learn as you grapple with the learning curve.
Great images can be had with a DSLR and Modified DSLR's. But better purposed Astro Cameras can be a better choice. There design affords no moving parts, and electronic exposure and sensor cooling to various degrees.
I still enjoy using my DSLR for night imaging. But for Star Trails, and doing time lapse runs.
I quickly decided it was not going to be the best method, nor use, of my DSLR.
Oh, I have everything to mount it, and have used it attached to my telescope.
The results are considerably wide field, in comparison to a dedicated Astro Camera.
Is your telescope a triple APO?
I think Starizonia has one of the best explanations I've seen. https://starizona.com/tutorial/imaging-with-a-refractor/
I chose to gulp, buy once, cry once, and then do my best with what I got. Trouble was, my first camera was a POS, and still is to this day.
A Friend approached me with a proposition, and I transitioned to what I use now. Which actually proved itself from the first night with the first images.
There are a lot of other things to consider and learn as you grapple with the learning curve.
Great images can be had with a DSLR and Modified DSLR's. But better purposed Astro Cameras can be a better choice. There design affords no moving parts, and electronic exposure and sensor cooling to various degrees.
I still enjoy using my DSLR for night imaging. But for Star Trails, and doing time lapse runs.
Dec 17, 2020 10:16:51 #
SonnyE: Thank you for the insight. I have not explored the telescope as of yet. My scope is an APO Triplet, carbon fiber and the mount is Celestron equatorial. Life grabbed me, so I have not had the opportunity to experiment with my gear. I hope to get with it soon. I have looked at various astro cameras and just not sure I want to introduce the laptop and software into the equation. Hope you have had many successes with your images. May the skies be clear for you, thanks again for your insights.
Dec 17, 2020 16:09:45 #
You'll grow into it... 
Running with a laptop, "It's the only way to fly".
Sorry, you have to be pretty old to remember that ad...
Eventually you will find value in all the amenities a mount-side computer brings into imaging.
The best part is the Universe isn't going anywhere. It will be there when you do have the time.
Running with a laptop, "It's the only way to fly".
Sorry, you have to be pretty old to remember that ad...
Eventually you will find value in all the amenities a mount-side computer brings into imaging.
The best part is the Universe isn't going anywhere. It will be there when you do have the time.
Dec 18, 2020 15:32:12 #
dikh123 wrote:
Having difficulty in finding answers to what type ... (show quote)
Before switching to dedicated astro cam I used both modified dslr & off the shelf dslr.
Canon 450d IR block filter removed more hydrogen alpha sensitivity for nebula.
Nikon D7000 & D5300 straight on the box.
The Canon was impressive but needed lots of additional processing to correct RGB channels & get good colours.
The Nikons D7000 was great when handling noise but needed extra exposures to capture the Ha.
The Nikon D5300 fitted nicely in middle.
Yes its sensitive, not quite as good as the Canon but better than the D7000 but noise wise the D5300 wins hands down.
Try searching nikon D5300 images in astrobin, you will be surprised at the results.
Regards Marc
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