Second Question: For deep sky photos, can I use my D 500 "as is" or does it have to be modified..Remove the IR filter allowing me to capture the "REDS" or does my camera come without that filter?
Tom

Ty for the info. Interested in only planets for now.
Interesting that the AP Traveller scope is 610mm with excellent optics.
I have a Nikon 200-400mm Zoom used for wildlife with mt Nikon D 500 camera. The 200-400mm lens would actually be 300-600 mm on my camera, should I use the lens or Astrophysics scope?
TY for your help.

Hi and ty in advance!
I have a Nikon d 500 and astrophysics “Traveller “ 105 mm, F6 refractor .
Want to start photographying Saturn, Jupiter , and Mars and other planets and comets and star trails and meteor showers.
I know I need a “T” adaptor and cable release .
Would like recommendations on ISO , f stop and shutter speed .
Is any of this possible on a standard tripod, I do not have a German/Equatorial,go to mount.
Too expensive for my budget at this time and no plans for “Deep Sky” photography, at this time.
Also some suggestions on the moon and sun.
I have a Lunt 60 mm solar scope, B1200 diagonal and 50mm Etalon for far end of the scope.
Anyone with a list of camera settings for the planets, moon, sun and stars.?
Is post processing necessary, such as photoshop or light room?
Would rather not post process , not good with programs, would like quick, one shot images!
All help is appreciated, ty.
Tom
Doctp12@aol.com

Where was your location?
What state?
What lenses and what distance?
Tom

What is the “Ultimate” setup for the bird photographer?
I have the Nikon D 500 with the $6000.00 Nikon 200-400 mm lense, so when used in dx format, it is 300-600mm
Are there sharper, faster telephoto made by Nikon or any other great companies?
Photos will be made on a Epson P 600 printer with Epson ink and paper.
Max. Size will be 11X14, any special Epson paper?
Please suggest a photo lab that does the best professional work that you known.
I only save 10-20 images a year and I would want them to be wall hangers.
Other photos printed on my Epson will be great but placed in an album, just not worthy of a “Pro Lab”
Last question promise:
Should I switch from Dx to Lx?
Is there much visible difference in 11X14?
Ty so much for being patient with my novice questions!
Tom

There was no “Post Processing” in either of these 2 photos.
Never use it but should learn.
Can anyone recommend light room or photoshop or variations of each.
I would only use it maybe 10 times a year.
Or, should I just send it to a pro photo lab and let them do what they think is best.
I am not very good with computers!
Can anyone recommend a great photo lab with contact info?
I think that would be easiest for me.
Ty,
Tom

Got lucky in Nashville, Tenn.
Most of Nashville was clouded over, luckily my spot was clear... just luck!
I flew into Nashville just for the solar eclipse.

Tom

The “ Diamond Ring” phase.

Hope these photos post.

Haven’t had time to set up my new go-to German equatorial Mount.
I realize that is necessary for deep sky objects, but haven’t even attempted shots of the moon or planets with my scope.
I did travel to Nashville for the total solar eclipse and I was very lucky.
Most of Nashville was clouded but I was in a field near the Grand Old Operi... no clouds at all.
Put a solar filter on my Nikon D 500 with 200-400 mm zoom and bracket the heck out of my images.
My buddy showed me how to bracket!!
The images and experience were incredible.
I was like a miracle.
The crickets started chirping.
The 40 or so people that were there were in awe!
If someone can tell me how to post photos, I will.
Just unbelievable!
Tom

Ty all, very helpful!!!
Doctp

I bit off topic,but how do you determine the “ Shutter Count” on a Nikon D 500?
Sorry for the novice question.
Doctp

Imagine, just one of those little white dots is our star with planets revolving around it.
Just look at all the other stars in that galaxy.
Now imagine all the other galaxies out there with millions of “Suns” and it goes on forever.
Makes you kind of wonder what a small piece of this universe we are... now that is photography that sends a message!
Doctp

I love astronomy too and just bought a go-to Mount for my astrophysics 106 Traveller scope.
Will prob start with my Nikon D 500 and T adapter, then progress to a dedicated Astro camera.
What did you use for your incredible photo?
Doctp

I use the Epson P 600 and only Epson original inks and paper, no guessing to save a few dollars; but they do use lots of expensive ink, esp. when switching between different "blacks".

Doctp