Newbie interested in stargazing and astrophotography

[tanuki]

Hi All:

I am a newbie and would like to get more exposure in stargazing and astrophotography.

May I know if my main interest is
1. stargazing/observing constellations, moon craters, planets
2. astrophotography on the above mentioned

What is the minimum set of equipment is required? I have read thru some post and I understand for newbie, a binoculars maybe more suitable. What binoculars is recommended? Someone recommended 20x80 (HK$850) from Grandeye in HK. May I know is this good for newbie?

Is there a way to attach a DSLR (I have the Nikon 80) to a binoculars?

Thank you for your precious time.

[chrisyeo]

Hi,

Have you read Singastrowiki? There is some info on equipment and what binoculars to buy.

As far as I know, there is no easy way to attach a DSLR to a binoculars - you'll get a much better result anyway with any zoom lens.

[Meng Lee]

I would say a 20x80 bino is bad for beginners.

1) Magnification too high, field of view is too small.
2) Too heavy to hold, a sturdy tripod is a must.

Do not start with a bino more than 10x and 56mm.

Just my thoughts.

[weixing]

Hi,

May I know if my main interest is
1. stargazing/observing constellations, moon craters, planets
2. astrophotography on the above mentioned

Basically, most scope on a decent tracking EQ mount will be suitable for the above, except observing constellation which just need your naked eye and a wide angle binoculars such as those 7x50mm, 8x42mm, 7x35mm, etc.

For Astrophotography the constellation, a wide angle lens on a tracking EQ mount is good enough. Also, a Light Pollution Suppression/Reduction (LPS/LPR) will be required if shooting in Singapore... unless your exposure is short. For planetry astrophotography, a fast, wide field achromat refractor is not recommended because of the Chromatic Aberration (CA).

Have a nice day.