Ready to Capture the Cosmos: Maximizing Your 135mm Astrophotography Setup
Greetings fellow sky gazers! It's a common plight for us astrophotographers – the persistent rain that keeps our precious gear grounded. But with the skies of Mexico often offering breathtaking views, the anticipation for clear nights is immense. For those of us just starting out, or looking to expand our capabilities, equipping ourselves with the right tools and knowledge is key.
I recently assembled a fantastic, budget-conscious astrophotography rig, and I'm eager to hear from experienced minds. My current setup includes:
- Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer GTI
- Primary Lens: Rokinon 135mm f/2
- Control/Capture: ZWO ASIair Plus
- Guiding Scope: SVbony SV165 120mm guide tube
- Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Main Camera: ZWO ASI585MC (uncooled) or a DIY astromodded Canon T3i
The Rokinon 135mm f/2 is a fantastic starting point, offering a wide aperture and a versatile focal length that's excellent for capturing larger nebulae and even some galaxies. But to truly make the most of this setup, I'm looking for recommendations. What objectives, in terms of target deep-sky objects, would you suggest for this specific focal length and equipment? Are there any particular techniques or settings you've found beneficial when using a 135mm lens for astrophotography?
I'm eager to hear your experiences and insights to help me push the boundaries of what I can capture. Let's share knowledge and aim for those clear skies!
Clear skies to all!