Trading Lenses for Scopes: My Astrophotography Evolution!
Hello fellow stargazers!
Today marks a significant milestone in my astrophotography journey. For a long time, my trusty Canon 70-200mm f/4L lens has been my gateway to capturing the wonders of the night sky. But the time has come to say goodbye to lens-based astrophotography... because I've finally acquired my first dedicated telescope!
This image of the Heart and Soul Nebulas is one of my last shoots with the lens. Captured under a Bortle 4.5 sky, it's a testament to what can be achieved with good planning and a bit of perseverance. Here are the details of how this shot came to life:
- Camera: Canon 5D Mk II
- Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4 L
- Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer
- Guiding: Svbony Mini Guide Scope with ZWO ASI120MM
- Control: Asiair Mini
- Exposure: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Calibration: Flats and Bias frames
- Processing: Stacked and processed with Siril, with minor color correction in Lightroom.
I'm really happy with how this turned out, even if it's not perfect. It's definitely one of my best results to date using a lens. I'm always open to suggestions and tips for improvement, so please feel free to share your thoughts!
The Exciting New Chapter: My First Telescope!
I'm thrilled to announce that I've upgraded to an SV503 80ED telescope! I picked it up on sale for a great price, along with a reducer. I had a brief, albeit cloudy, test run last night, and I'm incredibly excited about the possibilities this new instrument opens up for deeper, more detailed captures of celestial objects.
This transition is all about pushing the boundaries and exploring the universe in greater detail. While my lens served me well, a dedicated telescope promises sharper images and the ability to capture fainter, more intricate structures in nebulae and galaxies.
Stay tuned for more updates and, of course, more astrophotography! I can't wait to share my first proper deep-sky images with my new scope. Clear skies!
ISO: For those curious, this was shot at ISO 1600. However, I found that the camera's read noise plays a significant role, and I encourage you to research optimal settings for your specific camera – there are many helpful resources online!
