Thread by @AJamesMcCarthy

For the last couple years, I have fully delved into backyard astrophotography from the city. My most common question- what kind of gear is needed if someone wants to learn to take these photos? Here is a full thread on the topic. #astrophotography #space #opteam

I do have a short youtube video walking through the basics of what I use and why, but sometimes its easier just to read a quick summary and check out product/prices, which is why I am doing this. Here's the video if you haven't seen it yet:

When I just want to observe, and not take photos, I use a dobsonian. They offer the largest aperture for your dollar and can show you everything from planets to galaxies. Great place to start. Just don't expect to be able to take pictures. bit.ly/2N3ukMk

For photography- most of your budget should be planned around a mount. This is essential for compensating for the spin of the Earth and preventing your equipment from shaking during the capture. This is the one I use and recommend most for beginners: bit.ly/2N2UaA2

Most astrophotography is done with small refractor telescopes. A common misconception is you need a lot of magnification to shoot deep space stuff, not true. Here is a telescope I use capable of shooting things millions of light years away: bit.ly/2LDlp3X

To shoot things of a smaller angular size, such as planets or details on the moon, a longer focal length is needed. This can be used to shoot deep space as well, but be warned it does require a robust mount. This is the scope I do most of that work with: bit.ly/2Lw9ULO

An all-purpose camera I recommend for people starting out is the cooled monochrome camera kit I started with. Cooling reduces noise and improves contrast and monochrome allows for gathering more light in less time with filters (which is how you get color). bit.ly/3qr6Jnd

For a more serious imager with more advanced optics, you'll want a larger sensor than the one I started with. I've been using a Full Frame camera for my latest deep space images, allowing for 60 megapixel deep space shots. bit.ly/38Qjhic

Don't have the budget for an expensive mount & telescope but just want to see what you can do with a DSLR and a telephoto lense? Get one of these. This picture of Rho ophiuchi was shot with just a normal camera lens on a tracker. bit.ly/2LE38Ua

If you get a star tracker, make sure you get a good tripod for it. This is the one I use. Without this, your camera will pick up vibrations in the ground, wind, and other disturbances and mess up your image. bit.ly/38O7PmX

If you pick up a telescope for shooting planets and the moon, a DSLR won't be good enough to get details on them. You'll want a planetary camera. The kit I linked earlier can do it, but if you want something cheaper and dedicated you can go with this: bit.ly/3ioCxGv

The camera I use for my super high resolution moon shots is actually monochrome. I shoot with an infrared filter because it reduces atmospheric dispersion in shorter wavelengths. To get colors I cycle through other filters. bit.ly/3bMqWQw

If you like the portability of the simple star tracker I linked earlier, but want something capable of holding a much larger telescope, I suggest something like this: bit.ly/2M15CeU It is what I use for all my transit shots since it requires travelling with a large scope

Capturing details on the sun requires a dedicated telescope for it, not just a simple filter. This is the one I use, but there are more afforable ones. Requires a monochrome camera to work properly. bit.ly/3nXuDFu

This is a complex hobby, but space is much more accessible than you think. There's nothing more satisfying than opening the door to the universe! I do offer 1:1 coaching via my patreon... so check that out if you want help getting started! patreon.com/ajamesmccarthy

Whoops- looks like a bad link. Try this one: optcorp.com/products/coron…

If you think you'll want to buy something from this list (or anything else for that matter) let me know. One of my perks for my patrons is a coupon for astronomy gear. Being a patron is only $2 so it's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. patreon.com/ajamesmccarthy