Any Low Cost Astrophotography Setup Suggestions For Great Results? (2024)

I currently have a Seestar S50, and while the results I've been getting from that are fine, I would like a setup that can deliever better results and bring out more detail in DSOs that I would image with it.

And the setup idea should also include EAA features, since I would prefer being able to see a live output on my computer or mobile device. The setup idea should be laid out like this:

• Telescope: NAME OF TELESCOPE (LINK) ($ COST)
• Camera: NAME OF CAMERA (LINK) ($ COST)
• Mount: NAME OF MOUNT (LINK) ($ COST)

I'm looking forward to seeing what suggestions I receive, and hopefully this budget isn't too cheap to get decent results in astrophotography. I also prefer doing minimal processing, so that should be taken into account with the suggestion as well.

Edited ...

-Rokinon 135mm f/2 lens
-ASI533mc pro
-Star Adventurer Gti mount

Should be about $2140 for those things.

I would recommend using NINA as the control software - you'd need to use a laptop or mini-PC to interface with it of course. Ideally you already have a laptop.

tripod + dslr + kit lens
then sw gti+ dslr + kit lens + nina
thensw gti+ dslr + crap vintage lenses + nina
thensw gti+ dslr + sw evostar 72ed + zwo12mm + f4/120 guide scope + nina

getting about roughly 0.2 (1.6") auto guiding

hope that helps.

sw gtihttps://www.firstlightoptics.com/equatorial-astronomy-mounts/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-gti.html£460
canon 600d / t3i used £200
sw 72edhttps://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes-in-stock/sky-watcher-evostar-72ed-ds-pro-ota.html£330
(probably need the flatener for £80 too)
guidescope and cam bundlehttps://www.firstlightoptics.com/guide-cameras/zwo-mini-finder-guider-asi120mm-bundle.html£230

Edited ...

Camera: ZWO ASI585MC
https://www.astroshop.eu/astronomical-cameras/zwo-camera-asi-585-mc-color/p,75716
Cost: $550.

Mount: Skywatcher EQ5 + OnStep mount kit
https://www.astroshop.eu/equatorial-without-goto/skywatcher-mount-eq5/p,16081

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EzjOffd
Cost: $512 + $180

Total: $1988.

I'm with the same setup, and my latest graph withPHD2 was with 0.47" RMS...over 5 min subs without any problems.

Unguided it holds easely up to 70-80 sec subs.

Edited ...

Charles Hagen:
With that budget you will be limited primarily to camera lenses and very small mounts / trackers. My suggestion would be the following:

-Rokinon 135mm f/2 lens
-ASI533mc pro
-Star Adventurer Gti mount

Should be about $2140 for those things.

I would recommend using NINA as the control software - you'd need to use a laptop or mini-PC to interface with it of course. Ideally you already have a laptop.

There are less expensive cameras with the 533 color sensor to save some money.

If you want something larger. A Celestron AVX mounting with a GSO 150mm f/5 newtonian and a 533mc would be a nice rig. It is really hard to make a great F/4 mirror. I think the F/6 Newtonian mirror is the best. For astrophotography, a nice F/5 is a great compromise. Update the focuser/EAF and add a 30 to 50mm guide scope later after you reload some funds...

Edited ...

Celestron AVX 1200.00
Apertura 150mm F5 Newtonian OTA 320.00
120mmMini 150.00 ToupTek camera less
EAF 200.00 Gemini EAF 100.00
533mcPro 800.00 ToupTek cameras less

Ali Express is a source for cost saving accessories

CS Tim

iOptron ieq30 pro
Evolux 62 apo with flattener
ZWO ASI533 MC pro
ZWO 30mm guider and ASI120mm
ZWO ASI air

Setup is a breeze - tracking always consistant - goto's and plate solving easy

With some shopping around the telescope buy sell sites you should be able to put together this system around your target price

Having said that, the offer from Dan is a good one and a good suggestion

Rick