astronomy pics

[crytklmass]

Just wondering if there are any astronomer photographers on here. if so, I am looking for some advice. Telescopes can range from $50.00 -your limit. I still have my cheap telescope that's 15 years old. Mars looks like a tiny dot. The only thing I can view good is the moon. Now that my kids are getting older I was thinking of buying a new telescope that can actually SEE planets and take photographs. I know some have tracking systems through your laptop etc. I visited a hobby store but I have no idea whats good, bad, etc. Salesman could sell me anything. I don't want to invest a fortune but want something worth buying. Was wondering if I can find something nice up to $500.00 or if I'll have to spend more. I can get into more details if someone on this site has knowledge and can help me out.

[klipschfan]

This will get you started-

http://www.scopereviews.com/

http://www.cloudynights.com/

http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-buy-a-telescope.html

http://www.astromart.com/articles/list.asp?article_category_id=3

http://www.best-telescope-guide.com/

[Masterlu]

Greg will chime in soon.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Greg will chime in soon.

Celestron and Meade offer quality scopes at many price points. I'm sure Greg can steer you further.

Pete

[crytklmass]

Thanks Greg, Pete, everyone. I'll be checking out those links and hopefully break down what im looking for. Like audio gear, there are so many different manufactures. Does anyone have any pics they took with there telescope's they can post?
There used to be a hobby store that set up in the parking lot once a month so you could actually view and talk with other owner's, but they went out of business.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

Thanks Greg, Pete, everyone. I'll be checking out those links and hopefully break down what im looking for. Like audio gear, there are so many different manufactures. Does anyone have any pics they took with there telescope's they can post?
There used to be a hobby store that set up in the parking lot once a month so you could actually view and talk with other owner's, but they went out of business.

Actually, astrophotography is a pretty serious aspect of the hobby. I never quite got that far...but I still get my scope out every now and then. Here is my Celestron C80.

Pete

[crytklmass]

Wow, that telescope looks serious. Maybe im over stepping my boundaries some. Taking photographs may be asking a bit too much. I guess I can always download those. As long as my kids can and I can see planets, etc with nice detail I will be happy. Seeing a dot in the night sky isn't very exciting. I would like something with enough power to see details, etc. My telescope is over 15 yrs old and cost less than $100 at toys r us. I know they've advanced quit a bit. Still searching the links posted.
Can you view Mars and Venus with the C80 and actually see details and colors? I can only see a faint dot through mine.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

Wow, that telescope looks serious. Maybe im over stepping my boundaries some. Taking photographs may be asking a bit too much. I guess I can always download those. As long as my kids can and I can see planets, etc with nice detail I will be happy. Seeing a dot in the night sky isn't very exciting. I would like something with enough power to see details, etc. My telescope is over 15 yrs old and cost less than $100 at toys r us. I know they've advanced quit a bit. Still searching the links posted.
Can you view Mars and Venus with the C80 and actually see details and colors? I can only see a faint dot through mine.

Yes, you can view Mars and Venus with my C80, and can see some color. Photography does bring out more color however, than the naked eye with a scope. Mars and Venus are not the most spectacular telescope targets; Venus is extremely bright and so just looks like a very bright disc. Jupiter and Saturn are far better telescope targets; you can see the four major moons of Jupiter and of course with Saturn those beautiful rings. Both are very, very cool to look at.

If you would like photos to download I would suggest the NASA Astronomy picture of the day site. I visited this site every day for years and have saved out hundreds of pictures from there. Attached are a couple of examples.

Here is a link: Astronomy Picture of the Day

Astronomy is very musch like the Audio hobby; it is very fascinating and you can spend a fortune on it!

Pete

[crytklmass]

If I can see Saturn and Jupiter that's a major bonus. I guess im way behind in telescope technology. The pictures are great, thank you for the link Pete. My kids would have been excited to see Mars but if they can see other planets and great detail on the surface of the moon and sun (solar flares with filter) they would be fascinated. I thought of taking pictures as well so they could share with others. I know they would be excited to walk outside and view the rings of Saturn with there own eyes.
My eyes may be larger than my wallet when it comes to taking pictures. Maybe I should start with a telescope 1st and add the photography later. Not sure what price point that would place me in.

[gregswaim]

Here's where I shop for telescopes,mounts, & eyepieces:Buytelescopes.com - Telescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Hunting, Meade, Celestron
Solar filters:DayStar Filters - Ultra narrow Bandpass filters
CCD cameras & related supplies:Adirondack Astronomy, CCD Cameras, Astronomical Imaging Cameras, Telescopes, Astronomical Accessories & More , Astrovid, Takahashi, Vixen, SBIG, Atik, Starlight Xpress,

All of these shops offer professional grade equipment for those with deep pockets.
DayStar Filters provides filters to NASA,NSO network, & the amateur community.
Andirondack provides CCD cameras & related video supplies to various government & university programs.

This is a fun hobby but requires a lot of patience to get the most out of this fascinating field of study.