Astrophotography - Tips and tricks please.

[theandies]

So I finally got a good consumer DLSR, the T6i.  My T mount adaptor comes in friday.  I didn't get a shutter release yet but with the T6i I think the remote control through my cell phone will keep the vibrations down.......I guess.  I've always wanted to get into astrophotography but never had a camera that could do it.  I've read quite a bit about it over the years but I'll be new to it just as I'm new to anything other than a point and shoot and cell phone cameras.

 I have an old school (no electronics but I know how to use it very well) Meade 8" Schmidt–Cassegrain that I've had for years.  I do have an off axis corrector and a very good tripod.   I'm just looking for some hints and tips from the astrophotography buffs here if there are any.  What I think I'll try first is planetary pictures and pictures of the moon. After I get the hang of the basics I'll get more ambitious.  Anything would be much appreciated. 

Thanks

John

[bhattvd]

Tim:

Your dedication is amazing!  I dont know you, you dont know me, and still you took time out to carefully discuss my issue in full details!  You went to the details of Field of view of the Galaxy in arc-minutes!

You are very knowledgeable in Astronomy.  You rightly said that Pinwheel Galaxy will be too tiny for a 35 mm lens.  I was planning to use my zoom lens for that.  I have a 6" reflector telescope as well.  Tonight I am planning to pull it out and aim at M101 and see whether it is visible with 1400mm focal length.  Tonight I have clear skies but it is too much windy which could hamper my "seeing" with the telescope.

I will definately work on your tips to focus more minutely and see whether I have more success.  I will let you know the outcome after I try it out couple of times.  I will also receive my more sturdier tripod tomorrow which will help in my Texas hill country terrain's high wind situation.  My house is on top of a hill with a beautiful sunset view.  I have a good visibility of West, South and north skies from our cabana.

I agree with you about the need for the camera modification.  Do you have a recommendation for where can I do that?  Also, a question is that after they take out the native filter and put a new Hydrogen-Alpha filter can I still use my camera for day-today photography needs as well?

Thanks again for your help.  It is getting dark out there.  Its time to work on your tips!

Best Regards and Stay Safe,

Vinay.