Astro Imaging

When you buy a telescope and have enjoyed viewing the night sky the next step for many astronomers is to start imaging the sky and recording what can be seen. Any telescope equipped with a standard 1.25" focuser is capable of having a camera attached by means of the following types of adaptor. For exposures over a few seconds a mount with a drive is required to prevent star trails accross the image. Snapshots of the moon and planets can be taken without the need for a driven mount but this would of course result in easier object tracking.

Afocal imaging is ideal for compact digital cameras that do not have removable lenses so essentially you are taking an image of what is seen through the telescopes eyepiece. These adaptors are classed as afocal or digiscoping adaptors. This type of imaging is ideal for lunar and planetary work as the image is magnified through the eyepiece.

Prime Focus Imaging is where a camera such as a modern Digital SLR is used by removing the lens and using a T adaptor and appropriate T ring to connect the camera to the telescopes focuser. With this type of imaging the telescope becomes the cameras lens and offers the widest possible field ideal for deep sky objects. The most popular cameras for this application are models from Canon and Nikon which both offer great peformance and easy telescope connection.

Webcam and CCD imaging is achieved with the aid of a computer or laptop to control the camera so is more complex but with practice can result in superb images of solar system and deep sky objects. Webcam imaging is the easiest with simple adaptors and a fantastic freeware program called registax that allows easy processing. CCD cameras are the dedicated cameras for astro imaging and are the most sensitive resulting in images that rival that of professional observatories.

Astro imaging is a fascinating part of astronomy and with modern cameras and imaging techniques you can achieve excellent results with virtually any telescope. You can find all the products you need to connect cameras and telescopes under the Astro Imaging tab on the left of this page. Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions on this absorbing aspect of our wonderful hobby.