Request for Beginner Advice

I’m posting this request for advice in both the Solar System and Deep Sky Imaging forums.

I would appreciate advice on how to modestly approach imaging (equipment, reading materials, etc.). Please understand that, until now, I’ve had no interest whatsoever in imaging. While I now have a small interest, I don’t really know how much. I don’t imagine it will ever develop beyond taking images on a small scale, solely for my own enjoyment. I would prefer to start out trying to take color images, unless there is overwhelming recommendation against this.

I’ve been a visual observer for several years, and currently own 130, 90 and 80 mm APO refractors (all with 2 inch Feathertouch focusers) and an Orion Sirius GoTo mount. I realize this mount is limited, but I hope it can meet my modest needs; at least for now. Likewise, I don’t expect I’ll ever want large format imagers, so the small focusers should be fine.

I’ll finish by saying that I thoroughly enjoy the many images I’ve seen here on Astromart and elsewhere. However, I know that I will never want to spend the number of hours required to shoot and then process images of such high quality. (I already spend 10-plus hours per day on a computer at my job.)

Thanks,
Dave

I saw your post in the other forum and didn't really have anything to add, but since you posted here and appear to be interested in solar system stuff, I would say take your longest focal length, and if you have any kind of film or digital SLR, give some moon and solar shots (with Baader filter) a try at your earliest convenience at prime focus. A mirror a remote shutter release would help here. I am not much of an imager or an expert, an more or less putter with it from time to time. I will attach my FIRST EVER astrophoto of any kind. It was shot at prime focus through my C8 on a fork mount. It was on Fuji 800 speed film, and I can recall the exposure off hand, but I know I shot a series. 1/10, 1/30, 1/60 ect. I used a cable release an my old AE1. Spring 1999 I believe.

Then you can try some longer focal length shots of planets with a 4X barlow. If you don't have any cameras, you can get started in this area very nicely with freeware and a web cam.

If you have dark skies, you can also very cheaply get by with some piggy back shots hand guiding your refractor. Focus is easy/easier at infinity of a short focal length lens. Actually for 50mm, or less you wouldn't even need to guide.

You need not rush out and get hungup on equipment. So many times, I see cams or high end imaging mounts that say used once, never used ect.

Good luck,
Kevin

Attached Image: