The kit to photograph the sky. An apochromatic refractor on a computerized tracking mount, a mirrorless camera and adapter, a guide scope for long exposures, a power tank for a field session, and a red headlamp. Stack frames, pull out the faint stuff.
Plans
Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget
Item List
6Scope & Mount
2 items
Power & Light
2 items
Camera & Guide
2 itemsPlan Totals$3,275
Scope & Mount
2Total$3,275
FAQ
Common questions about this kit
Why a tracking mount?
The sky rotates, so long exposures trail without a mount that counter-rotates. An equatorial mount tracks the stars so you can expose for minutes, not seconds.
APO refractor over a reflector?
For astrophotography, yes — an apochromatic refractor gives tight, color-correct stars across the frame and is forgiving to mount. Reflectors need perfect collimation.
A guide scope?
For long exposures, yes — a second small scope and camera nudge the mount to correct tiny tracking errors, turning good stars into pinpoints over 5-minute exposures.
Where to shoot?
As dark as you can reach. Astrophotography lives or dies on sky darkness — a Bortle 1-3 site is worth an hour's drive. Light pollution kills faint nebulosity.
User Reviews
4.0 / 5.0
Astrophotography and backcountry skiing share the drive-to-dark-sites religion — a Bortle 1-3 is worth the hour, same as fresh powder.