Astro imaging has been the one aspect of amateur astronomy that I enjoy doing the most. It has remained as an obsession since the summer of 1977 when I first started taking my first wide field images with an old 35 mm camera. I even did my own processing using black and white film in those days. Here are my setups today.
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Primary (Schmidt) Imaging Setup
​My primary imaging rig now is a Celestron Origin RASA smart scope. I recently sold my C8/EQ6/Hyperstar setup and have decided to strictly focus on using the Origin as my primary rig because it is a RASA scope working at f/2.2, and is capable of delivering excellence in a quick setup.
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For post processing images if I so choose, I use both Deep Sky stacker with PhotoShop, and Astro Pixel Processor. As of September 2024, I have switched entirely to using Pixinsight and I will stay with it for its many powerful features, but I use other tools when needed such as Photoshop.
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Grab and Go (Refractor) Imaging Setup
​I am also now using a Seestar S50 in addition to the Origin. I actually bought the S50 to collect the Messier catalog for fun.. It's my quick and dirty lazy imaging rig, fun for those nights when I just want a simple and quick setup. The S50 can do some amazing things. It is also my grab and go for nights at the Observatory.
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Conventional (Refractor) Deep Sky Imaging Setup
​I have an Explore Scientific ED80 APO in my collection which makes a fine imaging refractorl, although I don't much use it because I can image at f/2.2 which is much faster. I will probably use it more now at star parties.
Widefield Imaging Setup​
In addition to all this gear, I also have a pair of DSLR cameras on stationary tripods with interval timers. I have a Canon T7i and well as a Canon XS and these can be used for wide field, both tracked with the ZWO AM3 mount, and also stationary on just a tripod.
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​Planetary Imaging Seup
Rounding out my gear, I have a planetary imaging case consisting of a ZWO ADC as well as a ZWO ASI462MC planetary camera and other useful accessories such as barlows, flip mirrors, extension tubes, adapters and more.
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​​​I have a lot of variety to choose from, including an older 35 mm Minolta X-370 camera that I used in the film days for prime focus. I even have my original 35mm camera from 1977 that started me on this road although it has not been used in decades.
