Deep Space Images on my Canon 5D? Nebulae, Galaxies, etc...?

[crobs808]

Is there anything that I can attach or buy for my Canon 5D that will let me get Deep Space images? Like of Saturn and other Galaxies, etc?

Or do I have to just buy one of these...
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=HP_ProductZone2/~pcategory=HOMEPAGE/~product_id=52085

If you click on the specs tab, the CCD sensor size is actually not full frame like the 5D, so technically the quality on the 5D would be better, but how on earth does that little tiny thng take images all the way zoomed in to space when it doesnt have a long barrel to zoom? Anyone know how those Deep Space imager devices work. Meade has one also for like $200, but the sensor size is only 8mm

Thanks
-C

p.s. - I am really trying to avoid just sticking my 5D on the end of a telescope. I already know you can do that.

[Nighthound]

It's a dedicated astro camera designed for the purpose of telescope imaging. It has a nosepiece that slides into the telescope focuser. The chip is smaller than the 5D but the cost reflects that and these type cameras are equipped with light sensitive chips and are cooled to help reduce noise in long exposures.

The telescope part of the equation is an important one. The objects you're interested in are not large in scale. In order to get scale you will need some means of magnification and telescopes offer a wide range of it. Most galaxies with the exception of Andromeda are very small and faint from our vantage point, mainly due to the enormous distance. There are larger objects up there, including nebula like the Rosette and The Great Orion Nebula just to name a couple plus beautiful regions like the Antares/Rho region that don't require as much magnification as many or most of the galaxies. The various sizes of the available objects is in part why so many astro imagers have several telescopes, to give them the right tool for each job.

The more important element in the gear needed is the mount under the telescope that will track the objects being imaged. The best camera and telescope won't matter on a mount not capable of accurate tracking during long exposures.

For photographing planets much shorter exposures are needed so the mount becomes less of a player. Modified web cams work well for this application because hundreds of frames can be taken in one session and then stacked to get incredible detail. I would suggest at least 2000mm focal length for planets with some form of additional magnification like a barlow or Powermate.

I have imaged with my 5D and got some very nice results(see my Heart Nebula and Seagull Nebula linked below my sig) but the large chip is tough to fully illuminate with a telescope or even with some lenses for that matter. Light fall-off at the frame edges will be visible.

You might consider using your 5D with a nice lens(50-150mm range) for some wider field shots. You will still need some means of tracking like an Astrotrac or an inexpensive German equatorial mount. And of course dark skies are an important factor if you choose to do long exposure work.

[crobs808]

It's a dedicated astro camera designed for the purpose of telescope imaging. It has a nosepiece that slides into the telescope focuser. The chip is smaller than the 5D but the cost reflects that and these type cameras are equipped with light sensitive chips and are cooled to help reduce noise in long exposures.

The telescope part of the equation is an important one. The objects you're interested in are not large in scale. In order to get scale you will need some means of magnification and telescopes offer a wide range of it. Most galaxies with the exception of Andromeda are very small and faint from our vantage point, mainly due to the enormous distance. There are larger objects up there, including nebula like the Rosette and The Great Orion Nebula just to name a couple plus beautiful regions like the Antares/Rho region that don't require as much magnification as many or most of the galaxies. The various sizes of the available objects is in part why so many astro imagers have several telescopes, to give them the right tool for each job.

The more important element in the gear needed is the mount under the telescope that will track the objects being imaged. The best camera and telescope won't matter on a mount not capable of accurate tracking during long exposures.

For photographing planets much shorter exposures are needed so the mount becomes less of a player. Modified web cams work well for this application because hundreds of frames can be taken in one session and then stacked to get incredible detail. I would suggest at least 2000mm focal length for planets with some form of additional magnification like a barlow or Powermate.

I have imaged with my 5D and got some very nice results(see my Heart Nebula and Seagull Nebula linked below my sig) but the large chip is tough to fully illuminate with a telescope or even with some lenses for that matter. Light fall-off at the frame edges will be visible.

You might consider using your 5D with a nice lens(50-150mm range) for some wider field shots. You will still need some means of tracking like an Astrotrac or an inexpensive German equatorial mount. And of course dark skies are an important factor if you choose to do long exposure work.

WOW! I am blown away by your photos from you signature! Can you tell me the EXACT equipment you use, all parts, just in a list with their model numbers. Those photos are EXACTLY what I am looking for, so I would be fine just buying everything you have, identical model for model.

[Adrena1in]

I would be fine just buying everything you have, identical model for model.

You might want to wait until Steve tells you how much it all costs first! ;)

[crobs808]

You might want to wait until Steve tells you how much it all costs first! ;)

a part list with approximate costs would be even better :)

[Catanonia]

a part list with approximate costs would be even better :)


see your other thread with my response for an idea.

[ady.space]

yes, the most important thing you need for deep sky objects is some thing to track the stars... it can cost a lot :rolleyes: i use an astro trac if you google it there site will show you how its done, useing probley what you have anyway no need for a scope just your camera, lens, tripod and shutter cable. ive just posted a pic of andromeda on here if you could see it with your naked eyes it would look about 3 time of the moon so not everything thats up there in the sky needs a scope.hope that helps abit ady