Trying to figure all of this out...

Ok, so I've always been fascinated with the sky--like all of you around here. I've been shooting various traditional photography for a few years now. I bought my sons an Orion telescope (4.5" reflector) and would love to take advantage of it. I have a 50d and a 1d3. I have a Tokina 11-16 f2.8, 28-70 f2.8L and 70-200 f2.8L as far as glass.

Honestly, I don't quite know what I don't know so I don't even know where to begin. I've been reading through various threads and I get the general idea but not exactly how to go about things. Anyone got a place where an idiot (like myself) can go and learn how to get started?

Thanks!

what is the model of the Meade? Once we know that we can make some suggestions. You can do some great widefields with the Tokina. You can put single shots together as a movie or do star trails, set up to catch the ISS going by... Wonderful lens

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …D#!i=1932102096​&k=HfmSmK8

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …D#!i=1743443899​&k=t5Hv98z

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …674652&k=D6wNGM​h&lb=1&s=A

Toxic Coolaid wrote in post #15585736
what is the model of the Meade? Once we know that we can make some suggestions. You can do some great widefields with the Tokina. You can put single shots together as a movie or do star trails, set up to catch the ISS going by... Wonderful lens

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …D#!i=1932102096​&k=HfmSmK8

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …D#!i=1743443899​&k=t5Hv98z

http://mophopix.smugmu​g.com …674652&k=D6wNGM​h&lb=1&s=A

Now that's pretty cool. I have an Orion Starblast 4.5 EG. I've been using it as a traditional telescope a little and have been impressed by what we've been able to see. Just would love to capture some of what I see.

If you have this package

http://www.telescope.c​om …c/-1/c/1/sc/11/p/9798.uts

you would have to guide by hand,making imaging through the scope difficult. I've never tried it, so I can't give you advice on that. That setup is best for visual observation. To get into the Astrophotography you'd need to have a computerized mount.

This

http://www.telescope.c​om …/-1/c/2/sc/34/p/24709.ut​s

is probably the minimum. I'd suggest the CGEM ($1400) if you think you may get deeper into the hobby. With these mounts you can use different scopes, if you have them. The mount is the most important part in the AP chain. It all comes down to where you want to go and how much you can spend. Just read up and ask questions to make sure you're making the correct decision when/if you buy equipment.

Toxic Coolaid wrote in post #15589432
If you have this package

http://www.telescope.c​om …c/-1/c/1/sc/11/p/9798.uts

you would have to guide by hand,making imaging through the scope difficult. I've never tried it, so I can't give you advice on that. That setup is best for visual observation. To get into the Astrophotography you'd need to have a computerized mount.

This

http://www.telescope.c​om …/-1/c/2/sc/34/p/24709.ut​s

is probably the minimum. I'd suggest the CGEM ($1400) if you think you may get deeper into the hobby. With these mounts you can use different scopes, if you have them. The mount is the most important part in the AP chain. It all comes down to where you want to go and how much you can spend. Just read up and ask questions to make sure you're making the correct decision when/if you buy equipment.

That's exactly what I've got.

I was sort of afraid someone would tell me I've got to spend a bunch of money to get some shots. The little research I've done has led me to believe this is one of the more expensive types of photography. Might be a while before I can drop that kind of coin on something which would only be a hobby. I justify all of my equipment purchases by how quickly I'll pay it off with the work I do.

Thanks a bunch. At least I know where to get started.

Gonna have to save my pennies...