telescope

What is the best setup for someone starting out that won't break the bank. I'm highly interested in astrophotography like nebula and galaxies. I have a Canon T1i/ 500D
I know I need telescope ( but which one! So many options)
Should I go with computerized or not?
Star tracker? Do I need this if I go computerized?
I know I need the mount to attach camera to the telescope but which one is best suited?
I've always loved looking up at the stars but had no idea I could take pics through a telescope with my camera until this page. I've done some research but still not quite sure where to start and what brands I should be going with for the results I want. I know aperture is key. So if I could get some help to point me in the direction of gear needed I would be greatly appreciated

You are asking too many good and legitimate question but OLD.
The classic answer you get to your question is:
- What is the purpose for which you need a telescope? Observation? Astrophotography? Storing it in garage or attic?
- What is your level of experience in the subject?
- What equipment you already have?
- Most importantly; What is your budget.

You can't have a right answer before answering these questions and I do appreciate your interest in the subject and absolutely don't want to encourage you, even a bit. But through my own experience, I know how easy is to loss a lot of money on the way, only to figure out this is not for you for any reasons down the road.

Astrophotography some observing as well

New level of experience lol

Canon T1i 55-250mm lens and a 18-55 mm lens

Under $1000

If you like to do Astrophotography and only occasional observation, I strongly suggest you don't buy any telescope at this time.

Your mentioned camera is more than adequate for now.
Your 55-250 is fantastic for very many wide angle astro subject photography at night.
Only for now, you need to start strong study of the subject and there is no such thing better than joining your local and nearby star club. You can find the address by yahoo search.

Download (The free) following softwares and get familial with

Stellarium,

DeepskyStacker DSS,

RegiStax.

Next step could be buying a good and light sky tracker. With your current tools or may be after adding a Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F2.8, you would be able to get the most beautiful images of the milky way and night landscape, with your 55-250, you can have excellent images of the Andromeda, Orion or likewise to start. That is as you also learn about your sky and constellation, then equally importantly, post processing. You also need a cheap cable release such as This or likewise.

I recommend iOptron 3302 SkyTracker, assuming you already have an above average camera tripod Mount.
If you need to invest more heavily (as first step), you may want to look into
THIS

Feel free to upload your images down the line, even the "Bad" ones, here for advise and I can tell you will get some very good ones. If you want, you can join a dedicated astro online site such as "Cloudynights", but you may get kind of advise that fell high above head with less tolerance to novice user photographers there compare to what you get here.

For observation only; & for now, your best bet is to buy a good astro grade bino that doesn't break your bank such as this one:
Celestron - SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars with this tripod - LINK
If you already have a 7x50 or better 10x50 binocular, that might be adequate too (Wide view).

It will be very clear to you in no time to figure out if that is the right time to go farther and open your wallet even more, without regretting later. Your hard earned $ needs and deserve the utmost respect. Don't lose it on impulsive actions.

May your skies be cloudless and dark.

I took some pics of the moon last night and focused on it very well through the live few. But I'm not getting the details I am looking for on the moons surface I want a closer more detailed shot. Would that have to be done with telescope?

Moon shot last night were
1/500 8.0 or a few at 1/1000 1/2000 8.0

detailedblue wrote in post #17723434
I took some pics of the moon last night and focused on it very well through the live few. But I'm not getting the details I am looking for on the moons surface I want a closer more detailed shot. Would that have to be done with telescope?

Moon shot last night were
1/500 8.0 or a few at 1/1000 1/2000 8.0

Sorry but what was your lens' focal length? Is it the 250 or your 55-250? With or without TC?
Can you upload the images?

This is from a few nights ago

IMAGE LINK: http://s1006.photobuck​et.com …1406_zpsm9dq07x​c.jpg.html

IMAGE LINK: http://s1006.photobuck​et.com …4260_zpsw1x01zh​d.jpg.html

IMAGE LINK: http://s1006.photobuck​et.com …5996_zpsl6r0pt0​0.jpg.html

detailedblue wrote in post #17725291
This is from a few nights ago


These were from last night. Live view a couldn't see anything on the screen for both stars and moon. But I could see moon faintly in the eye hole. Stars I couldn't see on either so kinda just took pics and adjusted as I went . Is there something I can do where I can actually see to focus on these?

hi ya,

welcome to the world of astrophotography. Samsen gave you some excellent guidance in Post#4

yeah focussing can be difficult. you should easily see the moon in live view, its so big and bright

the stars a little more difficult to see, pick on the brightest star in the sky ( it may even be one of the planets)
once you have it in view and your focus is in the infinity point or close to on your lens continue to focus till the star comes into view
( too far out of focus and you wont see the star(s)). Use the highest magnification in live view, my canon 5D3 has x5 and x10, I use x10

a little practice and you will get it
you can also experiment at home before going to dark site ... set up cam and lens on tripod and look at a streetlight at least 100m away
preferably further and focus on that ... a long enough distance away that it is in the infinity focus range. put a mark on the focus ring so
when you get to site you know when to set you focus point

try some more shots with those thoughts and repost and lets see how you do

cheers
Dave

Thank you. Not sure how to use the magnification I've only used live view a handful of times. I took some star/ northern light pics last night

Agree with samsen 100%. Binos and a planisphere are a great place to start.

Get a copy of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (Terence Dickinson/Alan Dyer). It covers visual astronomy and astrophotography in detail.

Astrophotography has a steep learning curve and can be cost prohibitive. $1k may not go very far to be honest. Most of the expense can easily be tied up in a good mount, autoguider and laptop to drive it.

You can spend $2k on a Celestron EdgeHD 800 and AVX mount which is positioned as a beginner's AP rig, but without a significant investment in accessories, time, energy it may not be rewarding. I have a love/hate relationship with my Edge. In retrospect I wish I hadn't been impulsive and purchased a fast refractor and a better mount instead.

Consider checking out the RASC Red Deer Centre's open house nights if they hold them. There should be a good opportunity to chat with members, check out their telescopes and learn about the pros/cons of doing astrophotography in your area.

Start wide and take it slow.

Lee