Equipment
Astrophotography needs the right gear: a telescope, a camera, and a tracking mount. Many extra tools are often added for automation, remote control, or convenience. Below are details on equipment used at AstroWorldCreations.
Telescopes
The Planewave CDK14 is based at the remote observatory in Spain and is the main telescope used for AWC. The 35cm primary mirror is a major light bucket and is ideal for small deep sky objects such as galaxies, planetary nebulae, clusters as well as details of larger nebulae.
The Takahashi TOA-130NFB is a high-end 1000mm f/7.7 refractor. It was the first telescope that was purchased when starting astrophotography as a hobby. It is a very versatile instrument both in the backyard and can even be taken to a local dark site if needed.
The Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 is a popular wide-field astrograph with a very large flat field. With the exceptional 645RD QE0.72x reducer this telescope can be converted in a pretty fast 382mm-f/3.6 astrograph.
The Takahashi FOA-60Q is one of the sharpest telescopes in the program. With just over 2 kg, it is super light, but with a 900mm focal length it is a great telescope to observe/photograph sun and moon.
Mounts
The 10Micron GM2000 HPSII combi mount is a high end mount designed for unguided imaging with large telescopes. It is the bigger brother of the GM1000 HPS mount which was the first mount in the observatory. The 10Micron mounts are amazing pieces of equipment and come highly recommended.
The 10Micron GM1000 HPS mount is a high end mount designed for unguided imaging with regular sized telescopes. It was the first mount purchased when starting the astrophotography hobby and has proven its value ever since.
The Rainbow Astro RST-135E is a very light and portable mount that is very practical for travel and smaller telescopes.
Cameras
The Moravian C3-61000Pro is a full-frame 61MP camera, designed for heavy use and ideal for a remote setup. This camera is built like a tank. The built in shutter is quite unique in astro cameras, and allows for easy dark frame recording.
The ZWO ASI 6200MM-Pro is a popular full-frame 61MP camera, based on the Sony IMX455 sensor.
The QHY268c is a one-shot-colour camera built around the popular APS-C sized Sony IMX571 sensor.
The ZWO ASI533MM-Pro is a small but modern 9MP square sensor and used as a successor to the ASI1600MM-Pro.
The ZWO ASI290MM I a good camera for monochrome lunar/planetary work and also functions well as a guide camera.
Focusers
The Optec Gemini Focusing Rotator is a heavy-duty autofocuser with built-in rotator capability. The maximum payload is 10kg, so well suited for bigger setups.