Astrophotography On A Budget

How to Get Started in Astrophotography Without Breaking the Bank

Astrophotography is a mesmerizing hobby that allows you to capture the beauty of the cosmos, from glittering stars and the Milky Way to stunning planets and nebulae. While it’s often seen as an expensive pursuit requiring high-end cameras, telescopes, and accessories, it’s entirely possible to begin your astrophotography journey on a budget. With a bit of creativity, resourcefulness, and the right techniques, you can produce breathtaking images of the night sky without spending a fortune. As you gain experience, you can upgrade individual components without spending a lot all at once. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started without breaking the bank.

 

1. Start with What You Already Have

The most important thing you can do to get started is to take stock of what you already own. A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, can be surprisingly effective for basic astrophotography. All of us these days have either a smartphone or a stand-alone camera, and these are quite adequate for getting your feet wet.

 

Smartphones: Modern smartphones, especially those with Night Mode, are capable of capturing stars, constellations, and even parts of the Milky Way. Apps like NightCap (iOS) or Camera FV-5 (Android) allow you to control settings such as ISO and shutter speed, mimicking the functionality of a DSLR.

Basic Cameras: If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’re already off to a great start. Pair it with any lens you have available, ideally a wide-angle lens, and experiment with long exposures.

This approach allows you to test the waters of astrophotography without investing in new equipment.

 

2. Invest in Essential Budget Gear

To take your astrophotography to the next level, you may need a few additional items. However, you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive options. Instead, prioritize affordable and essential tools: 

Tripod: A sturdy tripod is a must-have for astrophotography. Long exposure shots require complete stability to avoid camera shake and blurry images. Budget-friendly tripods, such as those from Amazon Basics or Neewer, work well for beginners. Before buying, make sure the tripod will support the weight of your gear, whether it be a camera and lens or a camera and telescope. Also, keep in mind that without tracking, super-long exposures will make the stars appear as streaks. A general rule of thumb is the rule of 500. Simply take 500 and divide it by the focal length of your lens. This will approximate the longest exposure you can take without streaking the stars. For example, if you are using a 100mm camera lens, the maximum untracked exposure will be 500/100 or 5 seconds.

Remote Shutter Release or Timer: These devices prevent vibrations when pressing the shutter. Alternatively, use your camera’s built-in timer for the same effect. A device known as an intervalometer will automate exposures and will open the shutter without vibration. A good example that I have used successfully is the AODELAN Wireless Remote Control Shutter Release Timer intervalometer, available for about $50.

Wide-Angle Lens: If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, an affordable wide-angle lens (such as the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens or equivalent) is perfect for capturing large portions of the night sky. Both lenses can be had for less than $200.

By keeping these purchases minimal and focused, you’ll significantly reduce costs while improving your results.

Consider a smart telescope 

If you really don’t have any of the above already, one avenue to consider is one of the smart telescopes that are hitting the market.  For as little as around $450 you can purchase the SeeStar S50 smart telescope or the newer SeeStar S30 for about $350. Check out me full review of the S50 here. Users on many amateur astrophotography social media sites and forums are getting  really amazing images that are easily shared with friends or on their own social media pages. If you are starting from scratch, this is a fantastic way to get started.

 

4. Embrace Free and Open-Source Tools

One of the major advantages of astrophotography is the abundance of free tools and resources available for beginners. Here’s how to make the most of them:

 

Sky Mapping Apps:

Apps like Stellarium (free) and SkySafari(paid) help you locate stars, planets, and constellations in real tim, making it easier to plan your shoots. I frequently use Stellarium for target planning and framing. But it is particularly helpful for temporary objects like comets. You can update the database and find out the exact coordinates for a comet at any particular time from your location. Remember that comets can move across a starfield in as little as minutes, so knowing exactly where to look is very helpful.

 

Weather and Light Pollution Apps:

Use apps like Clear Outside to check cloud cover and weather forecasts for clear skies.

Light Pollution Map helps you identify dark-sky locations near you.

Photo Editing Software:

Free software like GIMP and Snapseed can help you post-process your astrophotos. For more advanced editing, try DeepSkyStacker (for stacking multiple images) or Lightroom (via its trial version).

By leveraging free or affordable software, you’ll save money while learning how to enhance your images.

 

5. Master Basic Techniques

Astrophotography is as much about skill as it is about gear. Here are some techniques to help you capture stunning photos, even with a minimal setup:

 

Use Long Exposures: 

Set your camera’s shutter speed to 15-30 seconds to capture more light from the stars.

Use the “500 Rule” to avoid star trails: Divide 500 by your lens’s focal length (e.g., 500 ÷ 18mm = 27 seconds) to calculate the maximum exposure time before stars start to streak.

Adjust ISO and Aperture:

 

Start with an ISO setting between 800 and 3200, depending on your camera’s capabilities. I use ISO 1600 with my Canon EOS Ra camera. Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) to let in more light.

Focus Manually:

 

Autofocus struggles in low light, so switch to manual focus. Focus on a bright star or distant light and adjust until it’s sharp. My preferred method for focusing is by using a Bahtinov mask. These genius devices will produce a star image with three intersecting lines. When the lines all meet in the center, you are in perfect focus. These techniques are key to capturing clear and detailed astrophotos without requiring expensive equipment.

 

6. Take Advantage of Dark-Sky Locations

Light pollution is the enemy of astrophotography. To get the best results, travel to dark-sky locations where city lights won’t interfere with your photos. 

Dark-Sky Reserves:

Check for certified dark-sky parks or reserves near your area, where conditions are ideal for astrophotography.

Local Parks or Rural Areas:

Even a short drive away from urban areas can significantly reduce light pollution.

Timing:

Choose moonless nights for the darkest skies. Use a lunar calendar app to plan your shoots during a new moon phase. One week on either side of a new moon is usually dark enough.

You don’t need to travel far or spend on expensive trips—just a little planning can go a long way in finding budget-friendly locations.

 

7. DIY Solutions for Budget Constraints

Many astrophotography tools can be substituted with DIY alternatives. Here are a few ideas to keep costs down: 

DIY Star Tracker:

A basic barn-door tracker can be built using simple materials to help you track stars during long exposures.

Homemade Light Pollution Filters:

While not as effective as professional filters, tinted plastic sheets can help reduce some light pollution in urban settings.

Improvise a Lens Hood:

Use cardboard or foam to create a lens hood that prevents dew formation on your camera lens during long shoots.

These low-cost alternatives can provide effective solutions without requiring expensive purchases.

 

8. Learn from the Astrophotography Community

Joining online forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities dedicated to astrophotography is a fantastic way to learn from others, ask questions, and find inspiration.

 

Free Advice:

Experienced photographers often share tips, gear recommendations, and tutorials for free.

Secondhand Gear:

Community members frequently sell used cameras, lenses, and accessories at much lower prices than retail stores.

Engaging with the community can help you avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions about your budget.

 

9. Upgrade Gradually

As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually invest in better gear without overspending:

 

Start Small:

Upgrade one piece of equipment at a time, such as buying a better lens or adding a star tracker.

Buy Used Gear:

Look for secondhand deals on trusted platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local camera shops.

Rent Before Buying:

Renting gear allows you to test high-end equipment before committing to a purchase.

This incremental approach ensures you don’t overwhelm your budget while steadily improving your astrophotography setup.

 

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Astrophotography is a learning process that requires patience and practice. Don’t be discouraged if your early attempts aren’t perfect—each photo you take will teach you something new. 

Experiment with different settings, locations, and compositions.

Analyze your results and adjust your techniques for the next shoot.

The journey itself is as rewarding as the stunning images you’ll create along the way.

 

Conclusion

Getting started in astrophotography doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By starting with basic equipment, focusing on essential skills, and leveraging free tools and community resources, you can capture the beauty of the night sky on a budget. Remember, the most important tool you have is your passion and creativity. So grab your camera, find a dark spot, and let the wonders of the universe inspire you to create something extraordinary!