Sidereal, Solar, Lunar & King Tracking Speeds

iOptron HEM44EC Telescope Mount

Telescope tracking speeds are crucial for anyone serious about astronomical observation. They dictate how well your telescope can follow celestial objects across the sky, ensuring they remain within your field of view for extended periods. Accurate tracking is what separates a fleeting glimpse from a detailed study, making it key for stargazers and astronomers alike. … Read more

Astrophotography Mistakes: How To Avoid Them

Common Beginner Mistakes

When I started in the hobby of astrophotography, I made many mistakes that were excellent learning experiences. Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last 20 years or so, and this has reduced the chances of making some of these mistakes, but there are some basic considerations that don’t change. The following sections detail … Read more

Founder Optics Draco 62 Review

Draco 62 Quintuplet Astrophotography Refractor

Product: Founder Optics Draco 62 Refractor Telescope Manufacturer: Founder Optics Country of Manufacture: Taiwan Current Price: $1099 Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced Introduction Today, I’m going to be talking about a telescope that’s been turning heads in the world of astronomy: the Founder Optics Draco 62 refractor telescope. This isn’t just about unveiling a product; … Read more

Top Astrophotography Brands

Hubble NGC 3521

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and yearned to capture its awe-inspiring beauty? Astrophotography is the art of photographing celestial events and bodies, from the shimmer of distant galaxies to the intricate surface of the moon. It’s a pursuit that combines the timeless wonder of astronomy with the cutting-edge precision of modern … Read more

Astrophotography With A Smartphone

man holding cell phone imaging the milky way

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt drawn to the dance of distant stars, wishing you could capture that moment forever? Well, guess what? You can. And you don’t need a telescope or a fancy DSLR camera to do it. The allure of astrophotography is now more accessible than ever, thanks … Read more

Histograms In Astrophotography

An Example of a Histogram Showing a Properly Exposed Image

What is a histogram?  In photography, a histogram is a visual representation of pixel “brightness” in the x-axis and the number of pixels with that brightness in the y-axis. The left side of the x-axis represents the dimmest or darkest brightness values, also called shadows, the middle represents the mid-tones, and the right side represents … Read more

ZWO AM5N Strain Wave Mount Review

ZWO AM5N Side View

Price: $1999 Manufacturer: ZWO Introduction The ZWO AM5N Strain Wave Equatorial Mount is a modern, high-precision mount designed for both amateur and professional astrophotographers. Known for its innovative strain wave gearing system, it promises superior tracking accuracy and a lightweight design, making it an attractive choice for portable astrophotography setups. Designed for the precision-driven hobbyist, … Read more

What Is An Astrograph?

An astrograph, also known as an astrophotographic telescope, is a type of telescope specifically designed for astrophotography. Its notable features include fast focal ratios like f/2 or f/3, wide apertures and optics designed to produce high-quality flat fields across the entire field of view. A key feature that sets astrographs apart is their wide field … Read more

Night Sky Photography Composition Tips

Milky Way Seems to Point to Tree

Nighttime photography has its own challenges. From dealing with light pollution to getting just the right composition that blends land-based features with cosmic wonders make this a unique niche within the photography hobby. I have always been fascinated by the night sky, the way countless stars pepper the dark canvas overhead. As a photographer, capturing … Read more

Full-frame Or APS-C Sensor – How To Choose

Full Frame vs APS-C

Today, I’m going to guide you through the fascinating world of camera sensors, starting with the very foundation. You’re going to find out about how these impressive pieces of technology capture the light and magic of the world around us, with a special focus on full-frame and APS-C sensors. At their core, camera sensors are … Read more