Reviews

Price: $1999 (smaller FRA300 available for $1199) What is an astrograph? The Askar FRA500 (Flat field Refractive Astrographs) is a top-of-the-line refractor telescope that is specifically designed for intermediate and advanced level astronomy enthusiasts. As the name implies, astrographs are designed specifically for astrophotography. The telescope has a 90 mm aperture and a focal length … Read more

HAE43EC (enhanced encoders)   Product: iOptron HAE43 Strain Wave AZ/EQ Mount with High Precision Encoders Manufacturer: iOptron Current Price: $4248 What are Strain Wave Mounts? Strain wave telescope mounts, also known as harmonic drive telescope mounts, are a type of motorized mount used to control the movement of telescopes. This type of mount is rapidly … Read more

  Unistellar eQuinox2 Smart Tracking Telescope Price: $2499 (now includes smart solar filter, a $249 value!) Have you ever looked through a telescope expecting to see beautiful celestial objects in full and vivid color? Have you been disappointed when everything looks dim and fuzzy with no real color? Do you live in a city with … Read more

Product: Takahashi FSQ-106ED4X Manufacturer: Takahashi Price: $7330 as of the time of this review The Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4EDX4 is a high-quality, apochromatic refractor telescope that is designed for astrophotography and visual observing. It is a redesign of the venerable FSQ-106 telescope. It has a compact size and a relatively large aperture of 106mm, making it an … Read more

If you are looking for high quality equatorial telescope mount, look no further. Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher Mount type: Equatorial computerized go-to mount Price: $1699 The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R telescope mount is a quality telescope mount that provides reliable performance for both astrophotography and visual observation. It is a very popular choice for astrophotographers who are looking for … Read more

Celestron – NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope Manufacturer: Celestron Optics: Schmidt-Cassegrain Mount: Altazimuth Price: $1099 without accessories (as of the time of this review) The Company Celestron, based in Torrance, California, has a long history of making quality, affordable telescopes for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced users. The company is known for its innovative … Read more

What is N.I.N.A? NINA (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) is free, open-source astrophotography software designed to help amateur astronomers and astrophotographers capture and analyze astronomical images. Most every aspect of capturing astronomical images can be controlled and even automated by N.I.N.A. Astronomy software has transformed backyard stargazing into an immersive dive into the cosmos. Among the … Read more

iOptron CEM70 Advanced Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount Price: Starting at $3228      The iOptron CEM70 is an equatorial mount that is very good for both imaging and visual use. Casual observers do not need this degree of accurate tracking, so I would recommend it mainly for long-exposure imaging. I have been using this mount … Read more

ZWO – EAF 5V (Electronic Automatic Focuser) Price: $199 as of the time of this review (accessories sold separately). See current price Price $248 with accessories See current price Manufacturer: ZWO Introduction When is comes to astrophotography equipment and achieving the best images, experienced astrophotographers know that precise telescope focusing is critical. You could spend … Read more

Pegasus Powerbox Advanced Generation 2 Price: $324 Manufacturer: Pegasus Astro Introduction Experienced astrophotographers know that technology has made this hobby much easier than it was 20 years, or even 10 years ago. Technology has allowed much of what we do to be automated. This type of automation requires power, and power requires cables. My setup … Read more