[Chaos-l] Astrophotography start up?

[Joe Pedit]

Hi Steve,

Mark has already provided some good responses to your questions. I just 
wanted to add some suggestions on remote timer options.  I received the 
Canon TC-80N3 when I purchased a Canon 20Da many years ago.  It is an 
excellent timer remote control, but cost $129.  There are many 3rd party 
timer remote controls available that cost a fraction of the TC-80N3.  
I've had success using the Neewer version on a Canon T2i.  It is 
available on Amazon for about $15.  It lacks the polish and build of the 
Canon version, but works.  The Aputure version is also popular and is 
about the same price as the Neewer version.

I also use Magic Lantern to control imaging sequences on a Canon T3i.  
Magic Lantern is firmware that is installed on the camera via the SD 
card.  Magic Lantern is developing a version compatible with the Canon 
60D.  The advantage of Magic Lantern is that it is free and allows you 
to have one less item to bring to the field. See details at
http://www.magiclantern.fm/

Joe


On 3/16/2013 10:20 PM, Steve Christensen wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I hope it is OK to ask this here.  I am really enjoying starting some 
> astrophotography and want to move up a little.  I want to do things 
> without telescope or clock drive for now until I learn more.   So, I 
> am considering
>
> Canon 60Da  (I have some Canon lenses already)
> Canon TC803N Remote Timer
> A new Tripod - suggestions?
> Maybe an IR filter for non astro things
>
> Use the Deep Sky Stacker software and Photoshop which I have already. 
> Does it make sense to use a Telrad or something similar to aim the 
> camera to interesting objects?  What lenses are useful?  If I decide 
> to add a telescope later, is this camera useful for that?
>
> What do you folks suggest about this or other options?  I have learned 
> that a number of you are extreme experts at this, so I hope you will 
> be patient with a real newbie.  What about external connections to a 
> laptop or iPad etc?
>
> Right now, I am getting what little I know from YouTube videos and 
> Google searches.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve C.
> _______________________________________________
> Chaos-l mailing list
> Chaos-l at rtpnet.org
> http://rtpnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chaos-l