Camera Labs

Hi there,

I have always been passionate about astronomy, though it's only now that I've decided to do something about it. I am a complete novice, but I have recently joined the local Astronomical Society and been to a few meetings, and I'm also about to start an Open University degree in Astronomy and Planetary Science. So even though I'm a novice now, I most certainly will be heading towards a more knowledgeable/expert-like status in the very near future.

I was wondering what people would recommend as the best DSLR's for Astrophotography? My budget, well, ideally is £550-600 tops - not astronomical i know (sorry couldn't help it) - but also if you think I could get something that will perform just as well for £350/£400 then I would gladly listen!

I am generally a very keen photographer anyway and was looking to invest in a DSLR, not sure if that makes any difference, but thought I'd mention it all the same.

I'd be very grateful for any advice/reccommendations.

Cheers!

Oli

Main sensor based live view with a zooming in ability is valuable to assist with accurate focus. This rules out Sony DSLRs. Current Canon models are ok, and I think Olympus are too. I'm not familiar enough with Nikon's range.

Which to go for from the above depends on how much more you want?

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Thanks Popo. Well, I've seen some of your pictures on here and they look unbelievable....so whatever you're using!

I've heard that Canons are generally the best, or at least the most commonly used. It's just which model I guess!

what do you think to the Canon EOS 450d?

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon ... Rebel_XSi/

I mostly use the 50D which is outside your budget. The 450D seems to be a good balance of features and price.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Canon's liveview is sharper than nikon's, but it's not a night and day difference.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

All astrophotography tools have been built with Canon. Although some of them support Canon. You will get more optin if you go the Canon route.

If you want to take any serious picture, you will need a GEM mount, a guiding scope, a guiding camera and a laptop.On top of that, replacing the IR filter on the CMOS sensor for a Baader filter it's almost a necessity to capture nebula that emits Hydrogen-alpha.

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Canon T2i (550D)- Tamron 17-50 F2.8 Non-VC, Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM, Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4.5-F5.6
http://www.astronomyphotography.com

I'd favour Canon for its Live View implementation, which works better for astro work than any other system I've tested. Thankfully it's the same on all current Canon DSLRs, so you can take your pick according to budget. It's also handy to have the PC remote control included free of charge.

I can't imagine shooting without the pc remote control.

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Canon T2i (550D)- Tamron 17-50 F2.8 Non-VC, Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM, Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4.5-F5.6
http://www.astronomyphotography.com