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peter5551014

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 18, 2011
7
0
Is there anyone using a equator mount for astrophotography?
I'm trying to take a long exposure photo, 1min or longer.
will I be able to buy one under $500?
I googled equator mount and wasn't sure if it will mount DSLRs.
 

xStep

macrumors 68020
Jan 28, 2003
2,031
143
Less lost in L.A.
I haven't followed this for some time, but...

You should be searching for "equatorial mount" not equator mount. You'll get more targeted results.

I've seen people mention they use motorized telescope mounts like these. They are not equatorial mounts, so I suspect they would not be useful for really long exposures.



You may also want to look into barndoors. Here are a couple of links to understand them.

 
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mtbdudex

macrumors 68030
Aug 28, 2007
2,680
4,177
SE Michigan
Look here http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=
or here http://www.astronomyforum.net/

I belong to both and many-many threads on exact same Q

I've seen quite a few people use these, http://www.astrotrac.com/, and due to portability I might get one also.

I show the vacation special so you can visualize the set-up, if you have a tripod/other can save some $$$.
holiday-special-deal.jpg

With the TT320X-AG you can take longer exposures at longer focal lengths allowing you to create brighter, less noisy images.

Super Accurate Unguided Tracking

The phenomenal unguided tracking accuracy of the TT320X-AG has to be seen to be believed. You can easily capture pin sharp stars at 200 mm or more focal length. The only other mounts which can match the unguided tracking accuracy of the TT320X-AG cost many thousands more.

Most DSLR camera exposures are around 5 minutes or less. The TT320X-AG has typical unguided tracking error of around 5 arcseconds peak-to-peak or better over a 5 minute period.

Your TT320X-AG unit is individually calibrated at the factory, so the tracking rate is exactly right. You don't need to waste time measuring and adjusting the tracking rate to make sure its running at just the right speed to prevent your images trailing.

Ultra Portable
tt320x-ag-closed-3.jpg


The TT320X-AG is remarkably compact - its roughly as long and as wide as your forearm. Put it in your suitcase or your computer bag and take it with you whenever you travel.
AstroTrac TT320X-AG - Closed

The ultra portable TT320X-AG weighs only 1 kg (2.2 lb). Despite its minimal weight, the TT320X-AG can easily carry 15 kg (33 lb) of cameras, lenses and telescopes. And you don't need to worry about lumping large power supplies with you either. The TT320X-AG draws minimal power, so you get around 10 hours tracking from a set of 8 AA cells. AA cells also have the advantage of being available just about anywhere in the world.
 
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