NEBULA Photography with a Cheap DSLR & Lens

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024
  • The Star Tracker I Use: amzn.to/3AnswXt
    Rokinon 135mm Lens: amzn.to/3C3tqcj
    In this video, I’ll prove that you don’t need an expensive camera to take incredible astrophotography images. The camera used in this video is an old Canon EOS T3i, which is actually a great little astrophotography camera.
    To be honest, knowing HOW to capture great data, and image processing skills are much more important than the camera you use. I hope you enjoyed this video, and subscribe if you haven’t already!
    Affiliate Links:
    Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.

Комментарии • 1,3 тыс.

  • @gojaimo
    @gojaimo 4 года назад +4269

    Don’t get me wrong, I love watching your videos but to say it’s not bad for a “$200” camera is a bit misleading when you have a $400 tracker, $500 lens, $150 light pollution filter, and various other expenses like tripod, dew heater, and remote. Easily in the $1500 range if you pick a cheap tripod... a budget rig when compared to using dedicated imaging equipment for sure but still misleading to say a cheap DSLR did this when the real magic happens with a steady tripod, tracker, and modded camera with a filter... all I’m saying is $200 and eBay is t getting you there. And yes, it’s still expensive. However, still love to see your videos, keep them coming.

    • @patrickguilfoyle8884
      @patrickguilfoyle8884 4 года назад +73

      Is it more expensive than nature, landscape, wildlife, wedding, architectural photography? If you haven't noticed, photography itself can be expensive. And remember the old adage; you get what you pay for. In other words, this is an inexpensive SOLUTION to the expenses associated with higher end astro-photography or maybe, just maybe, astro-photography isn't for you.

    • @gojaimo
      @gojaimo 4 года назад +449

      Patrick Guilfoyle what the heck are you talking about... I simply said that saying a $200 camera from eBay will not get you those results alone. You COULD say for under $1500 including a self modded camera from eBay, you can do this... also, don’t presume to know what is and isn’t for me... I have several William Optics, Orion, Celestron, ES, and Meade scopes along with a few iOptron and Celestron mounts, ZWO cameras, etc... I know EXACTLY how expensive this is and can be. Although $1500 is an INEXPENSIVE entry into this hobby many will consider it expensive because it is an expensive hobby.

    • @sumeetpade
      @sumeetpade 4 года назад +63

      @@patrickguilfoyle8884 Agree that photography is an expensive hobby. But the point here is that, it requires a of investment just to get started in deep sky astro photography (tracker, filters, heater, good tripod, dedicated lens etc.)! Any other type of photography can be started with a cheap camera, kit lens and cheap tripod at best.
      Anyway, great video as always. :)

    • @patrickguilfoyle8884
      @patrickguilfoyle8884 4 года назад +23

      @@gojaimo well then Trevor was just stating that instead of buying a more expensive telescope, you can get great shots with an old camera. HELLO!
      Maybe you just move on....

    • @gojaimo
      @gojaimo 4 года назад +122

      Patrick Guilfoyle um no, don’t be like that... he clearly said you can take great deep space photos with a cheap Camera... I love his videos and his style and although Trevor doesn’t know me personally, he has inspired my newest light weight rig.... That said, I don’t have to agree with EVERYTHING he says... How about you move on and stop putting words in his mouth.

  • @elapid13
    @elapid13 4 года назад +1644

    Cheap dslr but once it’s been modified it is no longer a cheap dslr. And the filter is worth more than the camera!

    • @AstroBackyard
      @AstroBackyard  4 года назад +239

      Mod yourself for free. I did

    • @DanielKennedyaeos
      @DanielKennedyaeos 4 года назад +83

      @@AstroBackyard Where do you get the CLS-CCD for free :o

    • @Rad_Travels
      @Rad_Travels 4 года назад +95

      @@AstroBackyard He's also referring to the filter. That's an extra ~$160.

    • @ghostsoldier-nd8549
      @ghostsoldier-nd8549 4 года назад +116

      @@Rad_Travels And the lens which is almost 500 dollars

    • @blackbearcolorado4114
      @blackbearcolorado4114 4 года назад +88

      Heck even the tracker is more then the camera even the cheaper ones.

  • @pupperemeritus9189
    @pupperemeritus9189 4 года назад +694

    Plot twist. It's the filters and star tracker and the sky quality that matters.

    • @horaciodortona574
      @horaciodortona574 4 года назад +16

      Isn't that a given? Water is wet...

    • @SuperTurbo9001
      @SuperTurbo9001 4 года назад +82

      Perhaps not so obvious to newcomers of the hobby.

    • @pupperemeritus9189
      @pupperemeritus9189 4 года назад +1

      @@SuperTurbo9001 yes im quite new and i havent bought myself a tracker yet. i should get a filter too. i live in a class 9 sky

    • @hzubovi1
      @hzubovi1 4 года назад +1

      And those are not cheap 😁

    • @tnmcelroy
      @tnmcelroy 4 года назад +1

      @@hzubovi1 true, the lens is the next most expensive item. But there are less expensive alternatives. There's currently quite a few old Nikon 135 f2 or f2.8 AI lenses on ebay less than £100, and the mount I mentioned is roughly half the price of the mount he uses. It might not be as advanced, but it's a start.

  • @igoreq4495
    @igoreq4495 4 года назад +865

    "Cheap rig"
    Bruh

    • @JanuszBinarny
      @JanuszBinarny 4 года назад +2

      exactly! EOS and cheap, choose one

    • @killer120070507
      @killer120070507 4 года назад +37

      *conveniently forgets the expensive filter and star tracker*

    • @beating2
      @beating2 4 года назад +8

      @@killer120070507 What about $500 lens? This can probably be done with tamron/sigma 70-300mm and some cheap ass filters if you want to go on budget but tracker will be by far most expensive still. Cant see this happening under $500 all in to be honest. His setup is like $1500... LOL

    • @nman2563
      @nman2563 4 года назад

      @@beating2 That was Orange's point.

    • @Robert08010
      @Robert08010 4 года назад +1

      @@killer120070507 And the $499.00 lens.

  • @jwdeepsky
    @jwdeepsky Год назад +2

    So excited!!! I ordered this lens with a canon rebel xsi, and the adventurer gti. Can't wait to continue my journey

  • @DavidParker-jr5bd
    @DavidParker-jr5bd 4 года назад +18

    Very informative and well presented video.
    In the early 90's I built a barn door tracker with a curved rod driven by an old turntable motor. Balanced everything as best I could, pointed the hinge at Polaris and used an old film camera to photograph the Constellation Orion. I managed to get a few passable photos out of 2-3 rolls before the motor burned up. Most were over or under exposed or smeared due to tracking error. I considered it a success but nowhere near what is possible today with limited means. If you are here watching and interested in astrophotography I would definitely advise considering the Sky Watcher.

  • @phildawe7172
    @phildawe7172 4 года назад +224

    love it! What about if i tape my gopro to an egg timer?
    eggtimer: $9
    gopro: already have it
    tape: $1
    string: $1 (to tie up the cat so it doesnt knock it out of alt azimuth.

    • @GalacticHunter
      @GalacticHunter 4 года назад +12

      Haha, good luck polar aligning the egg timer though 😂

    • @phildawe7172
      @phildawe7172 4 года назад +2

      @@GalacticHunter 😄 but seriously. I really enjoyed this video. great result! 🕊✌

    • @e210dall3
      @e210dall3 4 года назад +5

      @@GalacticHunter Easily done using a polarmylometer. Only $24,000 from Amazon. Suggest you buy the $15 egg timer for better results though.

    • @Robert08010
      @Robert08010 4 года назад +2

      Don't forget the astro-pan stacker for pancake image stacking!

    • @gooseknack
      @gooseknack 4 года назад +1

      Give it go! It may take a little while to find polar alignment, but that's the same with telescopes on a equatorial mount(especially South of the equator!). Not sure how the egg timer will handle a heavier camera and lens though....
      Check out the Barn Door mount as a better option for a heavier camera/lens combination. They can be made cheaply as a DIY project. You can free plans on the internet and likely videos right here on yt.

  • @ipan574
    @ipan574 4 года назад +313

    The lens is literally 3 times the price of the dslr 😂

    • @unbroken1010
      @unbroken1010 4 года назад +1

      Usually but plenty of vintage stuff is great

    • @rage_scorpio5494
      @rage_scorpio5494 3 года назад +1

      Well but...it´s still cheap compared to what some telescopes cost

    • @MarkA500
      @MarkA500 28 дней назад

      The lens is $409 the star tracker is around $700-$800 😂

  • @Deathman9987
    @Deathman9987 4 года назад +13

    Love the outro man.
    All these people hating on the fact that he uses other equipment that is more expensive than the camera. I think the main point was that you can shoot Astro with a cheap DSLR. You don't need an $1800+ camera BODY to do the job. Ofc there's still other equipment you need to buy, photography itself isn't cheap.

    • @josemendezfr
      @josemendezfr 4 года назад +1

      What the hell am I supposed to do with the cheap camera if I don't have the rest of the gear?

    • @solarq_
      @solarq_ 4 года назад +1

      @@josemendezfr Astrophotography itself is expensive, but you can cut a but of costs by using a cheaper DSLR. The point is that cheap dslrs are still an adequate base for most rigs

  • @shawnewaltonify
    @shawnewaltonify 4 года назад +1

    Thank-you to all experienced astro-photographers for supporting Trevor in making this entry-level content. This is perfect. I want this setup. Thank-you Trevor!

  • @SCTyler.
    @SCTyler. 4 года назад +66

    Every time you upload I feel as giddy as a kid on Christmas. I've always loved Astronomy and never thought it was possible to take photos of these objects like you do without some crazy huge scientific telescope. After watching your videos though a large chunk of my tax returns will be going into Astrophotography! Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing not just for Astrophotography but for science in general. It's the people like yourself that will truly influence the world of science.

  • @bulbhead3333
    @bulbhead3333 4 года назад

    The star tracker is the most important accessory. Most people think it's the camera but lens and accessories and most importantly a person that knows what they are doing. Great video.

  • @ReeWrayOutdoors
    @ReeWrayOutdoors 4 года назад +64

    I'd love to see a video showing how you post-processed these shots! Really inspirational stuff, man.

    • @markbishop1258
      @markbishop1258 4 года назад +3

      There are several videos on how to post process the shots and that part is not expensive with free software like Sequator, Deep Sky Stacker, and GIMP.

    • @ut000bs
      @ut000bs 4 года назад +1

      @@markbishop1258 Man, I love GIMP. Linux and Windows both.

  • @brianfulda
    @brianfulda 4 года назад +1

    Excellent video Trevor! Glad you made this one to point out how easy it is to get started.
    For the people saying that this isn’t possible without spending close to $1500, well here’s my rebuttal. You can indeed do astrophotography with results very close to this image:
    Camera: $200 Used t3i
    Lens: $400 Used Rokinon 135mm f/2
    Tracker: $150 Omegon LX2
    Tripod: $50
    Intervalometer: $10
    No dew heater - image in slightly warmer conditions/lower humidity and you shouldn’t need one
    No light pollution filter: drive a couple hours to a darker sky site (Bortle 4 or below)
    If you follow these steps and get a couple hours of 60 second exposures, you can certainly capture images like the one in the video for well under $1000

  • @guyyanez6949
    @guyyanez6949 4 года назад +8

    Wow, what a great result for such a narrow time consuming setup. Besides, you don't end up freezing to death during setup and especially when it comes to wrap everything up and get the whole kit back inside. I think the mod is critical to get that sharp nebulosity in an hour exposure around NGC2024 and IC434. Two thumbs up. Cheers from Chile

  • @davidmiller4594
    @davidmiller4594 4 года назад

    For everyone out there criticizing "Cheap", this whole setup is running about 1500 usd. That is Very affordable.
    He shows where to spend your money and where not to. Also explains Why its a good idea to spent it where it needs to be spent.
    Starting out with $150 camera body snd ending up with a $1500 rig may sound wrong to some people, but as I said, he explained why you only need that cheap camera body.
    This is THE best *balanced* rig I've seen on youtube yet, where you consider "most bang for your buck".
    I'm subbed!!

  • @bobbyrice
    @bobbyrice 4 года назад +81

    Please stop calling my T3i an "older cheap" camera. I love that thing. It's served me well and still serves me well!

    • @cmallin1846
      @cmallin1846 4 года назад +5

      I know! I use mine practically every day. Mine has been in the rain on bike trips, in the snow, out on 100° days, and on 10° nights, and unfortunately it's hit the ground a few times. I honestly don't know how many times it's hit the 9999 counter mark and started over again, but it's been a few. It's been a workhorse.

    • @gooseknack
      @gooseknack 4 года назад +4

      Remember, it's all about perspective. To this guy, it is an "older, cheap camera". To those of us still with our T3i/600D's.. it's the best camera we have. They have held their value well though, they(the T3i/600D) were $650 in Australia for the body, when new.

    • @RoLee705
      @RoLee705 4 года назад

      Doesn’t mean it’s not older. “Cheap” is relative, but it is cheapER.

    • @batignolles-chatillonchar2906
      @batignolles-chatillonchar2906 4 года назад +1

      No, its older and cheaper. Its not old and cheap, just older and cheaper.

    • @Crunchy121
      @Crunchy121 3 года назад +1

      it is an older cheap camera but it doesn’t mean that it’s trash

  • @pano-rific8838
    @pano-rific8838 4 года назад

    Thank you for your rig hints. Never mind the critics. Results are what matters. Compaired to 20-30 Grand rig. $1,500 seems like a good starter kit. Modify to fit your equipment budget. Your budget and mileage may very but now we know what it takes to get in this game. Much appreciated. Best takeaways IMHO were the AC hookup and the heater band. ~ your neighbor

  • @assai74
    @assai74 4 года назад +41

    Money aside, it took knowledge, dedication and passion to get this photos yourselve. Impressive!

    • @ThirstysURL
      @ThirstysURL 3 года назад +1

      It's as easy as looking up the weather.

  • @LRyan225
    @LRyan225 Год назад +1

    Great video! Ppl still do not understand photography as a hobby or a job, is expensive to start and maintain, no matter what. It just has a "relatively cheap" way, or "expensive" way of starting the photography journey. No way around it. By photography, I mean the one using the dedicated camera, not the iPhone photography sector (not saying cellphone photography is bad, actually, the camera in your phone is very good). No matter is Astrophotography, landscape, wildlife, or even street photography (yeah, this one can be a bit cheaper).
    When I was in middle school, I used a Nikon D80 with a kit lens to take astrophotos. Luckily I was grouped on a field trip by my hobby class teacher; Biology was my hobby at that time btw, not Astro. ( The hobby class is popular in my country, China, kids always join after-school hobby classes in the Children's Palace and often have amazing field trips along the course). We traveled to observe the Perseids meteor shower, but unfortunately, there was none of them :(. That trip was my first time both taking astrophotography and using a "professional" Goto star tracker that can hold two DSLRs at the same time. Our teacher was brave enough to let two kids fully control this machine🤣. I was a nube but the other kid seemed to have some knowledge to use it. We ended up spending a whole night playing with this tracker and tasks lots of photos. The photo quality wasn't good because of the knowledge I had at that time, but anyhow, it was a great experience for me getting into this hobby.
    To be honest, in most cases, just bring your kit lens, or get a cheap wide-angle manual focus lens like a Samyang 14 f2.8. With a great clear sky, you can shoot beautiful milky ways already. Indeed, the deep sky looks fascinating, but you not only need more $$$$ to buy the lens, tracker, stable tripods, extra ball head, or even modify your camera. But also, you need tons of time waiting for the camera to be exposed. Those fascinating shots on Instagram or RUclips often took 2 hours, 3 hours; some took a few days of total exposing time, and many hours of Photoshops later on. Unless you are retired or still a college student, there is not a lot of time to spend on to both: find a clear night +Spend an entire night + Hours of Photoshop later on. 🤐

  • @parekh6601
    @parekh6601 4 года назад +7

    The real magic Happens with the filter, lens and star tracker and good post processing everything which is not "cheap"

  • @brewinanddoin9312
    @brewinanddoin9312 2 года назад

    With yours and Nico's videos, I just took the dive into this hobby. Can't wait to learn and grow.

  • @cameleonxxl8456
    @cameleonxxl8456 4 года назад +272

    Modified camera, filter and star tracker... Things that you missed in your clickbate title....

    • @dot6102
      @dot6102 4 года назад +6

      it's just a title and technically it's not incorrect. Astrophotography is not a cheap hobby. You can still take some pretty nice pictures under 100$ with a smartphone(that most already have) and a pair of binoculars

    • @asnlem4772
      @asnlem4772 4 года назад +1

      @@dot6102 who has binoculars?

    • @afh7689
      @afh7689 4 года назад +7

      *clickbait

    • @suek.3448
      @suek.3448 4 года назад

      I think he explained it pretty well. And everyone who wants to take deep sky pictures needs a star tracker. That is a given. No clickbate at all.

    • @gooseknack
      @gooseknack 4 года назад

      Did you watch? You can modify the camera yourself and the filter he used, you don't necessarily need. You don't need a star tracker either, only patience and the willingness to move the camera manually. It will mean shorter exposures and possibly a higher iso. It can be done, however!

  • @MrDlt123
    @MrDlt123 2 года назад

    I was an avid daytime photographer for years, and I've been a visual astronomer for many years. I was looking into astrophotography and suddenly realized that I have a T3i collecting dust in the back of my closet. My lucky day!

  • @GalacticHunter
    @GalacticHunter 4 года назад +4

    Fantastic results with the t3i, still one of the best affordable cameras for beginners!

  • @anishaanderson5331
    @anishaanderson5331 4 года назад

    I stumble across your videos one day and now I found a new hobby!! I didn't even know you can take pics of space like that. Your pictures are just breath taking and I can't wait to start taking pictures myself. You have definitely inspired me!! Keep up the awesome work!

  • @AaronDalton1
    @AaronDalton1 4 года назад +5

    Great video Trevor! Feels like a return to your older stuff. One thing, you might get slightly better performance if you drop your tripod down a bit, less leg extension, less opportunity for flex especially in a breeze. So cool to be reminded what can be done with a simple rig.

  • @MrExo_3D
    @MrExo_3D 4 года назад +1

    I didnt realize you could see a nebula with a 135mm lens. I figured something longer would be required. this is inspiring!

    • @georgewashington7444
      @georgewashington7444 Год назад

      Lots of nebula visible with unaided eye.
      M42
      M17
      M22
      North American nebula
      I even saw M27 from Utah high desert!

  • @timleelegacyartstudio
    @timleelegacyartstudio 4 года назад +10

    Eye opening and exactly the video I needed to see! Been dreaming of getting into deep sky photography and your videos have been a great guide. Just saving my pennies now for a Star tracker!

  • @johntravena119
    @johntravena119 4 года назад

    Amazing that ambitious amateurs can get results like this. Galileo is envious! Always marvel at how how digital cameras have changed the world - our knowledge of animal behavior is surely richer for it, our knowledge of certain social problems, etc.

  • @Dwayne_Green
    @Dwayne_Green 4 года назад +12

    Finally, a clear night in South western Ontario!

  • @dannmetal6459
    @dannmetal6459 Год назад +1

    Trev, how you doing mate? It's due to you I've got myself into astrophotography. Indeed, watching a few other @astro people on RUclips they too have also contributed, but you've been the one single constant. Why? I've gone back and forth with a sh*t load of other RUclipsrs and I keep going back to you (possibly analytics?). Either way, those little nuggets of information hidden in your videos, like this one, really does illuminate/highlight certain requirements for individuals like myself starting out (albeit at a very late age). I note the last entry in the comments section is 3 years ago, yet I'm looking/replying at this now. Seriously, it's people like YOU with a passion that rubs off on people like me starting out. As I type, I am personally considering the Askar FMA230 or a RedCat 51 with SW 2I pro mount to start off.Unsure which one I'll get but happy to grab a recommendation off you (assuming you read this?). Regardless, a huge thank you from me to you. Please do keep on with your passion. It is appreciated all the way over here in Oz. Cheers mate. Dann

  • @souljahdu
    @souljahdu 4 года назад +17

    Was excited about this then I saw the price of the filter. 😂😂😂

  • @montygemma
    @montygemma 4 года назад

    When I was at University doing a fine art painting course i got interested in landscape photography along with the painting. I asked the most qualified photography tutor there what was the best kit. He said all you need is a cheap Canon or Nikon, recommended a Canon 1100D or 600D and to use a prime lens whenever possible. He told me that's all I'll ever need, it's much more about knowing what you're doing and being in the right place at the right time than expensive equipment.

  • @VisibledarkAstro
    @VisibledarkAstro 4 года назад +3

    The edit at 9:42 is pretty cool. Very cinematic with the music chosen. I like your video editing
    style overall. Are you using Premiere Pro? That's what I use. Cheers from Kitchener, Ontario - a fellow astrophotographer!

  • @apoc5412
    @apoc5412 4 года назад +1

    Wish all videos were this in depth told. I'm very new to the stuff and by far I found this the best of explaining stuff. Thank you so much

  • @Sergeant_Nugget
    @Sergeant_Nugget 4 года назад +6

    That is awesome. I can't wait to do this someday. I just gotta learn the whole processing steps from your videos and have confidence to doing it.

    • @PepitoMegaChocolato
      @PepitoMegaChocolato 3 года назад +1

      Yeah nowadays you can learn anything on internet. Cool time to be alive

  • @elizabethtorres6069
    @elizabethtorres6069 3 года назад +1

    All these added Lenes, Filters and etc. can be expensive.. but your photos are so beautifully breathtaking.😘💕Thank you for sharing another way of capturing our skies without a telescope.📷

  • @SchardtCinematic
    @SchardtCinematic 4 года назад +4

    My first DSLR was a T3i. I gave it to my daughter and I bought an 80D. Then I sold my 80D for a 90D

    • @wildnessinframe
      @wildnessinframe 4 года назад +2

      90D is a absolute beast. I brought it recently too

    • @83jbbentley
      @83jbbentley 4 года назад

      Schardt Cinematic Productions I’d love to see how it does Milkyway photography

    • @SchardtCinematic
      @SchardtCinematic 4 года назад

      @@83jbbentley I've never actually had the chance to do milky way or a starry night sky with any of my DSLRs but someday I hope too. I also own a 5D mark III full frame as well.

    • @wildnessinframe
      @wildnessinframe 4 года назад

      @@83jbbentley I actually did with my old 750D and it managed some sick shots so my best guess is 90D definitely gonna be better

  • @DougHanchard
    @DougHanchard 4 года назад

    If watched this video a several of times over the past couple of months. It is a good video that explains the real basics of requirements necessary to enjoy the astrophotography hobby. It has made a real impression on my thought process of what route I want to take.
    Here are a few things I've tried to keep in mind before making any decisions.
    - is this really something I think I'll enjoy over many years or simply tinker with occasionally.
    - Do I have the disposable income to support a hobby that constantly requires fairly expensive upgrades.
    - Am I capable / willing to go through a fairly complicated setup routine every time I want to shoot.
    - how much is my time versus money worth? (mistakes, experiment, trial & error versus enjoyment and results).
    I think it's fair to say, no matter what route any entry level astrophotographer is going to take, this hobby is going to wind up expensive - if one decides to stick with it.
    I've watched allot of astrophotography videos that illustrates how one can start small and then take a methodical upgrade path or bypass some of the constant upgrades that are inevitable and begin with fairly expensive equipment to start.
    I think what many contemplate is not the actual costs involved but how much satisfaction is achieved. Money doesn't buy happiness. On the other hand, wasted money is dissatisfying.
    I think it's fair to say, a good setup is going to cost 6 / 10 grand. (USD / CAD). Keep in mind, I'm looking at pricing from a complete rookie perspective, an individual that has no contacts or experience where to buy high quality equipment and competitive prices.
    Based on the research I've done, if you take the plunge and buy a factory Canon or Nikon body specially designed for astrophotography at the beginning and all the lenses, filters, star tracker, tripod, software and plethora of accessories, the figures I've quoted are reasonably accurate.
    That's big money. It will last for years and reduce the level of frustration depending on one's patience. It will also save a lot of time.
    I attempted to map out how much one would spend spend by doing it piecemeal and upgrade over time. After observing what other hobbyist have done and explained to me, it adds up in a hurry and could exceed the costs of investing in high quality equipment up front by as much as 30 to 40 percent.
    It depends on what options are available, skill level to modify equipment, be on the constant lookout for used equipment and accessories and prepare for several duds along the way.
    There are some very low cost paths that can definitely be cheaper by as much as 50% than new premium equipment. But it also depends on how manual and intense one is willing to participate in setup and configuration knowledge. There is so much to learn and understanding limitations. This is an important part of my decision process. Might not be for you.
    There is also a convergence underway depending on who you trust; how good are newer integration options for telescope / digital photography product? It seems to me, options including all the latest software, tracking and advanced imagery techniques are becoming available at lower and lower cost points every year.
    Just a year ago, a $4,500 astrophotography specific camera body attached to a $3,000, 8" telescope with all the required tracking gear is now 10% cheaper. Prices continue to slowly decline. What will the prices be in 2021 and beyond?
    Is it realistic that the same performance will be available for $5,000? I don't know. But there are indications this is likely. Do I spend $1,500 to $2,000 to start, knowing these products will become available?
    I'm pretty sure I have decided to take the long road because part of the fun (for me anyway) will be making a zillion mistakes, knowing it is initially cheaper to take the plunge, but more expensive in the long run. This is based on allot of tech experience.
    Just like personal computers and smartphones. For fun, I added up what I've spent over the past 40+ years on computer desktop, laptops, monitors and smartphones. Gulp, $30,000!
    I still have every camera and lens I've owned except one that I had to sell over that same time frame. $9,000 (CAD). My first Canon EOS 650, was a state of the art consumer class camera in 1988. With 2 lenses, $1,900 bucks back in the day. Makes you think when a "cheap" Canon T3 that's 100 times better starts at less than $500 with 2 high quality lenses. And now they are less than $200 used.
    What this video reinforces to me is the fact, good astrophotography can be accomplished by a reasonable cost. If you become addicted, then take the plunge and spend a whack load of money and become lazy. If you get bored, then you've saved about 4 to 7 grand and still had some satisfaction. Time to scour the for sale ads for a cheap SLR body to mod and find a decent lens, tracker...
    I really enjoyed watching this video.

  • @paullee2561
    @paullee2561 4 года назад +6

    Nothing like the good old days of hyper-sensitizing the film to ASA 3200. Much easier, Great info and vid.

  • @Ironbeagle82
    @Ironbeagle82 4 года назад

    What you just showed us is what I'm going to attempt in a few nights but with the 50mm, no mod, no filter. Great video! Had a retro, "back to the basics" feel to it. Cheers!

  • @ellarpc
    @ellarpc 4 года назад +13

    I would like to see how you do your post processing on an image like this.

    • @yesitchris
      @yesitchris 4 года назад +2

      Lol I second that, plus I’m pretty sure the reddish color is rendered

  • @piotrjakuc6357
    @piotrjakuc6357 4 года назад +2

    Nothing better than going back to your roots, Trevor! There's nothing quite like it, especially in nice dark skies. I love using the T3i and the star adventurer as well!

  • @BlackDiamondYoutub
    @BlackDiamondYoutub 4 года назад +4

    2 seconds in and I can see already that tripod/tracker right there plus everything you are mentioning is a good few thousand $$$

    • @M-Mir
      @M-Mir 4 года назад

      300€ Samyang, 150€ Cam, 100€ filter, 60€ clear glass, 300€ Tracker, 100€ rest. 1k and youre good to go.

    • @vitami1
      @vitami1 4 года назад

      @@M-Mir what's the filter and what is the "clear glass" you said?

  • @NG-VQ37VHR
    @NG-VQ37VHR 4 года назад

    A used t3i is a great place to start if you don’t already own a dslr. A used t3i is what enabled me to get started and it’s all I’ve used since. I’ve been holding off on modifying it, just because it’s the only astrophotography camera I have and I don’t want to mess it up. It needs to be done though. This video may have just convinced me to do it.

  • @iSpike
    @iSpike 4 года назад +12

    B R I L L I A N T, thank you for sharing the “HOW TO” even though it works out to cost a little more I think it’s worth it considering my Panasonic GH5 cost me $2,300 AUD. I have a canon 200 SL2 that is a start. I am keen to take photos of the Milky-Way & stars and looking into what I need - Your video has helped point me in the right direction 👍🏻 I really like how you edited this video together. New subscriber here. Cheers from Outback country Wild Western Australia 📸👍🏻

  • @MrSuperMole
    @MrSuperMole 4 года назад +1

    Great! And what would the picture look like if the camera were not modified?

  • @MHMHMH97
    @MHMHMH97 4 года назад +3

    i really recommend you guys watching astrobiscuit, he did it under 100, tripod binocular and a phone

  • @Tihpem
    @Tihpem 4 года назад +1

    Nice to see some of the simpler aspects again Trevor, this is what first got me into this hobby and your channel. Someone at backyard with more basic setup showing the magic that can be done.

  • @melarbi
    @melarbi 4 года назад +4

    Hey, I have an old rebel XT in the vault and am interested in modifying it manually. Would you be able to link some RUclips videos or tutorials on how to do it?

    • @ChrisTardif_
      @ChrisTardif_ 4 года назад +2

      Just search RUclips for "modify canon dslr for astrophotography". I used AstroMod Canada to do mine....I'd have a pile of leftover parts if I tried it myself :)

    • @RobB_VK6ES
      @RobB_VK6ES 4 года назад

      not for the feint hearted but doable if you proceed carefully. It will also pay to research deeper into such mods as not all are equal. where you live may also play a part. Trevor has that ice bucket called Canada to cool his cameras and he chose a relatively large and bright target. you will not get comparable results in hot climates and dimmer smaller targets.

  • @nishaanpatel9985
    @nishaanpatel9985 4 года назад

    Wow makes your heart pound seeing all that space above, so humbling to know there's so much we can see but yet know nothing about

  • @user-iw9se9tu7w
    @user-iw9se9tu7w 4 года назад +26

    “In the city” lol

    • @mornaistar
      @mornaistar 4 года назад +4

      IKR! ahaha he lives like in the middle of the woods

    • @unbroken1010
      @unbroken1010 4 года назад

      Stay away antifa 😀

    • @groad6551
      @groad6551 3 года назад

      @@unbroken1010 😄

  • @franbeltran3314
    @franbeltran3314 4 года назад

    I don't get why people are complaining about your "misleading" title, what the hell man, it's a great video, thank you!

    • @carlbrowning8409
      @carlbrowning8409 4 года назад

      It's odd. To get a good imaging CCD at $200 is killer. Why all these people don't realize you still need the rest for a $2000+ camera lol

  • @kenzo450D
    @kenzo450D 4 года назад +16

    "ordinary backyard" "city", and that shows up! :O

  • @brunocv.4435
    @brunocv.4435 3 года назад

    Woww, this is so beautfull, I just ordered my 130PDS scope and cant wait to use with my t3i. Thanks for the video.

  • @ReviewGuy01
    @ReviewGuy01 4 года назад +13

    "with this cheap $200 DSLR plus $2000 worth of accesories you can get pics like these lol so cheap anyone can do it"
    this guy tho 😂😂😂

  • @gihanilangakoon
    @gihanilangakoon 9 месяцев назад

    The removal of the IR filter, which most dare not do, and Rokinon 135 mm are essentials along with the Adventurer GTi
    Thanks for this video to me, who is rapidly losing heart in doing astrophotography with my DSLR

  • @robertfield4103
    @robertfield4103 4 года назад +3

    Also,youtube tutorials on removing the IR cut filter typically show a replacement film being inserted (to maintain focus distance). Is this film only for autofocus? For a modified body dedicated to astro, is a replacement film required? HELP

    • @marcagostini3051
      @marcagostini3051 4 года назад +2

      Depends on your lens; On some lenses, you won't be able to reach infinite focus without a replacement, beacause a piece of glass like a filter will alter the length of the optical path by ~1/3 of its thickness. This is of course vital if you want to do astrophotography; I modified my Nikon d3200 without replacement, on my Samyang 24mm I can't reach infinite focus anymore, but on my Sigma 50-150 I can, it all depends on where the lens manufacturer puts the stop for focusing. On an astronomical telescope this usually isn't an Issue because you tend to have loads of focuser travel.

  • @koolkutz7
    @koolkutz7 4 года назад

    Great job. I think the advantage of this set up is the convenience and not wasting time rigging up lots of equipment.

  • @rkeele82
    @rkeele82 4 года назад +2

    Great video, love how encouraging this option for entry level Astrophotographers.

  • @middlofmowhere1421
    @middlofmowhere1421 3 года назад

    Good one Trevor! I started with a DSLR like that one. Taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets. Wish I'd seen this video then!

  • @joelsmith2599
    @joelsmith2599 4 года назад +23

    Anyone else here want to be an astronomer when they're older? I know I do

    • @JoshJamesification
      @JoshJamesification 4 года назад

      loser

    • @jeffchapman605
      @jeffchapman605 4 года назад +2

      Define 'older'.

    • @august3777
      @august3777 4 года назад +1

      I'm only 46 years old. I wont be getting older for another 10 years or so. I think I want to start right away

    • @LolitaDavidovich934
      @LolitaDavidovich934 4 года назад +1

      I am older

    • @imagineaworld
      @imagineaworld 4 года назад

      Lol
      Astronomy is great fun just dont ever expect to get paid for it.

  • @JamesNickersonThePhotoShopGuru
    @JamesNickersonThePhotoShopGuru 4 года назад +2

    AWESOME, it may not, as you say, be “award winning” but I am impressed ... thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @bskdopeboy
    @bskdopeboy 4 года назад +12

    "The key to being able to take awesome photos with a cheap camera is to pay excessively for everything else" oO

    • @lw3609
      @lw3609 4 года назад

      If you're looking for a cheap hobby astrophotography isn't it. The set up he is using is still cheap in regards to other astrophotography options. He has telescopes that cost more than this entire rig

    • @bskdopeboy
      @bskdopeboy 4 года назад

      @@lw3609 I've taken half decent photos on my phone. You just need to go to the right place and have patience.

    • @lw3609
      @lw3609 4 года назад

      @@bskdopeboy and your photos will be significantly worse quality that what this rig which is a beginner rig could produce. theres mounts that cost more than the entire set up in this video hence why i said it isnt a cheap hobby

    • @bskdopeboy
      @bskdopeboy 4 года назад +1

      @@lw3609 The point is this video is meant to be teaching you how to take decent photos on a CHEAP DSLR AND LENS. Fuck me...

    • @lw3609
      @lw3609 4 года назад

      @@bskdopeboy which you can do with the camera he shows you don't need to get a dedicated astronomy camera or a astro DSLR. However if you want to take pictures of DSO the rig he showed is a beginner rig

  • @aaronortiz4
    @aaronortiz4 4 года назад

    This is not a cheap hobby. I save my money and buy me things that makes me happy otherwise I would be playing marbles.. Thank you man, great video ..

  • @EriIaz
    @EriIaz 4 года назад +3

    _AstroBackyard_ : 1:05 I gonna prove to you that from an ordinary backyard in a city you can get astonishing results
    _Light pollution_ : *I'm about to end this man's whole career*

  • @donaldoswald8754
    @donaldoswald8754 4 года назад

    Trevor is my go-to guy for astro-photography videos. AstroBackyard is a great resource....thanks Trevor!

  • @BeRoOoOoON
    @BeRoOoOoON 4 года назад +12

    WOOOW man incredible
    plz music @ 9:42 plz help

    • @kanedafx1
      @kanedafx1 4 года назад

      I use shazam to find out. Suite Gothique in C minor: IV toccata.

    • @BeRoOoOoON
      @BeRoOoOoON 4 года назад

      @@kanedafx1 it not the same :((

  • @johndenicola6173
    @johndenicola6173 4 года назад +1

    the t3i is a great camera - I've been using mine for a very long time for wildlife photography (and proper lens). Yes. I've even gotten some photos of Saturn, and Jupiter with it's Galilean moons. Rough, but you can make out the cloud patterns on Jupilter - No tracker, just a lot pf patience and a heavy tripod. Wish I had a tracker, though!

  • @monkeypants6764
    @monkeypants6764 4 года назад +5

    Man its been cloudy for about 2 months where i live, to bad i cant use my telescope.

    • @dj554825
      @dj554825 4 года назад +2

      Same for me. About 3 good days this month in the NE of the USA by me and I had work early each morning. Only a couple of hours all month that I have had anything but binocular viewing.

    • @T-Bear
      @T-Bear 4 года назад +1

      We have the same. Have'nt seen the stars for 2-3 months.

    • @monkeypants6764
      @monkeypants6764 4 года назад

      Torbjørn Gustafson It really stinks, I recently just invested in a quite large telescope amd i havent been able to use it any more than 5 times

  • @adamkatz2003
    @adamkatz2003 4 года назад +1

    The sound design on this video is amazing!

  • @propfella
    @propfella 4 года назад +25

    Who's getting fed up with all these RUclipsrs pulling ridiculous faces on their thumbnails?

    • @diegoiunou
      @diegoiunou 3 года назад

      This guy doesn't care about science, he just want to be famous... If it was just the thumbnail.

  • @C0smicun1vers3
    @C0smicun1vers3 2 года назад

    Omg no way! I asked you in a different video if the t3i works and look what I find!? Awesome thank you!

  • @mcgavin098
    @mcgavin098 4 года назад +5

    I just go to the hubble website and right click on their images that can then be saved on a memory card. Cost to me = $0.00.

  • @robertfield4103
    @robertfield4103 4 года назад +1

    It was once said, "Stay humble, you never know when it might come in handy." Well, Trevor, no need to stay humble because your videos and images are great. But we do like the humility, so keep up the fantastic work.

  • @ArturoBeltran_SoCal
    @ArturoBeltran_SoCal 4 года назад +4

    Any chance you can do a setup tutorial on the "Star tracker" Adenturer from beginning to end?

    • @MattMuirhead
      @MattMuirhead 4 года назад

      there are hundreds of them online. search "star tracker polar align" or more specifically to that model, "star adventurer polar align". You'll find many of them out there.

  • @robertbennett6410
    @robertbennett6410 4 года назад

    Sir, I am soon going to be plunging back into stargazing/astrophotography. I admit I am a total amateur at what I will be attempting to do, I would need a lifetime of experience probably to even get close to your level on your worst days!!! Thank you SOOOOO much for the great videos and explanations. I hope I can at least capture half decent images!! THANK YOU for what you do!

  • @slavatoin8273
    @slavatoin8273 4 года назад +15

    “Take amazing images with a camera under $200”
    *uses $400 dslr star tracker*

    • @onyourmarkphoto
      @onyourmarkphoto 4 года назад

      We'll be doing this handheld with an iPhone soon. LOL

    • @dwargo6554
      @dwargo6554 4 года назад

      Shop around $400 IS cheap for a computerized mount. You only said the camera was cheap anyway. I'm wondering if people try to drill holes in the camera for cooling tubes or the like?

  • @CHADKANDARIS
    @CHADKANDARIS 4 года назад

    I think I like the far away image better than some of the more close ups. Brilliant man, just effing awesome!!!

  • @doublek87
    @doublek87 4 года назад +3

    What's the music at 9:42 please ? Cool video also :)

  • @HeraldandGerald
    @HeraldandGerald 4 года назад

    I don't understand why people are so upity in the comments. He didn't say it was a cheap setup. The title just says with a "cheap DSLR and lens." Obviously to get results like this, you're going to need some dedicated gear like a star tracker, but the point is you don't need a $2500 camera to get good results FROM that gear.
    Great video Trevor. I've been torn between replacing my old Canon Rebel XS (a relic at this point) or picking up a SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Pro. I think with the star tracker, I can still coax some good images out of this old 10MP sensor until I can save up for something new.

  • @kookland347
    @kookland347 4 года назад +4

    when you use a t2i as your primary camera...

  • @MarkSeibold
    @MarkSeibold 4 года назад

    A nice video that's very informative and well done. I'm not sure why there's so many reader-commenters here arguing about a few hundred dollars for lenses or mounts or tracking devices. As a serious amateur and sometimes professional astronomer for over a half-century, I started out with buying an inexpensive refractor telescope when I was 13 years of age in 1967. I believe this is the better route to start instead of so many here arguing about photography equipment. As I wonder how many commenters here are bickering over the money, but have never spent any time out observing the actual sky with a telescope. Many modest telescopes today come with built-in equatorial motor drives. So Astronomers have been using these instruments for many decades, [as we don't refer to them as star trackers.] Of course I set these telescopes up in large public places to allow the public to observe through them, so I've spent thousands of hours providing sidewalk astronomy Across the US Nation, into Eastern Canada and overseas in the South Pacific when I was given a Celestron 5-inch Cassegrain with equatorial drive to teach astronomy. So the so-called "star tracker" here I received for free as a complete telescope, simply because I expressed that I wanted to go visit the Fiji islands were my second wife was deported back to. Apparently my sympathetic story interested the Celestron telescope lead salesman to forward a brand new $1,200 telescope to my public educational cause.
    My story of course spans over a lifetime, since purchasing my first telescope for $79.95 at age 13, with my own earned berry picking money. I then borrowed my parents Kodak box camera and strapped it to the top of the telescope. Then manually following on one of Orion's Belt stars in the telescope eyepiece, for a 5-minute time exposure on high-speed tri-x Kodak film.
    Of course I did not produce a photograph as beautiful and detailed as this gentleman did in the video above, but this was the beginning of my astrophotography.
    By age 18 I bought a brand-new 35 mm Mamiya/Sekor 1000 DTL SLR. I was just graduated from high school and went to take arts and photography courses at the local Community College.
    Of course I used the new 35 millimeter camera with high-speed negative films, and high-speed transparency films to photograph the night sky with a sturdy tripod.
    As you can see the story is already training to an ancient history of photography.
    but when many people today or seen arguing in RUclips sites about a few hundred dollars that they would probably otherwise waste on other bad habits, you can start learning this process, and I would recommend that you do this with a telescope in observing first and then the photography will come later, with the equipment today that is relatively quite affordable.
    A larger telescope eventually came in to my process in about 1987, when I purchased a 10 inch Newtonian reflector for $369 new. That telescope is really only used for observations and not photography. Yet you can prop the camera on a tripod over the eyepiece, not a tracking telescope, yet it will take beautiful close-ups of the Moon and bright planets such as Mars Jupiter and Saturn. These probably won't win any awards today compared with the expensive equipment other astrophotographers are using, but it's just fun to learn to do this, through a large telescope without tracking.
    I didn't purchase a good digital camera until about 2003 when I had to travel to the South Pacific to visit my wife there. I only bought a Sony pocket camera at that time, but had also already purchased a solar research grade telescope, affordably as used from another local astronomy club member, with h-alpha solar filtration. Just holding the Sony pocket camera over the solar telescope eyepiece would record huge solar flares at the edge of the sun's disk in the eyepiece of the telescope. Today I use to Sony mirrorless cameras that have a larger aps-c sensor inside than the Canon T Rebel. Yet I still use my antique Mamiya 55mm f/1.4 lens from 1972, adapted to my newer Sony mirrorless camera, to capture large panoramic photo-stitched images of the Milky Way sky, that can be printed up to 10 ft wide with no loss of resolution in this is due to making the photos into multiple large photo-stitched panorama's. You're welcomed to see all this in my Facebook albums, or The Digital Photography review gallery.
    *so of course the titl of this video could be titled to more than just nebula photograhy.
    So in conclusion, you can see that there has been a long process of attrition in my lifetime to acquiring modestly priced equipment, yet it still all ads up today to spending very little when compared to today's dollars that can purchase modest used equipment as the video shows here.
    I would just like to hear other reader-commenters here mentioned that they've gone out to observe the sky through telescopes for free, at large star parties were there are huge optical instrument setup for the public to view through. This is usually provided by many astronomy clubs for free, and you can even borrow the equipment for free from the club. So in closing I would say you can buy this very inexpensive camera the gentleman uses in the video, then go borrow all of the other equipment from your local astronomy club for free. So there is another perspective you might not have thought of, in all of these arguments above.

  • @cyrilcalmes4208
    @cyrilcalmes4208 4 года назад

    I would die to shoot these kind of photo. I think that my good old EOS 600D (Rebel T3i) will start a new life !!!!! Thanks for all your videos.
    Stay safe and go on making great videos...

  • @JustGreggin
    @JustGreggin 7 месяцев назад

    As an owner of an older DLSR camera (Nikon D3500) this video gives me hope yet for the life of my lil camera. I do plan to buy something more upgraded eventually, but this means I can still use my current camera even further into the years to come!

  • @markszkil
    @markszkil 4 года назад

    Nice back to basics video. I still can't believe what's possible from my backyard. Also congratulations on being a keynoter at Dylan's Star Stuff III extravaganza. That's quite a feather in your cap and very well deserved.

  • @GB-ek2em
    @GB-ek2em 3 года назад +1

    When you have -17°C in Ontario, here in central Quebec, I usually have -30°C during clear nights. Quite difficult...

  • @TewkesburyBear
    @TewkesburyBear 2 года назад

    This is epic, was looking at some telescopes but this has me sold.

  • @MarvelousLXVII
    @MarvelousLXVII 3 года назад

    Nice video. I love the pic and give you the "Marvelous Award." Hey your house-style and the snow sure look like Michigan.

  • @chrispewkreme
    @chrispewkreme 4 года назад

    A lot of people seem to be missing the point.
    This is a very affordable camera. An affordable lens. And a star tracker. You can find affordable lenses. You don’t need a few whatever the hell in many locations, like Hawaii.
    You don’t need the filter but it helps. You don’t need to modify your camera but it helps.
    My friend has captured deep space photography with a A7iii and a start tracker.
    The point is that you don’t NEED expensive Gucci gear to get into Astro shooting. But it definitely enhances your photos.

  • @gregbromley152
    @gregbromley152 4 года назад +1

    Awesome video Trevor. Real glad to see more DSLR tutorials.

  • @beatriceheinze2294
    @beatriceheinze2294 4 года назад

    Nice image! Even M78 is in it on the left bottom corner. I have also the SW Star adventurer, a canon dslr (aps-c) and a Samyang 85mm. I can't wait to try this target myself. Unfortunately, the weather here in Belgium is bad at the moment. Keep up the good work, Trevor! Clear skies! 👍😃🌌📷🔭

  • @AstroFarsography
    @AstroFarsography 4 года назад +1

    Ahh the humble 600D. Always there, always ready. Such a workhorse. But damn man, -17°? That's rough! Nice photo though for sure. Need to get me a sky tracker sometime for those "ehhhe tonight seems dubious" nights

  • @reardensgarage103
    @reardensgarage103 4 года назад

    I am totally new to astrophotography and your videos have been tremendously helpful. after watching a number of your vids on deep sky photography I got the Idea to mount my DSLR with a telephoto lens directly on my AVX mount so I could have a 'faster' telescope than the C8, just to see what happens. ( I have a yt vid on making the mounting shoe with the resulting pix) the results (for me) were really amazing.. and I can see now how this can be a very addictive hobby! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion.

  • @pgknippel
    @pgknippel Год назад

    Two things you probably already hhow: 1) Magic Lantern can replace your intervalometer/shutter release, and will allow 2) thirds of a stop increments in ISO. The reason the latter is useful: Canon’s inherent noise is in a ‘sawtooth’ pattern…160 ISO produces LESS noise than 100 ISO (320 < 200, 640 < 400, 1250 < 800..). I believe it’s specific to DIGIC.

  • @adamkoloff3282
    @adamkoloff3282 4 года назад +2

    Back to your roots! Great stuff dude

  • @pinnaclegun8462
    @pinnaclegun8462 4 года назад

    Great video and fantastic photos. Only the sky can show us the past.

  • @HEARTBEATofaLION
    @HEARTBEATofaLION 4 года назад +1

    Great video even though I have a RedCat 51 coming in soon. That horse head nebula will definitely be one of my first targets, gorgeous!

    • @spookydonkey2195
      @spookydonkey2195 4 года назад +1

      HEARTBEATofaLION you should love it! I’ve had my space cat for a few months and I regret nothing. Seems flat to me on my crop dslr’s. I struggled with the weight on a star tracker but great on the eq mount. Clear skys!

    • @HEARTBEATofaLION
      @HEARTBEATofaLION 4 года назад +1

      @@spookydonkey2195 Thank you, I am relieved to hear that. Have seen nothing but great reviews for it. I will be using a crop sensor also. Clear skies to you as well! 🔭

  • @phardiman84
    @phardiman84 4 года назад

    I feel like we were outside shooting on the same night (Friday). It was about -15 or so here on the East Coast. Batteries held up well in the mount, but they were almost toast by the end. I was on my 3rd camera battery. My lens barrel (55-250) frosted over a bit, but not the glass. Even my shutter release kept on working, but the lcd display struggled to show anything until I gently rubbed it. Overall, I was impressed how well all the electronics held up. The gear was outside for a little over 2 hours, start to finish.