Good write up. I am a 75 year old astro-photographer....been doing it ever since I was a teenager. Now I mostly use AP mounts with either 11" SCTs or high end APO refractors (80mm, 85mm, 152mm) in my permanent setup. Recently added an AM5-WZO harmonic mount and a couple of their cameras....one is the auto-guider ASI 290 and the main camera is ASI 071 color. My other setup uses full frame SBIG mono camera with filter wheels for RGB and also NB, auto wireless focuser, etc. i still prefer the larger setup for versatility and ultimate quality BUT the new setup gives wonderful images using the same 80 or 85mm refractors and is SO easy to transport, setup, and shoot. I can have it out of my car and fully setup and shooting in about 5 minutes. The mount, scope, cameras, guide scope and its camera and all wiring is one unit, the tripod is the second part. I put the entire scope assembly on the tripod and attach with three thumb screws and am ready for polar alignment. Since i use ASI AIR Plus everything is run from my tablet or cell phone wirelessly. I have the same thing with my big setup including wireless handling of all functions. Here in Michigan it is so nice to be able to image in freezing conditions from inside a nice warm house....and during the warm months I can avoid the mosquitos ;-) I also do lots of Ha solar imaging so it is a fast swap to the solar setup so I can make the most use of my clear sky time (which is a little less here in Michigan). These new light weight but very sophisticated setups are a game changer for sure.
You've got a greate setup there! Ha solar imaging is fun, I've dabbled in the past but it's been quite some time since I've tried. I'd love to give it another go.
Thanks for this Ian, you answered a lot of my questions about telescopes. I started astrophotography last year with a dslr, tripod and a Vixen Polarie. I’m having so much fun with it that I want to invest in better equipment, so this really helpt me. So yea, I subscibed and look forward to future content. I’ll bet your views and subscribers will increase in no time! Thanks again.
Hi Ian. I'm a new sub'er. I must say, you seem very well educated in Astrophotography, and photography more general? You are clear, concise, well spoken and easy to understand. I'm very impressed! You/your channel will do very well, I'm sure! Just to introduce myself and give you context about where I'm at, I'm 9 months into my astro-imaging journey, and 7 years visual astronomy. Astrophotography has been/still is, an incredibly rewarding hobby, albeit a very very difficult hobby to learn! I'm learning fast that there's no "cheat lane" available in this hobby, you have to be patient and put in the hours/days/weeks/months and even years to truly get good at both acquiring the imaging data, and then processing said data thereafter. I look forward to seeing more of your content, Ian! Clear Skies from Liverpool, England!
Thanks Wesley, I appreciate it! I hope you're enjoying the learning curve - a year from now you'll look back at all the progress you've made and it will be quite the jump in knowledge! Be sure to give yourself kudos when you look at your progress; the challenging things in life are usually the ones that are worth it! Cheers
Great video! I am far far away from your level, my equipment is 10 times simpler than yours and I knew most of it from other videos - and still enjoyed watching it, good rhythm, good Info, very nice examples. And still I love what is possible with my basic material! Because almost everything I can make visible with it (at the moment it's just a modified DSLR on a startracker) is completely hidden from our naked eye and thus such a reveal just for myself being able to catch these photons from my backyard. My latest try: California-Nebula, a perfect beginners target, framed in with mars and plejades, I loved it!
Really appreciate the feedback. And yes, expensive gear does not equal better results! Some of the best images I've ever seen have been taken with humbling setups like yours. Good luck with the Cali nebula, if you get a good result DM me on IG so I can see it!!
Can I just say that I really like how you geek out about this? (as most of us who've been sucked deep into the hobby do). Great video. I think you explained everything in a very informative way
Even though am not really a beginner, great write up, summarizing it all very well. Have a similar set up (but BORG FL90 on an Avalon M-Zero) but 1-always refused to go the Mono route (and with the new Dual narrowband filters developed these days, am perfectly happy), 2-Using AsiAir for its simplicity (besides the issue the system is closed and cannot remotely operate), 3-a bit jaleous of your great observatory set up :-). Keep it up
Just found this video. I’ve been looking at the 107fl and there is not a lot of information out there. Obviously you like it, can you share what swayed you this way vs the other premium scopes? Thanks for you thoughts.
Like you said there's not much info out there anymore on it, my local retailer no longer carries this scope which is a shame. I went with this because it's a nice focal length at 417mm, supports up to medium format, and doesn't have temp issues like the Takahashi FSQ scopes. I wanted to get something that could take epic wide field images, and this does just that! I'll be upgrading my camera soon to the ASI6200MM P so I can better utilize its large image circle.
Awesome video man! I'm just starting out. Matter of fact I'm trying to figure out what camera I should get with my money cap of around 2k for now. Would you go with the Canon T8I bundle or a Canon Rp with the body only? or Do you go with one like yours and add it in with a stand and a refractal? LOL I already have a reflection, Celestron 130slt that I could use the body only canon r on. But then I would be limited. I want to observe deep space. I have so much to learn. What would you do if you were just starting out in deep space astrophotography?
If you're starting out on deep space astro, I would recommend investing into a good tracking mount - EQ6R by skywatcher or the iOptron CEM mounts are great. From there, you can start with a wide lens type refractors like the Radian telescopes or the William Optics scopes, or if you reallllly wanna go deep to start with you can get an imaging reflector like TPO or Sky Watcher Quattro series, though they require a bit more upkeep (collimation). Used market is your friend, too!
@@ianlauerastro Thank you man! I've always wanted to get into this hobby and now i'm at a time in my life where I can. I'm gonna go with a refactor for sure. a Quattro or TPO might come later when I know what I'm doing and have the space for it. I was thinking about the Skywatcher GTI with a canon and a 55-300mm lens for now to get me going. Then later on get a refractor, like a redcat or something for the stand. That way I can get use to the camera and software first? This is definitely a hard decision lol. Thank you for your explanation! Every bit helps!
Hey Ian, I am so happy you are showing off your Borg 107! I have been eyeballing this scope as it is lighter and more simpler than my current setup. One question I have for you is do you have to do anything special for this scope since it has Fluorite lenses? I sometimes image in -15C (5F) temps so I am concerned about how I would let the scope cool down and warm up slowly? Thanks for the video, very informative!
Thanks, it's a wonderful scope! I don't have first hand experience with Flourite lenses and cold conditions, but I've talked to folks to have used them in temps down to -20C with no issues. I believe you're referring to thermal shock? Most optics will be effected by severe thermal shock - but this would only occur if have your telescope lens hot from next to a fire, then rush outside to your -15C temp. Not something I foresee people doing :) Overall, I've not heard of any telescope folks having issues
Hi I just stumbled in to your you tube channel and I find it very inspiring! You’re so talented! Do you think it’s worth investing in a fan-cooled camera like yours if I only capture images in temperature between 14 and -30°F? (live in the north of sweden and we only have really dark and crisp skies in the winter ) // Robin.
Orion was with an rc10 and rosette nebula with a cdk, but you can add Star spikes to any scope by using a Star spikes plug-in during post processing, or tying string to the front of your scope.
I'd say around $15k...it took me a few years to build it out. I started with the scope and just used my DSLRs for a bit while I saved to get the camera, then got the camera and filters, then swapped my old mount for a CEM70G.
I'm an astrophotographer myself, which means I already knew a lot of what you said, but still enjoyed the video, great story telling, keep it up!
Thanks so much for the feedback! Let's get more people looking up :)
The most informative and well presented intro/basics video on this topic I’ve seen. Thank you for putting your passion out there for us to watch!
Thanks so much :)
Studio is looking and sounding amazing, Ian! Such a slick presentation. Keep it up brother!
Thanks Trevor, looking forward to doing more and helping get peeps into astro!!
WOW! As compliments go, they don't get better than this Ian! The legendary Trevor Jones of ASTROBACKYARD, no less!! 🔥🔥🔥👌
Really enjoyed the video, and looking forward to more. The observatory looks amazing!
Thanks Nico, would love to have you come by and check it out sometime!
Good write up. I am a 75 year old astro-photographer....been doing it ever since I was a teenager. Now I mostly use AP mounts with either 11" SCTs or high end APO refractors (80mm, 85mm, 152mm) in my permanent setup. Recently added an AM5-WZO harmonic mount and a couple of their cameras....one is the auto-guider ASI 290 and the main camera is ASI 071 color. My other setup uses full frame SBIG mono camera with filter wheels for RGB and also NB, auto wireless focuser, etc. i still prefer the larger setup for versatility and ultimate quality BUT the new setup gives wonderful images using the same 80 or 85mm refractors and is SO easy to transport, setup, and shoot. I can have it out of my car and fully setup and shooting in about 5 minutes. The mount, scope, cameras, guide scope and its camera and all wiring is one unit, the tripod is the second part. I put the entire scope assembly on the tripod and attach with three thumb screws and am ready for polar alignment. Since i use ASI AIR Plus everything is run from my tablet or cell phone wirelessly. I have the same thing with my big setup including wireless handling of all functions. Here in Michigan it is so nice to be able to image in freezing conditions from inside a nice warm house....and during the warm months I can avoid the mosquitos ;-)
I also do lots of Ha solar imaging so it is a fast swap to the solar setup so I can make the most use of my clear sky time (which is a little less here in Michigan). These new light weight but very sophisticated setups are a game changer for sure.
You've got a greate setup there! Ha solar imaging is fun, I've dabbled in the past but it's been quite some time since I've tried. I'd love to give it another go.
Thanks for this Ian, you answered a lot of my questions about telescopes.
I started astrophotography last year with a dslr, tripod and a Vixen Polarie. I’m having so much fun with it that I want to invest in better equipment, so this really helpt me.
So yea, I subscibed and look forward to future content. I’ll bet your views and subscribers will increase in no time!
Thanks again.
Always happy to see other astrophotographers in the world - thanks for the support and clear skies!
Hi Ian. I'm a new sub'er. I must say, you seem very well educated in Astrophotography, and photography more general? You are clear, concise, well spoken and easy to understand. I'm very impressed! You/your channel will do very well, I'm sure!
Just to introduce myself and give you context about where I'm at, I'm 9 months into my astro-imaging journey, and 7 years visual astronomy. Astrophotography has been/still is, an incredibly rewarding hobby, albeit a very very difficult hobby to learn! I'm learning fast that there's no "cheat lane" available in this hobby, you have to be patient and put in the hours/days/weeks/months and even years to truly get good at both acquiring the imaging data, and then processing said data thereafter.
I look forward to seeing more of your content, Ian!
Clear Skies from Liverpool, England!
Thanks Wesley, I appreciate it! I hope you're enjoying the learning curve - a year from now you'll look back at all the progress you've made and it will be quite the jump in knowledge! Be sure to give yourself kudos when you look at your progress; the challenging things in life are usually the ones that are worth it! Cheers
@@ianlauerastro Thanks Ian! And you're totally correct, the hardest things are the most rewarding! Cheers!
Great video! I am far far away from your level, my equipment is 10 times simpler than yours and I knew most of it from other videos - and still enjoyed watching it, good rhythm, good Info, very nice examples. And still I love what is possible with my basic material! Because almost everything I can make visible with it (at the moment it's just a modified DSLR on a startracker) is completely hidden from our naked eye and thus such a reveal just for myself being able to catch these photons from my backyard. My latest try: California-Nebula, a perfect beginners target, framed in with mars and plejades, I loved it!
Really appreciate the feedback. And yes, expensive gear does not equal better results! Some of the best images I've ever seen have been taken with humbling setups like yours. Good luck with the Cali nebula, if you get a good result DM me on IG so I can see it!!
Can I just say that I really like how you geek out about this? (as most of us who've been sucked deep into the hobby do). Great video. I think you explained everything in a very informative way
Haha I am just absolutely obsessed with space, astro, telescopes, all of it! Glad you liked the vid
Even though am not really a beginner, great write up, summarizing it all very well. Have a similar set up (but BORG FL90 on an Avalon M-Zero) but 1-always refused to go the Mono route (and with the new Dual narrowband filters developed these days, am perfectly happy), 2-Using AsiAir for its simplicity (besides the issue the system is closed and cannot remotely operate), 3-a bit jaleous of your great observatory set up :-). Keep it up
Love the new studio, and daaaaaaang that’s the dream scope. When I come visit, I promise not to steal it. 😂
Hahaha yes Jeff you'll have to check it out! Absolutely love this scope.
Nice setup, reminds of my own a bit.
Super interesting, informative & such beautiful images. Thank you for sharing!
Just found this video. I’ve been looking at the 107fl and there is not a lot of information out there. Obviously you like it, can you share what swayed you this way vs the other premium scopes? Thanks for you thoughts.
Like you said there's not much info out there anymore on it, my local retailer no longer carries this scope which is a shame. I went with this because it's a nice focal length at 417mm, supports up to medium format, and doesn't have temp issues like the Takahashi FSQ scopes. I wanted to get something that could take epic wide field images, and this does just that! I'll be upgrading my camera soon to the ASI6200MM P so I can better utilize its large image circle.
You earned my sub with that clean cable management. God bless you.
Cable management is underrated
This is fascinating, man! Clearly a pro!
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed the video
Awesome video man! I'm just starting out. Matter of fact I'm trying to figure out what camera I should get with my money cap of around 2k for now. Would you go with the Canon T8I bundle or a Canon Rp with the body only? or Do you go with one like yours and add it in with a stand and a refractal? LOL I already have a reflection, Celestron 130slt that I could use the body only canon r on. But then I would be limited. I want to observe deep space. I have so much to learn. What would you do if you were just starting out in deep space astrophotography?
If you're starting out on deep space astro, I would recommend investing into a good tracking mount - EQ6R by skywatcher or the iOptron CEM mounts are great. From there, you can start with a wide lens type refractors like the Radian telescopes or the William Optics scopes, or if you reallllly wanna go deep to start with you can get an imaging reflector like TPO or Sky Watcher Quattro series, though they require a bit more upkeep (collimation). Used market is your friend, too!
@@ianlauerastro Thank you man! I've always wanted to get into this hobby and now i'm at a time in my life where I can. I'm gonna go with a refactor for sure. a Quattro or TPO might come later when I know what I'm doing and have the space for it. I was thinking about the Skywatcher GTI with a canon and a 55-300mm lens for now to get me going. Then later on get a refractor, like a redcat or something for the stand. That way I can get use to the camera and software first? This is definitely a hard decision lol. Thank you for your explanation! Every bit helps!
@@skyryder2994 That's an excellent plan, I say go for it!
This is fantastic, man. Love to see you doing these sorts of videos!!! 🤩
Thanks Tom, More to come!
Hey Ian, I am so happy you are showing off your Borg 107! I have been eyeballing this scope as it is lighter and more simpler than my current setup. One question I have for you is do you have to do anything special for this scope since it has Fluorite lenses? I sometimes image in -15C (5F) temps so I am concerned about how I would let the scope cool down and warm up slowly? Thanks for the video, very informative!
Thanks, it's a wonderful scope! I don't have first hand experience with Flourite lenses and cold conditions, but I've talked to folks to have used them in temps down to -20C with no issues. I believe you're referring to thermal shock? Most optics will be effected by severe thermal shock - but this would only occur if have your telescope lens hot from next to a fire, then rush outside to your -15C temp. Not something I foresee people doing :)
Overall, I've not heard of any telescope folks having issues
Nice set up, nice gear. Seems you're a step ahead of most. Excellent images. Kudos!
Thank you kindly!
I’ll get to that remote stage eventually, hopefully sooner than later.
Great video Ian!
Thanks Mike, glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun making this one.
very professional video, i love it. Thx man :)
Much appreciated, cheers!
So professional, love the set up and I love how informative this was. It was explained in a way I could understand 😂
Thansk Lanchen!!!! Appreciate you!
Wow. A very informative and thorough explanation. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm hoping to make astro more approachable for folks, and help people understand how awesome it is!!
Great video, just one question. Why don't you use guide scope inbuilt in your mount CEM70G
Great question - I was having a few issues with mine - so I decided to just use a guide system I had from a previous system
Hi I just stumbled in to your you tube channel and I find it very inspiring! You’re so talented!
Do you think it’s worth investing in a fan-cooled camera like yours if I only capture images in temperature between 14 and -30°F?
(live in the north of sweden and we only have really dark and crisp skies in the winter )
// Robin.
Great video, but how are you getting diffraction spikes with the refractor you have?
Orion was with an rc10 and rosette nebula with a cdk, but you can add Star spikes to any scope by using a Star spikes plug-in during post processing, or tying string to the front of your scope.
I would probably cry the first time I looked out into space with a telescope. Being from NYC really sucks sometimes.
Brilliant video Ian. I didn’t realise you had a channel. Just subscribed.
Thanks for the sub! Stoked to bring Astro to more folks!
Awesome Obs! CS!
Thanks!
great, informative video!
Thank you!!
Also alot about processing programs which do you use?
I mainly use PixInsight for processing
@@ianlauerastro wish I could afford it lol
@@erikmardiste SiriL is a great free alternative!
@@ianlauerastro cheers thanks mate definitely look into it. Now that Australia summer is almost over (clouds n rain etx) cheers for everything
What is the rough cost estimation for your setup?
Where can we purchase same equipment?
How much would this setup retail for?
I'd say around $15k...it took me a few years to build it out. I started with the scope and just used my DSLRs for a bit while I saved to get the camera, then got the camera and filters, then swapped my old mount for a CEM70G.
Sir, what is the price of whole system
Way above my budget.
It definitely took me a few years to gather up all the gear, that's for sure. But you don't need a huge budget to get incredible results :)
You must be kidding…. You are encouraging people to be interested in Astrophotography with a $4500.00 telescope?
Didn't your mom teach you not to draw on your arms?