Hi Everyone! We are getting a lot of questions regarding how to choose a star if you are not familiar with any star names.. 1: We highly recommend you try the "Sky Align" process - This process asks you to simply point to three bright stars! No knowledge of the star names are necessary. The internal database will determine which bright stars you are pointing at by looking at the distance you move your scope from one star to the next! 2: We also highly recommend using a star atlas - something like Stellarium on your smartphone is extremely helpful and is an app I (Teagan) personally use for both visual and astrophotography on a daily basis! Hope this helps!
I have the Celestron 8se and I have hinted to my wife that I would like the QHY 462C camera for my birthday in 12 days, LOL. I wrote down everything in detail that would said about SharpCap and Autostakkert. I have never used either of these two programs. So, you're 16 minute video actually took me about an hour to watch. Thank you so much for the video!
Thank you! I purchased this telescope a few months ago and was getting overwhelmed with all the recommendations and how-to videos out there. Can’t wait to buy this camera and try it out step by step! 😊
Thank you, very very much. This is the FIRST time that the astro-photographic process has been explained thoroughly enough for me that I feel confident to begin. Now, I know where to start, what to do, what to look for, and what I need. Excellent presentation!
Perfect! Intelligent and intelligible! Now I know how and where to start…and more importantly…what to perhaps to expect. Thanks a million…I look forward to beginning on this journey.
I just watched this video on High Pointe Scientific's website. I didn't realize how much work it takes to get a photo onto the computer. In the video he mentions post something or other. After 16 minutes he didn't even get to cover it. Sheesh!! And where does the camera control panel come from? is it part of necessary software? How do we download the driver (whatever that is) stuff? and there was something else that needed downloaded. How do we do that?
Good video--thanks very much! Whole 67P is still in view and as the spotlight turns to Leonard, perhaps you could do a video on how to capture comets next!
Very good suggestion. We've been watching 67P and Leonard closely. We are certainly going to do a video on Leonard depending on how its brightness evolves over the next few weeks -- maybe even a livestream of the comet too.
This is a good video, as I am about to buy an 8SE. This helps in a LOT of ways. That being said... The results are underwhelming. I've had an 8" Dobsonian and Put a camera to the lense and got photo's of the planets and moon that, while not as crisp and had some blur... well... there isn't a wow factor between the results. Surely there is a better photo process for planetary photos. I've seen some DSO objects from the 8SE that were spectacular, so I know that is not much of an issue with a little work to get there. But the planetary shots I've found so far from this telescope leave much to be desired (at least before processing, the final result after processing looks good). Anyway, your video helped with various things and was concise and was very helpful.
Thank you for this excellent video. Can you please confirm if I can use QHY462C with the Celestron NexStar 6SE for planetary imaging? There is no mention of back focus in your video. I do a lot of DSO imaging with ASI294MC Pro and back focus is critical. Should I consider back focus with QHY462C camera? I am new to planetary imaging. What adapters are needed if back focus must be considered?
Great question! Backfocus is not critical when doing planetary with an SCT. You can simply insert the camera inside the 1.25" visual back that came with the telescope, then turn the focuser until it reaches focus. For planetary photography, we also recommend that you add an 1.25" UV/IR filter for better quality and contrast in your images. You can thread the filter directly on the end of the camera. You may also want to consider using a 2x Barlow. In that case, you would insert the Barlow directly in the 1.25" visual back, then insert the camera with the filter inside the Barlow.
how'd you manage to get the planet to stay so still throughout the video? changing the roi only worked for so long, as jupiter kept drifting throughout my session.
Nice explanation..Im using Nexstar 8se with NexImage 10 for planetary imaging...Firecapture is the Image acquisition software that I'm currently using...Im having trouble imaging in the sense that I don't see the planet on the preview despite having aligned my scope and placing it on tracking mode...I don't have that problem with the moon...But when it comes to other planets, like Jupiter...Im not able see any image feed... I mean there has to be some image in the preview for me to start focusing...Can you recommend some standard setting for Jupiter that could be used to resolve this problem? Or is there any issue with the cable or camera..(which intiutively feels unlikely as the product is hardly 2 weeks old..and I love the Celestron brand and so far have never faced any quality issue with either the scope or any other accessories)...I'm like a small baby in astrophotography struggling to get his words right...some help would go a long way....
The moon is much bigger and brighter so finding it withing your camera's field of view is much easier than the planets! Try aligning your scope and then goto the moon first.. get your focus correct on the moon and then goto one of the planets. Your focus will be very close if not spot on already. You may not be able to see the planets at first due to inaccurate goto. You'll need to search the area using your arrow pad on the hand controller until you find your planets. You can also perform a 3-star alignment and this will also help with goto accuracy! If you arent sure you camera is working, shine a flashlight down the scope and see if you get a response in sharpcap though your camera. We hope this helps!
Great question! The Celestron CFM firmware is software that's embedded in the mount's internal board to help it function properly. Updating the firmware will provide bug fixes, bring location and object information up to date, as well as enhance the mount's performance such as improving the mount's GoTo operation and tracking. So, it always helps to update the firmware so the mount can perform at its best!
Thanks for the video. Were you using the tracking feature on the hand control? When I get Jupiter or Saturn they usually move fast and disappear in seconds from the screen?
Great question! Imaging software for MacBooks is not something that we have a lot of experience with. However, we recommend checking out www.macobservatory.com, which discusses various astronomy-related software for use with Apple products.
that process was simple? yeah, for those who know what to do and how to do it. I didn't know it took so much work to get pictures like Dave's or Kyle's. I don't have a telescope yet that is capable of such pictures. I was gifted a Gskyer telescope for Christmas with a f/6.6 i think it is. but, if pictures like in this video are possible with the 8SE then that just might be the one I want. at least for planets.
Hello, I just bought an 8SE and I'm having trouble aligning it with the auto align camera. When you start, which direction should the telescope face to make sure it's lining it up correctly. Do you have to do this by making sure the controller is on the EAST or if the telescope face is looking NORTH?
Hello Justin, First of all - apologizes for the delay on our part in getting a response to you. Are you using the StarSense auto-align camera? To align your mount, set your telescope up with an eyepiece and place it in the home position. You shouldn't need to worry about it pointing north as polar alignment is not necessary for an Alt-azimuth mount, but it should have its altitude aligned to its index marks with the tube level to the ground. From there, turn on your telescope. You should see a display on the hand controller that says "StarSense Ready". From there, press align > StarSenseAuto > Enter. If you have any other problems, please reach out to us directly on our website: www.highpointscientific.com/email-us - thank you!
Great question! As long as you are using a diagonal or the 1.25" visual back like in the video, you can just put the camera into the telescope as far as it will go!
As a beginner, what kind of camera would you recommend for deep space objects like galaxies, nebulas, etc.. I recently bought the nexstar 8se and it’ll be at my house soon, but I would also like to learn how to capture photos with it. Could the asi224mc work, and I would I have to buy any additional parts for it to function? Is there perhaps a cheaper camera that’ll get the job done?
The 224MC has a smaller sensor & would be appropriate for planetary or planetary nebula, not so much larger nebula and galaxies. A cooled camera with a larger sensor, such as the IMX183 or 294, might be a good choice. If you're looking for cheaper, perhaps a DSLR might be a good choice. Clear skies!
Hello, to install the ZWO 224MC simply install the 1.25" adapter into the camera, then install it into the 1.25" eyepiece slot for the 8SE! The 1.25" adapter basically makes installing the camera identical to installing an eyepiece.
Hello! It's very important - PIPP enables you to stabilize your images for stacking, removes frames that might be of poor quality, debayers your image (if it's not already debayed), et cetera.
Hello, this is entirely user preference, however the 8SE does have a larger aperture and thus would be able to collect more light & has a superior resolution capability. Clear skies.
Hi Everyone! We are getting a lot of questions regarding how to choose a star if you are not familiar with any star names..
1: We highly recommend you try the "Sky Align" process - This process asks you to simply point to three bright stars! No knowledge of the star names are necessary. The internal database will determine which bright stars you are pointing at by looking at the distance you move your scope from one star to the next!
2: We also highly recommend using a star atlas - something like Stellarium on your smartphone is extremely helpful and is an app I (Teagan) personally use for both visual and astrophotography on a daily basis!
Hope this helps!
I have the Celestron 8se and I have hinted to my wife that I would like the QHY 462C camera for my birthday in 12 days, LOL. I wrote down everything in detail that would said about SharpCap and Autostakkert. I have never used either of these two programs. So, you're 16 minute video actually took me about an hour to watch. Thank you so much for the video!
Thank you! I purchased this telescope a few months ago and was getting overwhelmed with all the recommendations and how-to videos out there. Can’t wait to buy this camera and try it out step by step! 😊
Thank you, very very much. This is the FIRST time that the astro-photographic process has been explained thoroughly enough for me that I feel confident to begin. Now, I know where to start, what to do, what to look for, and what I need. Excellent presentation!
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed our video!
Agree
Couldn’t agree more! Now I know how and where to start…and more importantly…what to perhaps to expect.
Perfect! Intelligent and intelligible! Now I know how and where to start…and more importantly…what to perhaps to expect. Thanks a million…I look forward to beginning on this journey.
Glad it was helpful!
Huge! Can’t thank you enough. You made a subscriber out of me!
I have recently purchased this telescope. Need lots of help. I am very new to this. I am hoping that your videos will get me through this.
I just watched this video on High Pointe Scientific's website. I didn't realize how much work it takes to get a photo onto the computer. In the video he mentions post something or other. After 16 minutes he didn't even get to cover it. Sheesh!! And where does the camera control panel come from? is it part of necessary software? How do we download the driver (whatever that is) stuff? and there was something else that needed downloaded. How do we do that?
Good video--thanks very much! Whole 67P is still in view and as the spotlight turns to Leonard, perhaps you could do a video on how to capture comets next!
Very good suggestion. We've been watching 67P and Leonard closely. We are certainly going to do a video on Leonard depending on how its brightness evolves over the next few weeks -- maybe even a livestream of the comet too.
Couldn't agree more!
This is a good video, as I am about to buy an 8SE. This helps in a LOT of ways. That being said... The results are underwhelming. I've had an 8" Dobsonian and Put a camera to the lense and got photo's of the planets and moon that, while not as crisp and had some blur... well... there isn't a wow factor between the results. Surely there is a better photo process for planetary photos. I've seen some DSO objects from the 8SE that were spectacular, so I know that is not much of an issue with a little work to get there. But the planetary shots I've found so far from this telescope leave much to be desired (at least before processing, the final result after processing looks good). Anyway, your video helped with various things and was concise and was very helpful.
Hello Stanley, planetary imaging can be drastically impacted by seeing and transparency. It's definitely possible to get good images with an 8SE.
Thank you very much I just purchased a celestial nextstar 8se,
We hope you enjoy the scope!
Trying to decide between the celestron nexstar 6se or the skywatcher GTI 150P for my first scope.
Great video. Would an astrophotography camera with higher pixel count yield sharper pictures?
Thank you for this excellent video. Can you please confirm if I can use QHY462C with the Celestron NexStar 6SE for planetary imaging? There is no mention of back focus in your video. I do a lot of DSO imaging with ASI294MC Pro and back focus is critical. Should I consider back focus with QHY462C camera? I am new to planetary imaging. What adapters are needed if back focus must be considered?
Great question! Backfocus is not critical when doing planetary with an SCT. You can simply insert the camera inside the 1.25" visual back that came with the telescope, then turn the focuser until it reaches focus. For planetary photography, we also recommend that you add an 1.25" UV/IR filter for better quality and contrast in your images. You can thread the filter directly on the end of the camera.
You may also want to consider using a 2x Barlow. In that case, you would insert the Barlow directly in the 1.25" visual back, then insert the camera with the filter inside the Barlow.
In the market for a telescope. What is a really good one that will leave me satisfied and not wanting to upgrade?
Can I attach a Nikon D500 DSLR camera to this telescope? And does it track the night sky reliably ?
What should I get should I get a Celestron nexstar 8 SE or a Celestron nexstar Evolution 8 HD?
I found one for 400 at a pawn shop in perfect condition
Are you using the visual back or the t-mount adapter?
how'd you manage to get the planet to stay so still throughout the video? changing the roi only worked for so long, as jupiter kept drifting throughout my session.
Thank you for this vids!
Thank you!
Oooooh! The dust motes. lol
Nice explanation..Im using Nexstar 8se with NexImage 10 for planetary imaging...Firecapture is the Image acquisition software that I'm currently using...Im having trouble imaging in the sense that I don't see the planet on the preview despite having aligned my scope and placing it on tracking mode...I don't have that problem with the moon...But when it comes to other planets, like Jupiter...Im not able see any image feed... I mean there has to be some image in the preview for me to start focusing...Can you recommend some standard setting for Jupiter that could be used to resolve this problem? Or is there any issue with the cable or camera..(which intiutively feels unlikely as the product is hardly 2 weeks old..and I love the Celestron brand and so far have never faced any quality issue with either the scope or any other accessories)...I'm like a small baby in astrophotography struggling to get his words right...some help would go a long way....
The moon is much bigger and brighter so finding it withing your camera's field of view is much easier than the planets! Try aligning your scope and then goto the moon first.. get your focus correct on the moon and then goto one of the planets. Your focus will be very close if not spot on already. You may not be able to see the planets at first due to inaccurate goto. You'll need to search the area using your arrow pad on the hand controller until you find your planets. You can also perform a 3-star alignment and this will also help with goto accuracy!
If you arent sure you camera is working, shine a flashlight down the scope and see if you get a response in sharpcap though your camera. We hope this helps!
Question please. What is the purpose for the driver? I don't even know what that is?
Great question! The Celestron CFM firmware is software that's embedded in the mount's internal board to help it function properly. Updating the firmware will provide bug fixes, bring location and object information up to date, as well as enhance the mount's performance such as improving the mount's GoTo operation and tracking. So, it always helps to update the firmware so the mount can perform at its best!
Thanks for the video. Were you using the tracking feature on the hand control? When I get Jupiter or Saturn they usually move fast and disappear in seconds from the screen?
Hello! Yes, you must be tracking in order to get this type of image.
@@highpointscientific thanks very much.
High Point; what do you recommend to replace the windows only version of 'SharpCap' and 'Autostakkert?' Asking since I only use MacBooks. Thanks!
Great question! Imaging software for MacBooks is not something that we have a lot of experience with. However, we recommend checking out www.macobservatory.com, which discusses various astronomy-related software for use with Apple products.
that process was simple? yeah, for those who know what to do and how to do it. I didn't know it took so much work to get pictures like Dave's or Kyle's. I don't have a telescope yet that is capable of such pictures. I was gifted a Gskyer telescope for Christmas with a f/6.6 i think it is. but, if pictures like in this video are possible with the 8SE then that just might be the one I want. at least for planets.
so, thank you for this video. it is a major help.
I will certainly be looking for a tutor/guide/coach in a local astronomy club to do all that to help me get started.
Shit, this was nice, quick and understandable, for a newbie! Thanks
Thank you for the positive feedback!
fantastic
Thank you so much 😀
Does anyone know if there's a specific focal reducer I should use with this camera in this telescope?
Thanks.
Hello, I just bought an 8SE and I'm having trouble aligning it with the auto align camera. When you start, which direction should the telescope face to make sure it's lining it up correctly. Do you have to do this by making sure the controller is on the EAST or if the telescope face is looking NORTH?
Hello Justin,
First of all - apologizes for the delay on our part in getting a response to you. Are you using the StarSense auto-align camera? To align your mount, set your telescope up with an eyepiece and place it in the home position. You shouldn't need to worry about it pointing north as polar alignment is not necessary for an Alt-azimuth mount, but it should have its altitude aligned to its index marks with the tube level to the ground. From there, turn on your telescope. You should see a display on the hand controller that says "StarSense Ready". From there, press align > StarSenseAuto > Enter.
If you have any other problems, please reach out to us directly on our website: www.highpointscientific.com/email-us - thank you!
if just placing the camera into the visual back with no 90 diag, whats the back focus needed.. 50mm?
With a visual back with no 90 diagonal, it should come to focus without any additional back focus.
How far do I insert the camera into the telescope?
Great question! As long as you are using a diagonal or the 1.25" visual back like in the video, you can just put the camera into the telescope as far as it will go!
As a beginner, what kind of camera would you recommend for deep space objects like galaxies, nebulas, etc.. I recently bought the nexstar 8se and it’ll be at my house soon, but I would also like to learn how to capture photos with it. Could the asi224mc work, and I would I have to buy any additional parts for it to function? Is there perhaps a cheaper camera that’ll get the job done?
The 224MC has a smaller sensor & would be appropriate for planetary or planetary nebula, not so much larger nebula and galaxies. A cooled camera with a larger sensor, such as the IMX183 or 294, might be a good choice. If you're looking for cheaper, perhaps a DSLR might be a good choice. Clear skies!
Any hyperstar vids?
Not a bad idea! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks 💓
You're welcome 😊
Do you find the SE mount wobbles much from gear or air movement?
Not so much from air or gear movement, but it does take a few seconds to settle sometimes at high magnification.
@@highpointscientific Thanks! Shouldn't be a problem then, since I plan to install a focus motor when mine arrives.
I have 8se and bought zwo 224mc for imaging but couldnt find any step by step process to install the camera to the scope in youtube. Can you help.
Hello, to install the ZWO 224MC simply install the 1.25" adapter into the camera, then install it into the 1.25" eyepiece slot for the 8SE! The 1.25" adapter basically makes installing the camera identical to installing an eyepiece.
Could you guys add a filter on your website to only show what is actually in stock?
We have just added that filter!
@@highpointscientific thank heavens :)
How important is it to use PIPP before using Autostakkert?
Hello! It's very important - PIPP enables you to stabilize your images for stacking, removes frames that might be of poor quality, debayers your image (if it's not already debayed), et cetera.
nexstar 8se, 130 slt which is better?
Hello, this is entirely user preference, however the 8SE does have a larger aperture and thus would be able to collect more light & has a superior resolution capability. Clear skies.
The picture needs REGISTAX
If only it wasn't almost 2 grand