Hmmm, that's a predicament. I was going to offer a wise guy comment that the equipment you need for
beginning astrophotography is *money*, but you've got that. Well, at least you've got a leg up on
it. This stuff gets expensive fast. You might consider the new SBIG (CCD) STV unit. See their web
page. You might also consider something like the SuperCircuit video camera, about $100 with the
power supply. You can do some video work with it. Of course, just having a good camera and
piggybacking it on your scope is not a bad way to go to get started. You may want to think about
some software like Adobe PhotoShop (?) or PaintShop by JASC. I think there's an astrophoto book by
Covington that's a good place to start. You might want to look there for suggestions. When I start
into something, I always start with as many good books as I can find on the subject. Doc G's site
has a book section with recommendations.

Danny & Donna wrote:

> Now that I've had my 10" f/10 LX200 for year, my
> thoughts have been wandering towards
> astrophotography. Fortunately, today I had a
> $1500 windfall. I am debating over whether this
> would be adequate for a start in astrophotgraphy.
> I have considered something along the lines of a
> Super Wedge, GEG and ST-4. This of course would
> be for film photography. If I were going for ccd,
> I'd like something along the lines of a 416, or
> really an ST-7 - too much $$. My wife loves
> astrophotographs (just bought one on E-Bay) so I
> guess film is more likely to produce something
> she'd hang on the wall.
>
> That said, what would you experienced
> astrophotographers recommend as a good starter
> kit? I know the wedge is a given. Probably
> wouldn't want to wait on a Milburn. Some say the
> GEG is better than a guidescope so you don't have
> to worry about mirror flop, although I have a
> TV-85 (8 lbs) that could be used. I guess
> buying/making counterweights will need to included
> as well. Is the guide scope + ST-4 and NGFS +
> focal reducer + camera on the LX200 better?
>
> Apologies for sleeping through all the
> astrophotography threads - it was all academic
> until now. I've looked at a number of web sites,
> but will appreciate any responses or URLs. Maybe
> I can pull something off before before the $$ gets
> spent on Christmas!
>
> TIA, Danny Cobb

--
"Nothing should be more highly prized than the value of each
day."
--Goethe

========== Wayne T. Watson ==========
When having fun, which is a lot, you'll find me on the internet pursuing my hobbies of amateur
astronomy and science. When I get serious, I consult in C, UNIX, C++, Java. See my web page.

Web Page: http://www.sirius.com/~mtn_view (Updated
10/15/99)
Imaginarium Science Museum:
http://www.sirius.com/~mtn_view/imaginarium.html

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