I’ve been doing widefield imaging now for several years. I’ve learned a lot during that time and have had some success. There is a learning curve to be sure, from cameras, guiding, image acquisition software, stacking images and post processing there is a lot to master.
I started off with an unmodified Nikon D5100 back in 2021 and then purchased a dedicated astrophotography camera a year or so later. The QHY183C cooled color CMOS camera was the camera I landed on. I’ve started using that camera exclusively and have not looked back. Another game changer for me has been the Optolong L-eXtreme dual band narrow band filter.
Below is a list of hardware, software and accessories that I’m actively using or use as the situation dictates. Additionally, I’ve included images of my primary imaging rig. Click on any image to go to the gallery for a better view and details related to each image.
Hardware & Accessories:
- Meade Series 6000 70mm Astrograph (Quadruplet Apochromatic Refractor)
- Celestron Advanced VX (German equatorial mount)
- Guide Scope: ZWO 30mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope
- Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM mini
- Focuser: ZWO EAF (Electronic Automatic Focuser)
- Imaging Camera (DSLR): Nikon D5100
- Imaging Camera (OSC): QHY183C
- QHYCCD PoleMaster– Polar alignment tool
- Optolong L-Pro– Light pollution filter
- Optolong L-eXtreme– Dual band narrow band filter
- ZWO UV/IR Cut filter
- Shoestring Astronomy DSUSB – Long exposure camera control
- CooWoo Lens Heater/Warmer – USB anti-dew/frost lens warmer
- Tiktecklab A4 Ultra-thin Portable LED Light Pad
- Bahtinov Mask– Focusing aid
Software:
- Stellarium – Free open source planetarium software
- N.I.N.A (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) – Free Imaging Suite
- APT Astro Photography Tool – Imaging Suite
- SharpCap – Astronomy camera capture software
- PHD2 – Free open source guiding software
- DeepSkyStacker – Free image stacking software
- Sequator – Free image stacking software
- Adobe Photoshop CC – Graphics and image editing software
- PhotoKemi Star Tools – Action set for Adobe Photoshop
- Annie’s Astro Actions – Action set for Adobe Photoshop
- AstroSharp – Free astro image sharping tool
- GraXpert – Free astro image gradient removal tool