My Imaging Hardware, Software & Accessories

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.

Rig in Red — Astrophotography rig in red.
Astrophotography rig bathed in red light. 70mm Meade Quad APO Astrograph, QHY183C camera, Celestron AVX mount.

ZWO EAF
The ZWO EAF (Electronic Automatic Focuser) has made a world of difference for me while imaging. The Bahtinov mask works but it's a slow manual process to achieve focus. Once calibrated in N.I.N.A. the ZWO EAF allowed me to automate focusing. Focusing is now a snap. The ZWO EAF has saved me so much time.

QHY183C attached to scope.
QHY183C has turned out to be a great first choice dedicated astronomy camera for me.

ZWO 30mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope.
ZWO 30mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope is an effective and economical guide scope. I have it paired with ZWO's ASI120MM Mini guide camera.

Astro rig at Fort Griffin — Astro rig setup and ready for a night of imaging at Fort Griffin, TX.
Astro rig setup and ready for a night of imaging at Fort Griffin, TX.

Meade Series 6000 70mm APO Astrograph with QHY183C camera.
Meade Series 6000 70mm APO Astrograph with QHY183C camera.

Astro rig top view.
Below the ZWO guide scope, 70mm APO Astrograph and Dec motor housing you can see the QHY Polemaster. The Polemaster makes polar alignment a breeze. It's a welcome addition for any astro imager.

70mm Meade APO Astrograph and QHY183C
70mm Meade APO Astrograph and QHY183C

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

Current amateur astronomy information such as points of interest and events in the night sky, star party dates, educational information, telescopes buying tips and much more.

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Current amateur astronomy information such as points of interest and events in the night sky, star party dates, educational information, telescopes buying tips and much more.