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The PowerSeeker series of telescopes was designed for visual observing. After looking at the night sky for a while you
may want to try your hand at photography of it. There are a few simple forms of photography possible with your 60AZ
,
70AZ and 76AZ telescope for celestial as well as terrestrial pursuits although celestial photography is best done using an
equatorial mount or computerized altazimuth mount. Below is just a very brief discussion of some of the methods of
photography available and suggest you search out various books for detailed information on the subject matter.
As a minimum you will need a digital camera or a 35mm SLR camera. Attach your camera to the telescope with:
y
Digital camera – you will need the Universal Digital Camera Adapter (# 93626). The adapter allows the camera to
be mounted rigidly for terrestrial as well as prime focus astrophotography.
y
35mm SLR camera – you will need to remove your lens from the camera and attach a T-Ring for your specific
camera brand. Then, you will need a T-Adapter (# 93625) to attach on one end to the T-Ring and the other end to
the telescope focus tube. Your telescope is now the camera lens.
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Short exposure prime focus photography is the best way to begin imaging celestial objects. It is done by attaching your
camera to the telescope as described in the paragraph above. A couple of points to keep in mind:
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You can image the Moon as well as the brighter planets with very short exposures. You will have to experiment
with various settings and exposure times. Much information can be obtained from your camera instruction manual
which can supplement what you can find in detailed books on the subject matter.
y
Do your photography from a dark sky observing site if possible.
y
Remember, this is just very simple photography. For more detailed and serious astrophotography you need an
equatorial mount or a computerized altazimuth mount.
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During the last few years a new technology has evolved which makes taking superb images of the planets and moon
relatively easy and the results are truly amazing. Celestron offers the NexImage (# 93712) which is a special camera and
included is software for image processing. You can capture planetary images your first night out which rivals what
professionals were doing with large telescopes just a few short years ago.
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Special cameras have been developed for taking images of deep sky images. These have evolved over the last several years
to become much more economical and amateurs can take fantastic images. Several books have been written on how to get
the best images possible. The technology continues to evolve with better and easier to use products on the market.
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Your telescope makes an excellent telephoto lens for terrestrial (land) photography. You can take images of various scenic
views, wildlife, nature, and just about anything. You will have to experiment with focusing, speeds, etc. to get the best
image desired. You can adapt your camera per the instructions at the top of this page.
