Anyone who’s ever tried afocal photography will know why it is not ideal to hold a smartphone to the eyepiece of a telescope. Attending...
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I recently had a conversation with a longtime astronomy club member. A beginner had asked him for advice on getting started in practical observational astronomy. He...
Astrophotographers shooting nightscapes and tracked constellation portraits use diffusion filters to make stars “pop.” Here are three filters that work well. The Alyn Wallace/Kase...
Why sometimes, the best magnification, is no magnification at all. Here’s a true story. The very first telescope I had as a kid –...
We’ve all been there. The telescope is set up, the target is aligned… and there’s a glaring light shining just beyond the view of...
Each promises to make focusing at night precise and easy. Do they work? Yes. And no. Plus: The Focus On Stars filter works...
On the road to automating telescope rig for astrophotography, an autofocuser becomes an important tool to deal with focus changes through the night due...
Plus: Precision placement using X, Y and V axis; spring-loaded clamp; easy to insert and remove a smartphone Minus: Some slippage; heavier than most...
A new 85mm lens from Samyang/Rokinon provides good astrophoto performance at a relatively affordable price. Plus: Sharp optics, light weight, and with auto-focus for...
At one time or another, every observer wants an observatory of one’s own. Even a very basic backyard observatory means that your telescope and...