Upcoming Product Review - The CLS-CCD Filter from Astro-Shop

The next product to be tested and reviewed here, will be the (original) CLS-CCD Filter (Clip-In for my Canon T5i).
Which can be seen Here from it's true place of origin.
(Site is in the German language, use Google Translate, if needed).

I'm looking forward to doing a shoot-out between the original, high-quality CLS filter and the inexpensive copy from Optolong...
I have a "CLS" clip-in filter from Optolong here, which I've been using...
I purchased it, used, via Cloudy Nights

And I've been assured, by a representative from Optolong, that the layers, optical coatings and etc. have remained unchanged 
for the past eight years.
So, in other words - There is no difference between an Optolong "CLS" filter purchased eight years ago, and one purchased today.

I'm really looking forward to the arrival of the CLS-CCD Clip-In Filter from Astro-Shop.

Clear skies!

Book Review: The Deep-sky Imaging Primer, 2nd Edition

I'm so glad to have found this book! It's definitely one of the best I've seen so far, on the subject of Astrophotography - And I wanted to share this discovery right away!

Here is the link to the book on Amazon, where I bought mine: 
The Deep-sky Imaging Primer, 2nd Edition

As received from Amazon, the book arrived sealed in a cardboard pouch. It is a softcover book and is a easily manageable, comfortable size.
Price - (at the time of this writing) is $42.70 U.S. Dollars.

The book's contents are very well arranged. 

This particular book would be ideal for someone who is interested in improving their understanding, as well as their skills in the art and science of Astrophotography.

I have purchased and read many books on the subject of Astrophotography, and Astronomy in general. And at some point, I will post reviews of all of them here.
But, this book has earned a place at the top of my list, along with only a couple of others.

Exemplary photos may be found throughout the book, as well as excellent screenshots from Astrophotography software. There are several before/after comparison shots of Astrophotography images throughout. 

This is only a partial review - I actually have a lot more to write and share about this book. But, I wanted to at least get the word out about this book (for now); and the sooner the better. Like most amateur astronomers, I tend to buy a lot of books on the subject. Especially the subject of Astrophotography, because I need all the help I can get! 

I've purchased more than my fair share of books which failed to impress me, many which were only marginally helpful, and several which were complete wastes of money.  So if I can save a few people some money, then let me go ahead and post about this excellent book right away. 

This book is wonderful - and will make a  great addition for many astrophotographers. It contains very useful and practical information - You won't be disappointed. 
Much more will be added to this review, in the near future! Stay tuned... 

Clear skies!

What I originally had planned for This Blog

So, my original "mission statement" for this blog, was to address issues which 99% of current Astronomy blogs don't - namely:

• Real urban Astronomy
• Real low-budget astrophotography

Enjoying astrophotography, despite daunting light pollution and light trespass (glare). 
And, doing it while on a low budget: Many folks don't have the discretionary funds to purchase the best (high-end) equipment.

(many blogs & sites claim to deal with these topics, but sadly they don't)

Then yesterday, a completely unexpected miracle happened: I found out that we (my wife and I) will be moving to a much more rural area! 

While there are many different reasons why living upstate will be awesome (for any naturalist), there is one, which stands out a bit more than the rest:

Dark skies for Astronomy!

We are moving, away from the awful Bortle 8/9 skies of Bronx, New York to the Bortle 4 skies of rural upstate New York. I couldn't possibly be any happier about this!

I'm going to get myself a brand new 10" reflector and start sketching deep sky objects again! I will post a full review here, of whichever 10" Dob I buy.

It will be similar to the one I had (an Apertura 8) which I bought, back when I had access to a backyard.

...Sadly, I only owned it and used it for a short time - When my brother-in-law had to find a new home to rent.

In any case, I am simply over the moon with this fantastic news!

A Bortle Sky Scale

I will still be focusing on the original topics, and I still have plenty to write about the challenges of urban astronomy.
But, I'm also looking forward to sharing my observations, from my new dark sky location!

Clear skies!