People Like To Say They Are Doing "Low-Budget Astrophotography"...

....Allow me to share what real Low-Budget Astrophotograpy looks like...


This is the lowest priced mount recommend for Astrophotography ($1,399.99):

This is the mount I use - It's a homemade, motorized barn-door tracker (which someone graciously sent me, for just the cost of shipping ($25):

I adjusted it, and added a few things... The tripod cost about $100, and the Ball head mounts (2) were about $25 each.
So, total cost for my tracking mount - $175.

And that is pretty much how it goes for each of the other components needed...

Camera, lenses, light pollution filter(s), etc., etc.

In any case, I've sold my astrophotography gear, so that I could buy a telescope. I've been really wanting a good telescope to enjoy these beautiful, dark skies with, since we moved here. And I'm very happy to report that an Apertura 10" Dobsonian was ordered from High Point Scientific 
It has been delivered, and assembly is in progress...

I am really looking forward to observing and sketching Planetary Nebulae! And I'll be sure to scan & share my results here.

Here is a great link, which I've recently stumbled upon. I hope you find it interesting: Deep Sky Watch

Clear skies!

Just Some Astrophotography Attempts...

Detailed information about each Pic will be added here soon.

Stack of 24 30" exposures , IR modified Canon T5i, inexpensive 50mm lens; homemade barn door tracker.

IR modified Canon T5i, inexpensive (Opteka) 85mm lens; homemade barn door tracker.

IR modified Canon T5i, inexpensive 50mm lens; homemade barn door tracker

Some Awesome Links - For Online "Window shopping"

As is my custom, I am sharing some Web Links which I enjoy. I'll also add some of them (the "must haves") to a new permanent Link List.

So, in no particular order, here are some links:

Oberwerk - This link will bring you straight to the 'Astronomy (Mounted)' section of their lovely site - Which, if my estimate is correct, is exactly where you'd want to be! Simply lovely instruments, which any binocular astronomer would be thrilled to use.

I mean, would you take a look at this beauty? 

Link

What I would really love to see, is a nice, thorough, review of this intriguing new instrument! 

One of the things which I've always greatly admired, is the fact that Oberwerk checks the collimation of each binocular before shipment. Using extremely rare and expensive equipment, I might add. I've ordered a pair or two myself over the years. And it's always been a wonderful comfort knowing this. Never had a problem.
Excellent prices, on binoculars which are built to last a lifetime.

High Point Scientific I've been spending some time admiring the scopes on this site as well. Large selection, from scopes for Kids, to serious instruments. Great prices, and - They have a Pay Over Time option! 
They offer the Apertura branded Dobs (of which I had an 8" ver. once). I really liked that scope! Here are a few sketches I made using it:

 M57 The Ring Nebula, 8" Dobsonian telescope at 120x magnification

 NGC457, open star cluster.
A quick pencil sketch, using 8" Dobsonian reflector telescope, in Bronx NY.

Sadly, I was forced to sell the Apertura Dobsonian, when my Sister-in-law moved to a smaller place (with no back garden).

Teleskop Service In Germany. Now, if you live on this side of the pond, you may be wondering: "why would I want to order an instrument from Europe?" Let me tell you, I've been lusting over the unique binoculars they offer for years!
Have a look, to see what I'm referring to... Several of the pairs they offer have interesting specifications. And I've always been intrigued by the pair featuring built-in nebula filters.

OPT Corp Another Dealer of astronomy equipment, with a large selection and very good prices. 

Orion Last, but not least is a place which everyone is familiar with. Very nice selection of instruments. Their easy Payment Plans are what I find most attractive. I wish more dealers offered similar, easy, payment plans.
The selection of binoculars, well-suited for astronomy, is what keeps me going back.
Frankly, I'm surprised I hadn't already shared the links above...since these days, I spend a lot of my free time, admiring the lovely binoculars - Looking forward to the day (~January) when I'm able to order one :) 

Clear skies!