Wheels
Introduction
Picking your first astrophotography gear is an exciting but sometimes scary first step in your astrophotography journey. However with a budget of just $2,000, you can build a capable astrophotography setup that will capture stunning images of the night sky. This comprehensive guide presents three carefully tested configurations, each optimized for different types of astrophotography.
Whether you're interested in widefield Milky Way shots, deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, or detailed planetary imaging, we've got you covered. Each setup includes complete equipment lists, compatibility verification, and real-world performance insights.
Pro Tip: All prices are current as of January 2025 and include essential accessories. We've tested each configuration to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into specific setups, let's understand the essential components of any astrophotography rig:
Telescope (OTA)
The optical tube assembly determines your field of view, magnification, and image quality. For beginners, we recommend refractors or small reflectors.
Mount
An equatorial mount is essential for tracking celestial objects. It compensates for Earth's rotation, allowing long exposures without star trails.
Camera
DSLR cameras or dedicated astronomy cameras capture the light. Look for good low-light performance and manual controls.
Accessories
Filters, adapters, and other accessories enhance your imaging capabilities and protect your equipment.
Setup #1: Widefield Astrophotography ($1,847)
Perfect for capturing the Milky Way, large nebulae, and wide star fields. This setup emphasizes portability and ease of use.
William Optics Redcat 51
This premium apochromatic refractor delivers excellent color correction and sharp stars across the entire field. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel and widefield imaging.
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
This portable GoTo mount offers excellent tracking for widefield imaging. Its built-in WiFi and smartphone app make it incredibly user-friendly for beginners.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
An excellent entry-level DSLR with good low-light performance. The T7 offers manual controls and compatibility with Canon's extensive lens system.
Essential Accessories
- T-Ring adapter for Canon EOS
- M48 to T2 adapter
- Light pollution filter (optional)
- Extra batteries and memory cards
- Remote shutter release
✅ Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up and use
- Excellent for Milky Way photography
- Great for beginners
- Good resale value
❌ Cons
- Limited magnification for planets
- Small aperture limits deep sky objects
- Requires dark skies for best results
Setup #2: Deep Sky Imaging ($1,923)
Designed for capturing galaxies, nebulae, and other deep sky objects. This setup offers more magnification and light-gathering power.
Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED
This doublet refractor provides excellent color correction and sharp images. The 72mm aperture offers more light-gathering power than the Redcat while remaining portable.
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
This robust equatorial mount provides excellent tracking for longer exposures. Its high payload capacity allows for future upgrades and accessories.
ZWO ASI 533MC Pro
This dedicated astronomy camera offers superior sensitivity and cooling capabilities compared to DSLRs. Perfect for capturing faint deep sky objects.
Essential Accessories
- M48 to T2 adapter
- Light pollution filter
- USB 3.0 cable
- Power supply
- Laptop for image capture
✅ Pros
- Excellent for deep sky objects
- High-quality tracking
- Dedicated astronomy camera
- Room for future upgrades
- Professional results
❌ Cons
- Heavier and less portable
- Requires laptop for operation
- More complex setup
- Higher learning curve
Setup #3: Planetary & Lunar ($1,756)
Optimized for high-resolution imaging of planets, the Moon, and the Sun. This setup prioritizes magnification and detail capture.
Celestron NexStar 6SE
This Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope offers excellent planetary views with its long focal length and large aperture. The GoTo mount makes finding objects easy.
ZWO ASI 224MC
This high-speed camera is perfect for planetary imaging. Its small sensor and fast frame rate allow you to capture thousands of frames for stacking.
Essential Accessories
- Barlow lens (2x or 3x)
- Planetary filters (RGB set)
- Solar filter (for solar imaging)
- USB 3.0 cable
- Laptop for image capture
✅ Pros
- Excellent for planets and Moon
- High magnification
- GoTo mount included
- Fast planetary camera
- Good for solar imaging
❌ Cons
- Not suitable for deep sky
- Requires precise collimation
- Limited field of view
- Heavy and bulky
Setup Comparison
| Feature | Widefield | Deep Sky | Planetary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $1,847 | $1,923 | $1,756 |
| Best For | Milky Way, Large Nebulae | Galaxies, Small Nebulae | Planets, Moon, Sun |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Image Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Getting Started Guide
Once you've chosen your setup, follow this step-by-step guide to get started with astrophotography:
1. Equipment Setup
- Assemble your mount: Set up the tripod and mount according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Balance your equipment: Properly balance the telescope and camera on the mount.
- Polar align: Align your mount's polar axis with the North Star for accurate tracking.
- Connect your camera: Attach your camera to the telescope using the appropriate adapters.
2. First Light
- Start with the Moon: The Moon is bright and easy to find, making it perfect for your first images.
- Use manual focus: Focus carefully using the telescope's focuser.
- Start with short exposures: Begin with 1-2 second exposures and adjust as needed.
- Take multiple images: Capture several images to stack later for better results.
3. Image Processing
- Stack your images: Use software like DeepSkyStacker or Autostakkert to combine multiple images.
- Adjust levels and curves: Enhance contrast and brightness in your final image.
- Reduce noise: Apply noise reduction to clean up your image.
- Sharpen details: Use sharpening tools to bring out fine details.
Beginner Tip: Don't expect perfect results on your first night. Astrophotography is a skill that improves with practice. Start simple and gradually work your way up to more complex techniques.
Conclusion
With a budget of $2,000, you can build a capable astrophotography setup that will capture stunning images of the night sky. The three configurations presented here each excel in different areas:
- Widefield Setup: Perfect for beginners and those interested in landscape astrophotography
- Deep Sky Setup: Ideal for serious deep sky imaging with room for future upgrades
- Planetary Setup: Excellent for high-resolution planetary and lunar imaging
Remember, the best setup is the one you'll actually use. Consider your interests, available time, and local observing conditions when making your choice. Start with one of these proven configurations, and you'll be capturing amazing images of the cosmos in no time.
Ready to Build Your Rig?
Use our interactive builder to customize these configurations or explore other equipment options.
Start Building Browse Equipment