Choosing Your First Camera & Telescope

Selecting the right astrophotography gear is the first step to successful astrophotography, and it can be daunting for beginners. When you're just starting out, it's important to balance your budget, needs, and future upgrades. DSLR or mirrorless cameras are good starting points because they allow manual control over exposure settings. As for the telescope, refractors are a great beginner-friendly choice, with an easy-to-use mount and clear views of the Moon and planets. An equatorial mount, while more challenging, is better for long exposure deep-sky photography. Some great options for beginners include the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ or the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P. Don’t forget about the accessories, such as a tripod, a wide-angle lens, and a sturdy carrying case. A helpful video to get started is [Choosing Your First Telescope] and [Camera Gear for Astrophotography].