A basic deep-sky astrophotography equipment setup typically includes an equatorial tracking mount, a camera, and a telescope or lens. Additional accessories may be added to improve tracking (autoguiding) and automate the imaging session throughout the night.
On this website, I provide reviews based on my experiences with the different pieces of equipment and gear I use so you can make informed decisions about what might work best for you.
I have reviewed many astrophotography telescopes over the years, and even a few visual observing instruments as well. One of the most common questions I get is ‘what’s the best beginner telescope?’, and my answer is always an 8″ Dobsonian telescope.
My astrophotography telescope in 2023 on a ZWO AM5 mount.
Key Takeaways The ASI2600MC Air is a 3-in-1′ smart camera’ that combines a dedicated astronomy camera with a guide camera and a WiFi controller that runs on the ASIAIR mobile app. The design dramatically reduces the amount of cables and accessories needed to run a complete deep-sky astrophotography imaging session. Critics dislike that this ‘niche…
The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i strain wave mount is the latest equatorial tracking telescope mount from a brand known for its reliable astrophotography mounts. For the first time in Sky-Watcher’s history, this mount doesn’t require a counterweight. Strain wave gear telescope mounts are designed to be compact, portable, and lightweight. In fact, the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i…
There’s a new camera in town, and it’s one of the most affordable cooled astronomy cameras ever made. The ZWO ASI585MC Pro may have a tiny sensor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do what the big boys can. If you’re currently shooting with a DSLR camera, a dedicated astronomy camera may be on your wish…
AstroBin is an incredible resource for astrophotographers, and I’m still convinced there are a few people who have still not joined the fun. It’s an image-hosting platform and social network for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers that includes groups, forums, and an advanced search. Whether you use the website for file storage, planning your next project,…
William Optics has introduced their third variation of the original RedCat Petzval Astrograph, the William Optics RedCat 61. It’s small, it’s mighty, and it’s REDDER than ever. There’s also a huge change to this version of the RedCat when compared to the RedCat 51 and RedCat 71. Like most reviews/first lights, I do my best…
The ZWO AM5 is the astrophotography mount I didn’t think I needed. Yes, it perfectly matches the color of my existing ZWO cameras (and ASIAIR Plus), but do I really need a tracking telescope mount that doesn’t require a counterweight? I have casually observed a number of harmonic drive telescope mounts appear in the astrophotography…
One of the most common questions I get is “what portable power source do you use for astrophotography”. This is a hot topic in the astrophotography community, and there are many options to consider for powering your gear at night. When deciding on an off-grid power station, you need to think about things like battery…
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is a highly portable star tracker that was designed for astrophotography. It allows you to take long-exposure images of space by tracking the apparent movement of the night sky. Unlike the original Star Adventurer, the GTi model also has the ability to find deep-sky objects in the night sky using…
Last updated: October 28, 2025. If you find this helpful and buy through my links, I may receive a small commission. I have been using the ASIAIR for my astrophotography projects for the last 7 years. This incredible wifi controller can do it all, from controlling my equatorial mount to running a complete imaging sequence….
The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro is a computerized equatorial telescope mount with GoTo capabilities. This equatorial (EQ) mount is capable of providing precise, accurate tracking of the night sky, and is suitable for long-exposure astrophotography. The core specifications of this equatorial mount include having a built-in ST-4 autoguider port, a payload capacity of 44 pounds, and…
William Optics is a company known for creating high-performance apochromatic refractors and constantly updating and refining their designs. The RedCat 51 Petzval APO is the latest creation from the company that can’t sit still, and it is bound to shake up the industry once more. I am fortunate enough to have been granted early access…